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- Okayama
Manabeshima Island
Leisurely explore the alleys of a nostalgic fishing village
This quaint remote island floats about 18 kilometers offshore of Kasaoka Port in Okayama Prefecture. Manabeshima is a historic island that even appeared in "Sankashu", a collection of poetry by the 12th century monk and poet Saigyo Hoshi, and was also the base for the Manabe Navy that was active in the Seto Inland Sea around the 12th century. Stroll through the nostalgic scenery of the old fishing village as you pass by the port's stone embankment.
Manabe Junior High School
The area is a symbolic spot that preserves the old-fashioned townscape of Manabeshima, such as the stone breakwater and the historic homes along the narrow alleys. The wooden junior high school was built in 1949 and is still in use today. Everything about the nostalgic building transports you back in time, from the antiquated exterior to the amber-colored wooden corridors, windows and doors. It also served as a filming location for a movie and attracts many visitors. From its hilltop position, you can enjoy a picturesque scenery of the wooden school building against the backdrop of the village and the Seto Inland Sea.
Manabeshima Hometown Village
The old-world scenery of the once thriving fishing village is as if time has stopped ticking. Manabeshima is the only island in Okayama Prefecture that is designated as a Furusato-mura (hometown village), which are districts aimed at preserving historic townscapes for the next generation. Visitors feel a sense of nostalgia as they walk among the houses distinctive of a 19th century fishing village and the narrow alleys, and also come to enjoy the delicious fresh seafood of the Seto Inland Sea.
Location
| Name | Manabeshima Island |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/927 |
| Address | Manabeshima, Kasaoka-shi, Okayama |
| Access | From JR Kasaoka Station, walk approximately 10 minutes to Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Boarding Dock), then board a high-speed ferry for approximately 44 minutes (approximately 70 minutes by regular ferry). |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0865-62-6622 (Kasaoka Tourism Association) |
