Okushiri Island: Secret Gem Off Hokkaido

Okushiri Island-about 84 kilometers in circumference-is located southwest of Hokkaido in remarkably blue and transparent waters. The island has rare rock formations shaped over many, many years, beech forests dating back more than 100 years, and unspoiled nature. In summer, many visitors come for tasting fruit-of-the-sea delicacies, such as freshly collected sea urchin and abalone. In 1993, the island suffered damage from a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake. But the island has recovered. People are dedicated in their efforts to pass on the lessons from the disaster to future generations.