Nishijima, Protected islet in Ogasawara Village, Japan
Nishijima is a small volcanic islet within the Chichijima Islands with untouched beaches and dense natural vegetation covering its terrain. The formation reveals a landscape where land and ocean environments meet in their natural state.
The islet has maintained its original ecological state across centuries, leading to its inclusion in the Ogasawara archipelago's UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2011. This recognition ensures ongoing protection of its unchanged natural landscape.
The islet serves as an important research location where scientists study native wildlife and observe the interactions between land and sea ecosystems. Visitors can sense how this remote place functions as a living laboratory dedicated to understanding and protecting natural processes.
Reaching the islet requires arranging transport with local boat operators from the main Ogasawara islands, as no permanent infrastructure exists here. Visitors should expect changing weather conditions and limited landing spots that can restrict access at certain times.
The waters surrounding the islet harbor numerous endemic fish species and coral formations that make it significant for marine research. This underwater complexity often surprises visitors who expect only to see the dry landscape.
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