Imōtojima, Desert island in Ogasawara Village, Japan
Imōtojima is an uninhabited island within the Hahajima Islands group, characterized by steep terrain and rocky shorelines. The island features densely vegetated hills that rise from the coast, creating a landscape shaped mainly by natural forces.
During the Meiji period, people settled on the island to farm and raise livestock, though this settlement was later abandoned. Over time, human presence faded completely, and the island returned to its natural state.
This island forms part of the Ogasawara archipelago and belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage site valued for its distinct plant and animal life. Visitors can observe how nature thrives without human interference, with rare species living in their natural home.
The island can only be reached through approved tours or special arrangements, as no regular ferry services operate to it. Visitors should expect limited access and strictly controlled visits.
The island is home to several species of bellflowers found only in this region and nowhere else in the world. This makes it a destination for botanists and nature enthusiasts who want to see rare plants growing in the wild.
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