Kuchinoshima
Native name: Japanese: 口之島 | |
|---|---|
Kuchinoshima in September 2001 | |
| Geography | |
| Location | East China Sea |
| Coordinates | 29°58′0″N 129°55′0″E / 29.96667°N 129.91667°E |
| Archipelago | Tokara Islands |
| Area | 13.33 km2 (5.15 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 20.38 km (12.664 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 628.5 m (2062 ft) |
| Highest point | Maedake |
| Administration | |
Japan | |
| Kagoshima Prefecture | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 140 (2004) |
| Pop. density | 10.50/km2 (27.19/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Japanese |
Kuchinoshima (口之島), literally "mouth island", is one of the Tokara Islands, belonging to Kagoshima Prefecture. The island, 13.33 km2 (5.15 sq mi) in area, and has a population of 140 persons. The island can only be reached by boat as it has no airport; there is regular ferry service to the city of Kagoshima on the mainland. Travel time is about 6 hours. The islanders are dependent mainly on agriculture, fishing and seasonal tourism. The island is home to the rare Kuchinoshima breed of Japanese native cattle.