Engetsu Island

{{Short description|Island off the coast of Shirahama, Wakayama}} {{Infobox Islands | name = Engetsu-tō | image_name = 131222 Engetsu Island Shirahama Wakayama pref Japan01bs.jpg | image_caption = Engetsu-tō | image_size = | pushpin_map = Japan Wakayama Prefecture#Japan | pushpin_label = Engetsu-tō | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_relief = 1 | native_name = 円月島 | native_name_link = | nickname = | location = Pacific Ocean (Rinkai Bay) | coordinates = {{coord|33|41|24|N|135|20|11|E|display=inline|type:isle}} | area_km2 = 23.87 | length_m = 130 | width_m = 35 | coastline_m = | highest_mount = | elevation_m = 25 | country = Japan | country_admin_divisions_title = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]] | country_admin_divisions = [[Wakayama Prefecture|Wakayama]] | country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Towns of Japan|Town]] | country_admin_divisions_1 = [[Shirahama, Wakayama]] | country_admin_divisions_title_2 = | country_admin_divisions_2 = | population = | population_as_of = | density_km2 = | ethnic_groups = | additional_info = | footnotes ={{box|background=white|align=center|wide=yes|border size=3px|border color=green|text align=center|[[Monuments of Japan|National Place of Scenic Beauty]]}} }}

{{nihongo|'''Engetsu Island'''|円月島|Engetsu-tō}} is the common name for {{nihongo||高嶋|'''Takashima'''}}, a small uninhabited islet off the coast of [[Shirahama, Wakayama|Shirahama]], [[Wakayama Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. It is noted for having a [[natural arch]] created through the effects of erosion by wind and waves, and has been designated a [[Monuments of Japan|National Place of Scenic Beauty]].

One of the symbols of the Shirahama area, the islet measures approximately {{convert|130|m|ft}} north-to-south and {{convert|35|m|ft}} east-to-west, and has a maximum elevation of {{convert|25|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/history/temple3.html#17|title=Seeing the sights of Japan, Temples, The World Heritage - at Wakayama Prefecture of Japan|date=January 10, 2011|accessdate=March 2, 2011|publisher=Wakayama Tourism Federation|archive-date=July 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723212116/http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/history/temple3.html#17|url-status=dead}}</ref> The circular moon-shaped hole (sea cave) in the center of the island has a diameter of nine meters and is the origin of the popular name "Engetsu" (full moon).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://planetyze.com/en/japan/wakayama/engetsu-island|title=Engetsu Island - Wakayama Travel Guide {{!}} Planetyze|website=Planetyze|language=en|access-date=2017-08-16}}</ref> During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sunset can be seen through the hole in the center.

Compared to the nearby Shirarahama Beach, water transparency is much higher near the islet, and many fish species can be seen. The island is largely formed of sandstone and has become less stable over time. Since July 2009, the Shirahama town government has cautioned against approaching the island because of the risk of collapse of the arch.<ref>{{webtrans|http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kankou/engetsutou.html|Engetsu-tō warning page, Shirahama town government|ja}}</ref>

==See also== * [[List of Places of Scenic Beauty of Japan (Wakayama)]]

==References== <references />

==External links== {{Commons category-inline|Engetsu Island}} *[https://en.visitwakayama.jp/venues/venue_30/ Wakayama Official Visitor's Guide] *[http://www.nankishirahama.jp.e.aee.hp.transer.com/spot/detail.php?spot_id=18 Nano-Shirahama Tourist Association]

[[Category:Uninhabited islands of Japan]] [[Category:Natural arches]] [[Category:Places of Scenic Beauty]] [[Category:Landforms of Wakayama Prefecture]] [[Category:Rock formations of Japan]] [[Category:Shirahama, Wakayama]]