Tsushima Island, Island gateway in Nagasaki, Japan
Tsushima is a forested island group in Nagasaki, Japan, stretching 82 kilometers between the Japanese and Korean coasts. Dense woods cover nine-tenths of the landscape, leaving only narrow coastal strips for villages and roads.
The Sō clan ruled the island group for centuries, controlling trade between Japan and Korea until the Meiji period. These trade routes brought goods, ideas, and diplomatic contact in both directions across the sea.
Local cooking draws on the surrounding sea with fresh eel and handmade soba noodles served in small restaurants. Islanders maintain old preparation methods for stews and fish dishes that are especially appreciated on cool evenings.
Flights from the mainland arrive at the small airport, while ferries from Hakata take several hours and can roll in rough weather. Visitors should rent a car to reach scattered villages and coastal sections, as public transport is limited.
The Tsushima leopard cat lives only on this island group and is Japan's sole wild cat species. Travelers sometimes spot tracks or warning signs in the forests, though the animals themselves are very shy and rarely seen.
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