It feels like the sea is sprinkled with tons of little islands—seriously breathtaking.
Walking along the trail, you get different views from every angle. On a clear day, the photos turn out amazing, like something straight off a postcard.
The whole place is quiet and super relaxing. Perfect for a slow stroll, taking in the scenery, and just zoning out for a bit.

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Kujukushima (Kisakata)
Take in a picturesque rural panorama dotted with floating islets.
A scenic spot where 103 islets of all sizes appear to float in the rural landscape spreading out at the foot of Mt. Chokai. Long ago, islands dotted a shallow lagoon, and the area was praised as “Matsushima of the East, Kisakata of the West”—a view so striking it even captivated Matsuo Basho.
In 1804, a major earthquake estimated at magnitude 7 uplifted the surrounding land by Approx. 2 m, turning it into tidal flats (land) and creating the landscape seen today. This unique view—lush green islands floating in a peaceful countryside setting—is designated a National Natural Monument. From the observation tower on the 6th floor of Roadside Station Kisakata “Nemu no Oka,” you can take in a full view of Kujukushima. Another draw is how it changes with the seasons, from the rice-planting season when fresh, crisp paddies spread out to autumn harvest time when the rice turns golden.
You can also walk around the area and admire the scattered islands up close. Using the information boards set up throughout, we also recommend a relaxed stroll while feeling the energy of the land.
Highlights
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A scenic spot where 103 islets appear to float in the countryside at the foot of Mt. Chokai.
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Once praised as “Matsushima of the East, Kisakata of the West,” and it even captivated Matsuo Basho.
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The National Natural Monument landscape can be seen at a glance from Roadside Station Kisakata “Nemu no Oka.”
Photos
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Islets of all sizes appear to float in the peaceful countryside
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You can actually explore the area on foot
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it’s available at the Nikaho City Tourism Base Center, Roadside Station Kisakata “Nemu no Oka.”
Q
Are there coin lockers?
Yes, at JR Kisakata Station.
Q
Are there restrooms?
Yes, at the Kanmanji Temple parking lot near Komadomejima, one of the Kujukushima islets.
Q
Are there smoking areas?
No.
Reviews
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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So visually soothing—like a jigsaw-puzzle landscape brought to life.
When the weather’s nice, the whole sea sparkles. Totally worth taking photos. -
It really looks like a jigsaw puzzle.
As far as you can see, islands are scattered across the surface of the sea, like an artist casually dotted them in—grand, yet peaceful.
Walk around the viewpoints and the scenery keeps changing. It’s perfect for photos.
Everything here moves at a slower pace and feels so comfortable—just being there makes you feel refreshed, like your mind’s been rinsed clean.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 九十九島(象潟)
- Postal Code
- 018-0400
- Address
- Shioyakishima, Kisakata-machi, Nikaho City, Akita
- Phone
- 0184-43-6608 (Nikaho City Tourism Association) *9:00am-5:00pm, closed on the 3rd Wednesday
- Closed on
- None
- Hours
- 24 hours
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Kisakata Station
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)