Hegurajima (舳倉島^[1]) (anglicised as Hegura or Hekura) is a small island located in the Sea of Japan at the far north of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It lies approximately 47 km from the northern tip of Noto Peninsula,^[2] and is administratively part of Amamachi township within the city of Wajima. Hegurajima (literally helm-storehouse island) is approximately 2 km by 1 km in size and can easily be walked around in less than an hour.

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Quick Facts Native name: Japanese: 舳倉島, Geography ...

Hegurajima

Native name: Japanese: 舳倉島
View of Hegurajima in 1975
Hegurajima
Geography
Location	Sea of Japan
Coordinates	37°51′5″N 136°55′7″E
Area	0.55 km2 (0.21 sq mi)
Coastline	5 km (3.1 mi)
Highest elevation	12.4 m (40.7 ft)
Administration
Japan
Prefecture	Ishikawa
City	Wajima
Demographics
Population	20-30
Ethnic groups	Japanese

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The island is made of andesite, with steep cliffs on its northern side, and a sandy beach on it southern side, which is used as a shelter by fishermen. The island had a population of 164 in the year 2000 census, which dropped to 110 people in the 2010 census; however, the actual number of full-time residents is considerably less.

It is thought that Hegurajima corresponds to the island called Neko-no-Shima (Isle of the Cat) in a tale found in Konjaku Monogatari, an early 13th-century folktale collection.

There is a lighthouse in the center of the island and a small minshuku. During the summer months female ama divers dive for abalone, Turbo sazae and Gelidiaceae for about 4–5 hours per day, following a long tradition that predates the use of wetsuits.^[3] There is a small fishing port, and a ferry runs to Wajima on the mainland. The island is a haven for migratory birds, and attracts tourists for birdwatching.