Kodakarajima
Island Volcanic island in the Tokara chain, Kagoshima Prefecture
In the Tokara Islands, Kodakarajima remains remote and volcanic; infrequent ferries bring visitors seeking rugged coastline, small settlements and diving in clear subtropical waters.
Kodakarajima is a small, remote island in the Tokara Islands group of southern Japan, within Kagoshima Prefecture, and is one of a string of sparsely populated islands in the Satsunan island chain.
The island is visited for its remote island character, rugged coastline and limited local settlement; tourism is low-volume and facilities are basic. Visitors should expect infrequent ferry services and small-scale guest accommodation rather than developed resorts.
The Tokara Islands including Kodakarajima have a long history as part of the Satsunan island group administered from Kagoshima; settlements have historically been small and oriented to fishing and small-scale agriculture.
Kodakarajima lies in the East China Sea as part of the Tokara archipelago south of Kyushu and north of the Amami islands, administered by Kagoshima Prefecture.
- Access: Part of the Tokara (Satsunan) Islands chain in Kagoshima Prefecture and served by infrequent ferry connections from the Kyushu mainland or nearby islands.
How to Get to Kodakarajima #
Regular ferries from Kagoshima or neighboring islands operate to the Tokara chain, but services are infrequent and weather-dependent; check the prefectural ferry schedules in advance and allow flexibility for cancellations.
Tips for Visiting Kodakarajima #
- Check the small local ferry schedule carefully; ferries to Kodakarajima are infrequent and subject to weather.
- Bring basic supplies - accommodation and shops are minimal on the island.
- If time permits, arrange for a local guide to show volcanic features and small shrines; the island's walking paths can be steep and unmarked.
Best Time to Visit Kodakarajima #
Kodakarajima is one of the small Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, notable for volcanic terrain, a single village, and limited infrastructure - best for travelers prepared for off-grid island life.
Weather & Climate near Kodakarajima #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2637 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (242 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (330 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (460 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (204 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (208 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (209 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
