Benten-jima, Desert island in Wakkanai, Japan
Benten-jima is an uninhabited island off the coast of Wakkanai that rises roughly 20 meters above sea level. This small rocky outcrop sits about a kilometer north of the mainland and is surrounded by waters of the Sea of Japan.
The island takes its name from Benzaiten, a Japanese deity to whom a shrine was once dedicated in this northern location. This religious connection reflects the site's historical importance within Japanese spiritual traditions.
The island hosts a major breeding colony of black-tailed gulls whose calls and movements dominate the soundscape during nesting season. The birds' presence shapes how people experience this remote northern location.
The island is surrounded by water and can only be approached safely during calm conditions, so checking weather beforehand is important. Binoculars or telephoto cameras are useful for observing seabirds and marine mammals from a distance.
Steller sea lions regularly visit the waters around the island, using it as a resting point during their migrations. The location also serves as an important navigation landmark in the La Pérouse Strait, adding maritime significance to this remote spot.
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