Iejima

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Iejima (伊江島) is an island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, lying a few kilometers off the Motobu Peninsula of Okinawa Honto. It measures 20 km around and has a population of 5,055. The island constitutes Ie Village and is connected to the Okinawa Motobu-Wan by ferry (also going to Tomari).

View from Gusukuyama.

The most notable geographic feature is a peak called Gusukuyama (or 'Tacchu') at a height of 72 meters resembling a volcano but is actually an erosion artifact.

Ie island is the setting of a traditional Okinawan drama where a sad girl by the name of Hando-gwaa fell in love with a man named Kanahi, Ie-shima's headman. When Hando-gwaa learned that Kanahi had already wed she climbed up to Tacchu Mountain and hanged herself with her long, black hair. One can find a statue of this woman in a garden that sits below Gusukuyama.

U.S. journalist Ernie Pyle died there during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. There is a monument dedicated to his memory on the southern part of the island. Every year on the weekend closest to his death, April 18th, there is a memorial service.

The United States military maintains a small 'auxiliary landing strip' on Ie; this airstrip is now a military training facility. The U.S. Marine Corps runs the training area. There is a detachment of usually less than 20 US Marines which operates the range.

Alternately called "Peanut Island," for its general shape and peanut crop, or "Flower Island," for its abundant flora and more sizeable crop, Ie draws tourists by ferry, especially during late April when the Ie Lily Festival begins.

The Youth Excursion Village accommodates campers for 400 Yen a person and includes access to a good beach. The YYY Resort and Hotel located just east of the ferry port is available for those who do not wish to camp.

Iejima Airport serves the island.