Okinoerabujima, Subtropical island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Okinoerabujima is an island in Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, covering roughly 94 square kilometers and ringed by coral reefs. Below ground, branching limestone caves stretch through much of the terrain, while white sand beaches line many sections of the coast.
The island belonged to the Hokuzan kingdom starting in 1266, before joining the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1422. Samurai from the Satsuma Domain conquered the area in 1609 and brought it under their control.
The Aji nobility constructed numerous gusuku fortifications across the island, establishing a hierarchical social structure that influenced local governance.
Flights from Kagoshima Airport reach Okinoerabu Airport, while ferries run regularly from Amami Oshima and Okinawa. Visitors can use bicycles or rental cars to explore the coastal roads and villages.
The waters around the island are exceptionally clear, allowing sunlight to penetrate down to roughly 30 meters (about 100 feet). This light nourishes extensive coral colonies that spread across wide areas of the seabed.
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