Kojima Island Guide
Kojima Island: Where Monkeys Swim and History Whispers Guide
Welcome to Kojima Island, a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Nichinan, Japan, that offers a truly unique experience. Forget crowded tourist traps; this is a place where you can witness wild monkeys engaging in behaviors rarely seen elsewhere, all against the backdrop of a serene and historically significant landscape. Prepare to be amazed by the island's natural beauty and the fascinating story of its primate inhabitants. Kojima Island's history is intertwined with the groundbreaking research of Japanese primatologists. In the 1950s, scientists began studying the island's population of Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. It was here that the concept of "cultural transmission" in animals was first observed. A young female monkey named Imo discovered that she could wash sweet potatoes in the sea to remove sand, and this behavior was quickly adopted by other members of the troop. Even more remarkably, the monkeys learned to swim in the ocean, a behavior almost unheard of in other macaque populations. This makes Kojima Island a living laboratory and a testament to the intelligence and adaptability of these creatures. Today, visitors to Kojima Island can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat. The most popular activity is watching them forage for food on the beach and, of course, swim in the ocean. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the monkeys' behavior and the history of the research conducted on the island. While there are no restaurants on the island itself, Nichinan offers a variety of delicious Japanese cuisine, including fresh seafood and local specialties like chicken nanban (fried chicken marinated in sweet vinegar and topped with tartar sauce). Remember to respect the monkeys' space and avoid feeding them, as this can disrupt their natural behavior.
Transportation
From Nichinan City, take a local bus towards Toimisaki. Get off at the Kushima bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Kojima Island Visitor Center. You'll need to take a boat from the visitor center to reach the island itself. Boat schedules vary, so check in advance.