The island's highest peak is Mount Dainaka-dake 403 m (1,322 ft), although Mount Yatake is only slightly lower at 402 m (1,319 ft) Nagashima Island is connected to the Kyushu mainland by the Kuronoseto Oohashi [ja] bridge (completed in 1974) over 400-meter wide strait.

Nagashima is believed to be the place where Tangerine (Citrus unshiu) was introduced to Japan in the early Edo period.

Later in the Edo period the island was notable for its fruit gardens and horse grazing meadows.

Modern Nagashima is concentrated on the food industry, in particular on alcoholic beverages,[1] garments, shoes, and electronics manufacture.

Nagashima Island is located in the humid subtropical climate zone (Köppen Cfa), with four distinct seasons.