離島(りとう)

りとう
noun
remote island; outlying island
geography
1. remote island; outlying island
An island that is geographically separated from the mainland and typically difficult to access. In Japan, refers to the many smaller islands outside the four main islands.
離島(りとう)で暮(く)らしている。
I live on a remote island.
離島(りとう)へのアクセスはフェリーのみだ。
The only way to access the remote island is by ferry.
日本(にほん)には数百(すうひゃく)の離島(りとう)があり、それぞれに独自(どくじ)の文化(ぶんか)や自然(しぜん)が残(のこ)っている。
Japan has hundreds of remote islands, each with its own unique culture and nature.

Usage

離島(りとう) is used in official, travel, and geographical contexts. Japan has over 400 inhabited remote islands (有人(ゆうじん)離島(りとう)), many of which face challenges like depopulation and limited infrastructure. The government has specific policies for 離島(りとう)振興(しんこう) (remote island development).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 離島(りとう): remote/outlying island (official, geographical term)
  • 孤島(ことう): isolated island (literary; emphasizes complete isolation)
  • 島(しま): island (general term)

Related Words

Synonym: 孤島(ことう) (isolated island (literary))
Related: 島(しま) (island (general))
Related: 本土(ほんど) (mainland)
Related: 遠隔地(えんかくち) (remote area)
Related: 島民(とうみん) (islander)
general
Added 2026.3.2 16:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14597_ritou