Benten-jima (Wakkanai)

Benten-jima (弁天島) is a small deserted island west by northwest of Cape Sōya, Wakkanai, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the northernmost piece of land under Japanese control. The island is 1 km (0.54 nmi) north of Sannai settlement. Another island called Hira-shima (平島) lies southeast of Benten-jima.

Benten-jima
Native name:
弁天島
Benten-jima is located in Japan
Benten-jima
Benten-jima
Geography
LocationSea of Japan
(La Pérouse Strait)
Coordinates45°31′35″N 141°55′09″E / 45.52639°N 141.91917°E / 45.52639; 141.91917
Area0.005 km2 (0.0019 sq mi)
Coastline.5 km (0.31 mi)
Highest elevation20 m (70 ft)
Highest pointunnamed point
Administration
Japan
PrefecturesHokkaido
SubprefectureSōya
CityWakkanai
Demographics
Population0

Benten-jima is 0.5 hectares (1.2 acres) in area, its perimeter is roughly 500 metres (1,600 ft), and its highest point is 20 metres (66 ft) above sea level. It is named after Benzaiten, once enshrined on the island. The wildlife includes many seabirds, Steller sea lions, kombu kelp, and sea urchins; it has been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a large breeding colony of black-tailed gulls.[1]

Photos

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bentenjima islet". BirdLife Data Zone. BirdLife International. 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
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45°31′35″N 141°55′09″E / 45.52639°N 141.91917°E / 45.52639; 141.91917