Miyakejima, Volcanic island in Izu archipelago, Japan.
Miyakejima is a volcanic island in the Izu archipelago south of Tokyo, dominated by a cone-shaped mountain and ringed by steep slopes. The coast alternates between black sand beaches and jagged lava formations that jut into the ocean and form small coves.
The island was fully evacuated after an eruption in the year 2000 and remained uninhabited for five years. When residents returned, they had to learn to live with ongoing gas emissions and adapt their homes accordingly.
Fishermen on the island secure their boats in small concrete harbors built between rough lava cliffs that protect their fishing grounds from strong ocean swells. Many residents grow ornamental plants in wind-sheltered gardens and sell them to visitors looking for local souvenirs.
A ferry from Tokyo's Takeshiba Terminal reaches the island after about six hours of travel, while flights from Chofu Airport arrive in under an hour. Hiking trails around the crater pass through areas of varying gas concentration, so visitors should heed warning signs.
All residents and visitors must carry gas masks because the summit continues to emit sulfur dioxide. Warning sirens sound in populated areas when gas concentration rises, prompting people to put on their protective gear.
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