Uotsuri Island
Island Disputed island in the Senkaku/Diaoyu archipelago
Uotsuri is the largest Senkaku/Diaoyu islet administered by Japan; uninhabited and rocky, access is tightly controlled amid an international territorial dispute.
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Uotsuri Island is the largest island in the Senkaku/Diaoyu group in the East China Sea and is uninhabited. It is a focal point of a territorial dispute involving Japan, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The island is rugged and largely undeveloped, with rocky shores and reef systems that support seabird colonies and marine life. There are no tourist facilities and the island is visited only in limited circumstances, often for governmental, research or protest-related purposes rather than routine tourism.
Administration of the island is exercised by Japan as part of Okinawa Prefecture, but both the PRC and ROC assert sovereignty and the islands have been the subject of diplomatic tension since the mid-20th century. The modern dispute intensified in the 1970s and continues to affect regional relations.
Uotsuri sits in the East China Sea among the Senkaku/Diaoyu chain, roughly between Taiwan and the Ryukyu (Okinawa) islands; it is isolated and reachable only by sea from nearby islands under Japanese administration.
- Sovereignty dispute: Administered by Japan as part of Ishigaki city in Okinawa Prefecture; the island is also claimed by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
How to Get to Uotsuri Island #
There are no public transport routes to Uotsuri. Observational boat trips operate from Ishigaki and Yonaguni in Okinawa Prefecture, but landing is generally not permitted. Travel to Ishigaki is by air from Naha (Okinawa main island) or some domestic flights from Tokyo via Naha.
Tips for Visiting Uotsuri Island #
- Landings are effectively prohibited and closely monitored-respect Japanese regulations and the presence of the coast guard.
- If watching from a distance, book a licensed boat tour from Ishigaki or Yonaguni; the sea can be rough and strong currents are common.
- Be aware the islands are the subject of international dispute; political demonstrations and coast guard activity increase at times of high tension.
Best Time to Visit Uotsuri Island #
Visits to the waters around Uotsuri Island are constrained by politics and coast guard restrictions; the clearest, calmest months for boat travel tend to be late summer and spring.
Weather & Climate near Uotsuri Island #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2766 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (223 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (237 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (242 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (202 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (287 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (295 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 26°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (299 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (218 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
