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 north of Sannai settlement. Another island called lies southeast of Benten-jima.
Benten-jima is in area, its perimeter is roughly , and its highest point is 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 (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a large breeding colony of black-tailed gulls.
According to local Ainu folklore, Benten-jima was considered the home of a spirit and connected with nearby Hira-shima in stories about marriage and supernatural treasures.
Photos
See also
Geography of Japan Japanese archipelago Extreme points of Japan Desert island List of islands
References
External links 宗谷岬弁天島におけるトド調査始まる (The survey of Steller sea lions has begun on Bentenjima Island, Cape Sōya), from マリンネット北海道 (Marine Net Hokkaidō).