Takeshima Island

An uninhabited island floating in Miura Bay; the entire island was designated a Natural Monument in 1930. Just 1.9 hectares in size, the island is small; 238 varieties of warm climate plants spread across 65 families grow on the island. Takeshima Bridge, 387 meters in length, connects the island to the mainland; couples crossing it are said to be tied together. There are five Shinto shrines on the island, including Yaotomi-jinja Shrine, considered one of seven great Benzaiten shrines in Japan. The shrine is believed to improve fortunes, provide luck in love and marriage, and grant easy childbirth.