Kujūku Islands

Kujūku Islands. Located in the East China Sea off the western coast of Kyushu, this archipelago is part of Nagasaki Prefecture and is renowned for its stunning, intricate coastal scenery. The name, translating to "ninety-nine islands," reflects the area's dense cluster of numerous small, forested islets, though the exact count is often symbolic. This unique marine landscape has been designated as part of the Saikai National Park and is a significant feature within the broader Genkai Sea region.

Geography

The archipelago is situated within the Genkai Sea, a region of the East China Sea known for its complex ria coastline, adjacent to the city of Sasebo. The islands are primarily composed of granite and sandstone, shaped by millennia of marine erosion which has created a dramatic topography of steep cliffs, hidden coves, and unusual rock formations. The marine environment supports diverse ecosystems, including extensive kelp forests and sea grass beds that are crucial for species like the Japanese horseshoe crab and various coral communities. The climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate, influenced by the warm Tsushima Current, which moderates temperatures but also brings seasonal typhoons from the Pacific Ocean.

History

The islands have been inhabited since the Jōmon period, with archaeological evidence of shell midden sites indicating early maritime subsistence. During the Edo period, the area fell under the control of the Saga Domain and later the Hirado Domain, becoming a noted navigational route and occasional refuge for vessels involved in trade with Korea and China. In the late 19th century, following the Meiji Restoration, the islands' strategic location led to the establishment of the Sasebo Naval District, a major base for the Imperial Japanese Navy. The surrounding waters were a significant theater during the Russo-Japanese War and later saw activity in the Pacific War. Post-war, the area was demilitarized and its natural beauty was formally protected with its inclusion in Saikai National Park.

Administration

The majority of the islands are administered by the city of Sasebo, a major port city within Nagasaki Prefecture. A smaller portion of the archipelago falls under the jurisdiction of the town of Ōshima, located in Minami-Matsuura District. Key governing bodies involved in management include the Ministry of the Environment, which oversees the national park, and the Nagasaki Prefectural Government. Local maritime affairs and fishing regulations are coordinated through the Sasebo Coast Guard Office and local fisheries cooperatives operating under the national Fisheries Agency.

Transportation

Primary access to the islands is via the port of Sasebo, which is connected to the mainland by the JR Kyushu Sasebo Line and the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway. Regular passenger ferry services, operated by companies like Kyushu Shosen, connect Sasebo to several inhabited islands, including Kuroshima and Nakadori Island. The iconic Kujūku Islands Pearl Sea Resort provides tourist-oriented cruise boats that navigate the inner channels. For remote access, the Nagasaki Airport in Ōmura and the Saga Airport serve as the nearest major air hubs, with connecting bus and rail links to Sasebo.

Tourism

The islands are a premier tourist destination, famed for sightseeing cruises that offer views of the densely packed islets, particularly stunning at sunset. The Kujūku Islands Aquarium (Umi Kirara) in Sasebo is a major attraction, showcasing local marine life. Visitors engage in activities like sea kayaking, scuba diving amidst rich underwater topography, and visiting cultural sites such as the Kujūku Islands Church on Kuroshima. The area is part of the designated Yabakei-Kujūku Islands Geopark, promoting geotourism, and local cuisine heavily features fresh sea urchin, turban shell, and pearl oysters, the latter tied to the region's historic pearl farming industry.

Category:Archipelagoes of Japan Category:Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture Category:Tourist attractions in Nagasaki Prefecture