Chirinji Island

Overview

Chirinji Island is an island located in Nishikata, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It's a tombolo, connecting to the mainland via a sandbar during low tide. This untouched, 3km-circumference, 60-hectare uninhabited island offers a chance to enjoy a stroll while feeling the sea breeze. The island was once used for cultivating sweet potatoes, with cultivators commuting by boat from the mainland. A lighthouse was built in 1957, but the island is now uninhabited. The sandbar that appears during low tide is approximately 800 meters long and can be crossed on foot. During spring tides, the low tide period is longer, making it easier to walk to the island across the sandbar. Once you cross, you'll find a lush green island, and from the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Kinko Bay. Well-maintained walking paths make exploring the island easy. Fishing and shellfish gathering are also possible. Chirinji Island is also known as a "marriage-matching island," offering a romantic atmosphere. The sandbar evokes images of a "bridge" and "bonds," leading the Ibusuki Junior Chamber of Commerce to host a dating event titled "Is there love on Chirinji Island?" from 2000, usually in June or July. Chirinji Island is a captivating tourist spot where nature and history harmoniously coexist. Be sure to visit!