Japan
Tsushima
An island closer to Korea than Japan where leopard cats stalk forests of ancient camphor.
Korea is visible from the hilltops. Tsushima lies in the strait between Japan and the Korean peninsula, closer to Busan than to any Japanese city, and its culture, ecology, and history all reflect this position between worlds. The island has no traffic lights. The forests shelter fewer than 100 Tsushima leopard cats — one of the world's most endangered wild felines.
Tsushima served as a stepping stone for cultural exchange between Japan and Korea for over a millennium, and the island's Banshoin temple preserves diplomatic artefacts from centuries of cross-strait negotiation. The Tsushima leopard cat, a subspecies found only on this island, is the focus of intensive conservation efforts — a breeding programme and wildlife corridor system aim to prevent the extinction of a population that has dwindled to fewer than 100 individuals. Watatsumi Shrine's five torii gates descend into the sea, submerging at high tide like a staircase to the deep. The island's forests, which cover 89% of the land area, are laced with trails connecting fishing hamlets where boats outnumber cars.
Solo
Tsushima's remoteness and ecological sensitivity make it a destination for the solo traveller who prefers wildlife and walking to infrastructure and activity.
- The island sits closer to Korea than to mainland Japan — on clear days, Busan is visible from the hilltops.
- Tsushima leopard cats, numbering fewer than 100, are among the world's most endangered wild felines.
- Watatsumi Shrine's five torii gates descend into the sea, submerging at high tide like a staircase to the deep.
- The entire island has no traffic lights — forest roads connect fishing hamlets where boats outnumber cars.
Roku-bee sweet potato noodles in hot broth — Tsushima's hearty islander fuel.
Anago sea eel grilled with tare sauce, a strait-side speciality.
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