Shiraishi Island

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Shiraishi Island is an island in the Inland Sea of Japan. It is one of 6 inhabited islands in the Kasaoka Archipelago, a chain of islands most easily reached from the port city of Kasaoka on Japan's main island, Honshū.

Shiraishi Island has a year-round, resident population of about 700 people. Most of the resident men work as fisherman while many of the women work in vegetable gardens. There are a small number of cars and other vehicles on the island. Most streets are just wide enough for two pedestrians to pass abreast.

In the summertime, Shiraishi Island is a popular tourist and weekend destination. Summertime visitors enjoy the island's sand beaches and the views out on the Inland Sea. The island is often visited by international visitors to Japan, partly because the government operates an inexpensive villa on the island exclusively for international visitors. A number of inns along the beachfront provide meals, boat rentals, and other tourist services.