Takarajima

Takarajima
Native name:
Japanese: 宝島
Geography
LocationEast China Sea
Coordinates29°08′N 129°12′E / 29.133°N 129.200°E / 29.133; 129.200
ArchipelagoTokara Islands
Area7.14 km2 (2.76 sq mi)
Coastline13.77 km (8.556 mi)
Highest elevation291.9 m (957.7 ft)
Highest pointImakiradake
Administration
Japan
Kagoshima Prefecture
Demographics
Population114 (2004)
Pop. density16.25/km2 (42.09/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsJapanese

Takarajima (宝島), literally "treasure island", is one of the Tokara Islands, belonging to Kagoshima Prefecture. The island, 7.14 km² in area, has a population of 116 persons. The island can be reached only by boat as it has no airport; there is regular ferry service to the city of Kagoshima on the mainland of Kyushu. Travel time is about 13 hours. The islanders are dependent mainly on fishing and seasonal tourism.