Kōzu-shima, Volcanic island in Izu archipelago, Japan.
Kōzu-shima is a volcanic island in the Izu archipelago in Japan, stretching six kilometers in length and four kilometers across. Eighteen lava formations built from rhyolite and volcanic ash shape the surface, giving it a rugged profile.
Finds from the Paleolithic era show that people lived here thousands of years ago. Obsidian tools from the Jōmon period were discovered nearby, indicating early settlers.
The name translates to God Island, pointing to beliefs that still shape local life and customs. Fishermen and residents follow rituals passed down through generations, marking the rhythm of daily activities.
The island is reachable by ferry from Tokyo, with the crossing taking several hours. Buses link the main settlements and help visitors move between coastal sections and residential zones.
Rock layers show different electrical conductivity, from low values at Sawajiri Bay to very high at Mount Tenjosan. This variation helps researchers understand volcanic processes beneath the surface.
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