More Than 99 Islands
While Kujukushima translates literally as “99 islands,” in Japanese this number is often used to mean “many.” According to a 2001 survey made by the Kujukushima Survey Society during the highest tide of the year, there are actually 208 islands that rise above the water’s surface and support plant life.
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Getting a good view of all these little islands from sea level is difficult. To get a sense of the full scale of Kujukushima, we recommend visiting one of the observatories in Sasebo. From these high vantage points, visitors will see hundreds of islets stretching out into the distance. From large tree-covered islands to tiny dots of green and rock, the islands come in every size and shape. On clear days visitors may be able to make out the Goto Islands to the west, another island chain that is part of Saikai National Park.
The islands are counted during the highest tide of the year.
Any island that remains above the highest tide and can support plant life is included in the count.
The presence of terrestrial plants indicates that the island is not submerged at high tide.