Overview
Hikijima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea belonging to Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, and one of the islands that make up the Kurushima archipelago. It lies off the coast of Imabari, near the Kurushima Strait crossed by the Shimanami Kaido, in waters famous for their swift tidal currents. Seen from above, its green silhouette rises against the blue sea as one fragment of the Seto Inland Sea's celebrated scattering of islands. There are no flashy tourist facilities here; the quiet view of the island from a boat or the opposite shore is its true charm, making it a fitting sight for travelers who want to savor the chain of islands in these calm waters.
Highlights
- ●The Seto Inland Sea's classic many-island view of a green islet on blue water
- ●Dynamic seascapes near the fast currents of the Kurushima Strait
- ●Open vistas taking in the chain of Kurushima islands
- ●The unadorned island scenery quietly enjoyed from boat or shore
History
The Kurushima archipelago, of which Hikijima is a part, has long sat in waters that form a key point of maritime traffic in the Seto Inland Sea. The Kurushima Strait is renowned for its fast tidal currents, and the islands here have served as landmarks for passing ships and been closely tied to the lives of people who made their living from the sea. Because detailed records of such a small island are limited, it is best appreciated alongside the wider history of the Kurushima islands and Imabari's maritime past, confirmed through local or official sources.
Access
The island lies off the coast of Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, in the waters around the Kurushima Strait. Heading from central Imabari or its port toward the Shimanami Kaido, you can view the island together with its neighbors. Regular transport to the island itself is limited, so please confirm how to visit, whether by sightseeing boat, charter, or a view from the opposite shore, using the latest official and local tourism information.
Best season
Spring to early summer and autumn, when the sea is calm and the air is clear, are ideal for taking in the many-island scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. On bright days the contrast between the blue water and the island's greenery stands out. Summer sun is strong and winter winds are cold, so dress for the season and check the weather when viewing from a boat or the shore.
Map
34.0586, 133.0994 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Set out to the Seto Inland Sea from central Imabari and its port
- 2Head toward the Shimanami Kaido and feel the currents of the Kurushima Strait
- 3View the silhouettes of Hikijima and the Kurushima islands from boat or lookout
- 4Return to Imabari for local seafood and harbor scenery
Did you know?
💡 Hikijima is one of the Kurushima islands, close to the Kurushima Strait known from the Shimanami Kaido. The strait is famous for some of the swiftest tidal currents in Japan, and the small islands afloat in those waters let you feel why the Seto Inland Sea is called a sea of many islands.
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