Himeshima, Island village in Higashikunisaki district, Japan
Himeshima is an island settlement in the Seto Inland Sea within the Higashikunisaki district of Ōita prefecture. Four small volcanic islets join together through natural sandbars to create a landmass roughly 7 kilometers in length, with Mount Yahazu rising as the tallest elevation.
The settlement received official status as a village in April 1889. Volcanic eruptions over more than 300000 years shaped the islet group and created the natural land bridges that now link them.
The Kitsune Matsuri festival occurs annually from August 14-17, featuring traditional fox dances where children perform in fox costumes during the Obon celebration.
Twelve ferry trips each day connect the island to Imi Port in Kunisaki, taking around 20 minutes for the crossing. A local bus runs six times daily around the island, providing access to different parts of the community.
Around 40000 visitors travel here each year to taste the island's locally farmed kuruma ebi tiger prawns. This specialty forms the backbone of the economy and supports roughly 98 businesses focused on seafood.
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