Kuroshima, UNESCO Heritage island in Sasebo, Japan
Kuroshima is an island near Sasebo in the East China Sea covering about 1.12 square kilometers with a roughly 5-kilometer coastline. The highest point rises to about 99 meters, shaping the island's terrain and landscape.
During the Edo Period, Japanese Christians sought shelter on the island, leading to the establishment of religious communities in this remote area. This settlement shaped the place through centuries that followed.
The Catholic church on the island serves as a meeting place where residents gather, reflecting the deep religious faith that has shaped life here.
Visitors reach the island by sea taxi from nearby Fukue Island, as regular ferry service to the mainland ended in 2021. Planning ahead for the crossing is essential since connections are limited and depend on weather conditions.
The island has been uninhabited since 2022 after its last resident passed away, a poignant turning point in its long story. This made it the first populated island in Goto to fall vacant in nearly 50 years.
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