Tomogashima Islands
Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture
Four uninhabited islands in the Seto Inland Sea, collectively known as the Tomogashima Islands, boast a colorful past and an atmospheric setting for exploring off the beaten path. Visitors can wander back in time along hiking trails that lead past old military fortifications backdropped by lush nature.
The basics
The Tomogashima Islands are made up of the islands of Okinoshima, Jinoshima, Torajima, and Kamishima, but only Okinoshima can realistically be visited. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army established a military fort on the island, and visitors today can see the remains of old gun batteries and defense storage areas. In addition to exploring a slice of WWII history, people often come here to hike the island’s trails—some of which offer excellent panoramic vistas—and camp.
Things to know before you go
- There are two campsites on Okinoshima. Although the sites are free and reservations are not required, all guests must check in at the management office located at the island’s harbor.
- For safety reasons, visitors cannot enter roped-off ruins.
- The islands have a history of piracy, and there is some speculation that a treasure trove is hidden somewhere on Okinoshima.
- Okinoshima is home to around 400 species of subtropical plants.
How to get there
The only way to get to Okinoshima is by taking an approximately 20-minute ferry ride from the port town of Kada. To get to the ferry, take the Japan Railways (JR) Kansai Main Line to Kada Station in the nearby city of Wakayama. From there, it's around a 20-minute walk to Kada Port. As the boats run infrequently, check the schedule before heading out.
When to get there
The ferry to Okinoshima mostly operates year-round, every day except Wednesday. However, service is not available between December 29 and January 3, and from January 4 to the end of February, the ferry operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Keep an eye on the weather—it may be canceled due to inclement conditions.
Katsuragi pilgrim trail
Torajima Island is best known as the starting point of the Katsuragi pilgrimage route. The ancient trail has been used for centuries by ascetic monks practicing Shugendo, a form of mountain worship that blends Buddhism, Shinto, and Taoism. The crossing from Okinoshima to Torajima is only possible under perfect conditions, so contemporary pilgrims instead offer prayers at the site of the Akai Well, which looks across the water to Torajima.
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