Tomogashima Island Travel Tips

Tomogashima Island (友ヶ島, Tomogashima) is a group of four wild and uninhabited islands off the coast of Wakayama. Covered in dense greenery and abandoned red-brick forts, the island feels like a place frozen in time. The ruins—once secret military bases—are now slowly reclaimed by nature, offering a peaceful and mysterious setting full of winding tunnels, forest trails, and sea views.

Visitors come to hike, picnic, and explore the overgrown buildings that look like something out of a fantasy film. The connection to Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky has made it a favorite among cosplayers, who recreate scenes among the ivy-covered walls. With stories of pirate treasure hidden somewhere on the islands, Tomogashima offers a unique mix of history, legend, and nature for those looking for something truly different.