"Kujukushima" in Nagasaki Prefecture is a group of small islands dotted along by a rias coast.

Kujukushima, literally meaning 99 islands, actually counts 208. Most islands are deserted, and just four of them are inhabited. As Japan is an island country, it's comparatively common to find many islands, large and small, along the coastline. The beauty Kujukushima, however, is outstanding together with "Matsushima" in Miyagi Prefecture. The excursion ships navigating in-between the islands are servicing for the sightseers, and oysters are also cultivated by the locals here. The picture shows some rafts for them. In this connection, this place was the location for making the movie film "Last Samurai" in 2003.

Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,

Masahisa Takaki.