Komariyama Island, Desert island in Shirahama, Japan
Komariyama Island is an uninhabited island in Tanabe Bay off the coast of Wakayama, featuring a white sand beach surrounded by clear water. The island is small and consists mainly of natural landscape without settlements or built infrastructure.
The island was acquired by private owners during Japan's period of economic growth in the 1980s. It retained its natural character despite passing into private ownership.
The island reflects a Japanese appreciation for preserving untouched natural spaces within densely developed coastal regions. Visitors experience the rare opportunity to explore a place that has remained largely free from everyday human activity.
Visitors reach the island by boat in about five minutes from Shirahama, which itself connects to the mainland by short train ride. The best time to visit is during calm weather when boat travel is safe and smooth.
Despite its status as an uninhabited island, property law allows the owner to develop construction projects, setting it apart from many protected natural areas. This combination of private ownership and building permission makes it a rare example of Japanese land use patterns.
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