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Tomogashima Islands
The mysterious uninhabited islands of Tomogashima
On the Kitan Strait of the Seto Inland Sea floats a cluster of the four uninhabited islands of Jinoshima, Torajima, Kamishima and Okinoshima, collectively known as Tomogashima. In Okinoshima, which served as a military fort of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, the remains of old gun batteries and defense storage areas still stand today. Covered with overgrown green moss, the brick ruins bear a strong resemblance to the world of an animated film. Torajima island is known to be the starting point of the Katsuragi pilgrimage, an ascetic training ground for the monastic practice of Shugendo designated as a Japan Heritage site.
The Third Gun Battery that provides a backdrop to many films and TV dramas
Among the five gun batteries that still remain in Okinoshima island, the Third Gun Battery is the largest. The red brick buildings used as underground storage space for ammunition are still well preserved. Built invisible from outside the island, the gun platforms where the huge cannons that could shoot approximately 7.8 kilometers used to rest are placed further inside the warehouse. Nestled deep in the greenery, these heritages left from the war, albeit in states of decay, are still restored as they were at the time, giving the island an uncanny atmosphere that provides a backdrop to many films and TV dramas. Get immersed in a mysterious island that feels like time has stopped.
Trace back through the history of old fortification by following a mountain path
Okinoshima has a mountain path that lets you see the abandoned gun batteries scattered about the island in approximately 2 hours and a half. Along the 3.3-kilometer path are several must-see spots such as the white Western-style lighthouse that stands in contrast with the cobalt-blue ocean on the western tip of the island where Japan Standard Time Meridian passes; the Third Gun Battery; and the Takanosu mountain observatory that offers views of the other three islands. Also, be sure to check out the approximately 400 species of subtropical plants that offer spectacular flowers and foliage on the island.
The Minami-tarumi camping site with an ocean view
At the end of the mountain path from the dock is a spacious area covered with grass that offers free camping. Facing toward the open sea, the campsite provides an ideal setting for activities such as fishing or to simply relax while enjoying the ocean view. At night, it becomes a perfect location for stargazing under the spectacular night skies. Bring your own tent and enjoy a quasi-survival experience on a deserted island.
Kada Town with full of attraction
The small fishing town of Kada from where the ferry to Tomogashima islands departs has a lot of interesting spots to see. Awashima Shrine located near the port is famous for "Hina Nagashi," a doll floating ritual in which hundreds of Hina dolls are set out to sea in boats. The shrine is also known as a resting place for countless Hina dolls and other figurines as well as a shrine dedicated to the goddess for woman who is believed to ensure easy delivery and protect from women's diseases. The "Medetai Train" designed in the image of sea bream, which is Kada's representative seafood, lies on the Kada Line of Nankai Electric Railway nicknamed the Kada Sakana ("fish") Line.
Location
| Name | Tomogashima Islands |
|---|---|
| Website | https://en.visitwakayama.jp/venues/venue_505/ |
| Address | 2673-1 Tomaga Okishima, Kada, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama |
| Access | Approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Kada Station on the JR Kansai Main Line, then about 20 minutes by ferry from the port of Kada |
| Inquiries | TEL: 073-459-0314 (Tomogashima Information Center) |
