The small island of Kodakarajima is a part of the Tokara Islands, placed about 250 kilometers southwest of Japan's Satsuma Peninsula. It is a subtropical island with flourishing banyan and cycad trees and hibiscus flowers in full bloom. Along the shoreline stand many odd rock formations referred to as "Tatekami," growing a fantastical landscape, with "Unegami" and "Akatategami" being particularly noteworthy.
Toshima Village in Toshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, includes seven inhabited islands. Kodakarajima, which we're introducing here, is one of them, floating as a solitary island inside the East China Sea. With a complete population of 657 across all seven islands, Kodakarajima Island has the smallest population with 43 residents.
Map of Kodakarajima
| Name | Kodakarajima (Japanese: 小宝島) |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Tokyo |
| Coordinates | 29°13′26″N 129°19′39″E |
| Area | 1.0 km2 (0.39 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +9 |
| Population | 60 (2024) |
| Airport | N/A |
How to Get to Kodakarajima
Major cities in Japan have flights to Kagoshima. To reach Kodakarajima Island, take the Ferry Toshima from the Kagoshima Ferry Terminal or Naze Port on Amami Oshima Island.
(Outbound)
Kagoshima Ferry Terminal → Kuchinoshima → Nakano Island → Taira Island → Suwanose Island → Akusekijima → Kodakarajima → Takarajima → Naze Port
(Return)
Naze Port → Takarajima → Kodakarajima → Akusekijima → Suwanose Island → Taira Island → Nakano Island → Kuchinoshima → Kagoshima Ferry Terminal
There are two round-trip flights per week between Kagoshima Ferry Terminal and Koba Island.
The fare from Kagoshima to Kodakarajima is 8,020 Japanese yen (one way, second class, adult), and from Naze Port to Kodakarajima is 4,740 Japanese yen (one way, second class, adult).
Departure and arrival times may vary by season, so it is recommended to check the website for details.
History of Kodakarajima
Kodakarajima became once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1896, the island was transferred to the administrative management of the Oshima District in Kagoshima Prefecture, and in 1911, Kodakarajima became a part of Toshima Village in the Kagoshima Prefecture.
From 1946 to 1952, the island was administered by the United States as part of the Northern Ryukyu Islands interim government.
Kodakarajima has no rivers, so the forest soil no longer washes into the ocean, keeping the waters crystal clean.
A picturesque port was built on Koba Island in 1990. Before that, goods were unloaded onto the island through barges.
Charm of Kodakarajima
Free outdoor bath
Kodakarajima is a small island where you can circle on foot in just 30 minutes.
The island boasts a scenic hot spring called Yudomari Onsen (湯泊温泉), which you can enjoy for free. While amenities like soap are not provided, bathing is available 24 hours a day.
The highlight is the opportunity to enjoy the vast ocean view privately. With no one around, there's no need to worry about feeling shy.
Yudomari Onsen's water is turbid, imparting a natural feel. The bathtub is entirely made from cut floating balls, making it an irresistibly wild hot spring. Just steps away from the bath is the sea teeming with fish, perfect for a quick snorkel before plunging back into the hot spring!
Furthermore, soaking in the hot spring at night allows you to gaze at a sky full of stars.
Unekami (うね神)
The Unekami considered the symbol of Kodakarajima, is believed to embody a protective deity for the island. From the port, Kodakarajima resembles a reclining pregnant woman, with Unekami situated above her head. At the foot of Unegami, a serene landscape of pastures and grazing cattle unfolds.
At the base of Unegami lies a hidden cave, which served as a refuge for the fleeing Heike clan.
Masho no Onnayu (マショの湯)
"Masho" means salt. The water source is in the back, gradually warming as it flows to the middle and front. It was also used for salt production, though it seems not many people bathe there now.
The hot spring smells like boiled eggs. Three natural bathtubs are built into the coral rock, with one of them filled with hot spring water.
Sunset over Kodakarajima
The view of the beautiful sunset over the west coast from the coral rocks near the dam is truly spectacular.
