Hegurajima

Hegurajima (Japanese:舳倉島) is a small island located in the Sea of Japan at the far north of Ishikawa, Japan. It lies approximately 45km from the mainland, and forms part of the township of Wajima.

The population of about 100 has large seasonal variations due to fishing, diving and birding activities. The island is approximately 2km by 1km in size, and can easily be walked around in less than an hour.

Notable facts

There is a lighthouse on the island and a small minshuku. During the summer months female ama divers dive for awabi (abalone) for about 4-5 hours per day, following a long tradition that predates the use of wetsuits. There is a small fishing port, and a ferry runs to Wajima on the mainland. The island is a haven for migratory birds, and attracts tourists for birdwatching.

External links

* [http://www.ishikawa-c.ed.jp/%7Ehegurj/ Island school website] in Japanese
* [http://www11.ocn.ne.jp/~hegura/ Ferry Company "Hegura Kōro"] in Japanese