Ibukijima

Overview

Ibukijima is an inhabited island belonging to Kan'onji City, Kagawa Prefecture, located in the Hiuchi-nada area of the Seto Inland Sea. It is known as a production area for "Ibuki iriko," dried sardines, and is the westernmost inhabited island in Kagawa Prefecture.

Highlights

• ●The westernmost inhabited island in Kagawa Prefecture, situated in the Hiuchi-nada waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
• ●Known for producing "Ibuki iriko" dried sardines, used as a base ingredient for the broth in Sanuki udon.
• ●A small island with an area of about 1.09 square kilometers and a coastline of about 5.5 kilometers, located roughly 10 kilometers west of Kan'onji Port on the Shikoku mainland.
• ●Jomon-period stone tools have been unearthed on the island, indicating habitation since prehistoric times.

History

Ibukijima appears to have been inhabited since prehistoric times, with Jomon-period stone tools discovered through archaeological excavation. In modern times, sardine fishing and the processing of "Ibuki iriko" dried sardines became the island's main industry, and the island became known for supporting the broth culture behind Sanuki udon.

Map

34.1294, 133.5339 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Take a regular ferry from Kan'onji Port to Ibukijima.
2. 2Walk from the area around Maura Port on the south side toward the settlement concentrated in the island's center.
3. 3Enjoy the plateau-like island terrain lined with steep cliffs and the views of the Seto Inland Sea.
4. 4Learn about the fishing and processing behind the island's specialty, Ibuki iriko dried sardines.

Did you know?

💡 According to the 2020 national census, the island's population was 323.

Nearby spots