Awashima Island Travel Tips

Awashima Island (粟島) is a star-shaped gem just 4.5 kilometers off the western coast of Kagawa Prefecture. Once a bustling maritime hub during Japan’s Warring States era, it served as a key base for the Shiwaku Navy, renowned for producing some of the country’s most skilled sailors. In recognition of this proud naval legacy, the Meiji Government established the National Sailor School on the island in 1897. For 90 years, the school trained generations of sailors, some of whom served aboard historic ships like the Kanrin Maru—the first Japanese vessel to cross the Pacific Ocean. This deep-rooted seafaring history remains a defining part of Awashima’s identity.

Today, that maritime legacy lives on at the Awashima Marine Memorial Park, located on the grounds of the former sailor school. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing vintage navigational tools, ship models, and other nautical relics. Beyond its historical appeal, Awashima enchants travelers with its narrow lanes, weathered wooden houses, and tranquil coastal scenery. A short hike to the Jonoyama Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The island has also embraced contemporary art as a venue for the Setouchi Triennale, featuring thought-provoking installations that blend beautifully with the natural and cultural landscape. Although its population declined after the school’s closure in 1987, Awashima has found a new identity—one where history and creativity meet in quiet harmony.