Overview
Etajima is an island in Hiroshima Bay belonging to the city of Etajima in southwestern Hiroshima Prefecture. It is joined by land to the neighbouring Nomi islands (East and West Nomi), so that together they form a single Y-shaped landmass of roughly 91.3 square kilometres. With its deeply indented coastline, terraced fields and layers of naval history, Etajima offers a quiet, richly textured island escape on the calm Seto Inland Sea.
Highlights
- ●The intricate coastline formed by Y-shaped Etajima and the Nomi islands
- ●An island atmosphere still shaped by naval and Self-Defense Force history
- ●Sweeping views of the hundreds of small islets dotting Hiroshima Bay
- ●Terraced fields and quiet fishing hamlets of everyday island life
History
Long valued as a hub of maritime traffic on the Seto Inland Sea, Etajima grew especially close to the navy in modern times. It once hosted the school that trained officers of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and a successor training institution of the Maritime Self-Defense Force still stands on the island today. The way Etajima and Nomi became a single island is said to trace back to an old, possibly legendary strait near Hitonose in Ogaki, a story that also lies behind the tangle of names by which the island is known.
Access
The island lies near latitude 34.25 north and longitude 132.48 east, in the southwestern part of Hiroshima Bay. Ferries and high-speed boats from central Hiroshima and the Kure area are the main gateways, and a car is handy for exploring the coastal roads. As sailing times and routes can change, please check official sources before your visit.
Best season
The mild Seto Inland Sea climate makes the island pleasant year-round, with early summer through autumn especially rewarding when the sea shows its deepest blue. Winters are comparatively gentle, but because boats depend on the weather, it is wise to confirm sea conditions on the day.
Map
34.2464, 132.4780 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Land by ferry and gather route and sightseeing information near the port
- 2Follow the coast by car or rental bicycle to enjoy the island-studded sea
- 3Visit sites tied to naval history to learn the island's modern story
- 4Savour local seafood and close the day watching the Seto sunset
Did you know?
💡 Etajima sits at the heart of a scattering of several hundred islands, including Nomi and Kurahashi, and takes an unusual Y-shape across the water. It is sometimes referred to jointly as Etajima-Nomijima, and the very complexity of its names hints at the island's long history.
Nearby spots
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