Benten Island

Benten-jima is a small deserted island west by northwest of Cape Sōya, Wakkanai, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the northernmost piece of land under Japanese control. The island is 1 km north of Sannai settlement. Another island called Hira-shima lies southeast of Benten-jima.

Benten-jima is 0.5 hectares in area, its perimeter is roughly 500 metres, and its highest point is 20 metres above sea level. It is named after Benzaiten, once enshrined on the island. The wildlife includes many seabirds, Steller sea lions, kombu kelp, and sea urchins; it has been recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because it supports a large breeding colony of black-tailed gulls.