Okinoshima Island

Okinoshima is an island located at the southern end of Tateyama Bay and is recognized as Okinoshima Park within Minamiboso Quasi-National Park as a protected natural environment area. It used to sit about 500 meters offshore, but uplift from events such as the Great Kanto Earthquake made it connected to the mainland today. The island is small—about 1 km around—and is covered with warm-temperate coastal forest such as Yabu-nikkei and Tabunoki, forming a “nature island” where coastal flora and fauna coexist and where you can observe various seaside plants. Access is from Tateyama Station East Exit: take JR Bus Kanto bound for Susaki, get off at Miyagi, then walk about 30 minutes. Okinoshima Park hosts a variety of hands-on events such as fishing experiences and seaside craft activities. Particularly popular are the reservation-based eco-tour “Okinoshima Uninhabited Island Exploration Program,” where a guide explains Okinoshima’s nature and mysteries in a fun way for all ages, and the “Okinoshima Snorkeling Experience,” where participants spend ample time learning how to use masks, fins, and snorkels and practicing before entering the water. The snorkeling program offers two options—“shallow course” and “deep course”—and both are open to elementary school children, with older participants also welcome to try.