Guide to Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) by Photos and Movies

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Name
Hegurajima Island
Address
Ama-machi, Wajima City
Category
Natural landscape
Class
Comment
Located 48 km off the coast of Wajima City, Hegurajima Island with a circumference of 5 km, is thought to have been connected with the mainland until 20,000 years ago. Rich in abalone, horned turban, wakame, Gelidium, etc., it is well known for its Ama-san women who do free-diver fishing. The bones of fish and marine mammals have been unearthed at archeological sites of periods from Yayoi through Nara. According to a record, Ama divers went to the island from Ama-machi, Wajima for fishing in 1634. The island was incorporated into Ama-machi in 1901. A long time ago, people traveled to the island from Ama-machi to fish during the fishing season between June and October, and traveled back home after the season. When power generation facilities and the fishing port were put in place in 1957, people began to settle there. Group migration, which used to be a unique seasonal feature, is no longer seen. Hegurajima Island is one of the best resting places for migratory birds that travel between the continent and the Japanese archipelago. It is well known as one of the best places to observe wild birds in Japan.
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