You can explore the island by renting a bicycle at the Honjima Ferry Terminal for 500-1500 yen per day. The main coastal road is 13 kilometers long with some hills. Key attractions like the former government office and Kasashima Town are about 10 and 30 minutes on foot, respectively.
Alternatively, a community bus runs to the island's major sites. It costs 200 yen per ride or 500 yen for a day pass, with five departures per day, usually timed with ferry schedules.
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Honjima Island Travel Tips
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11 of 12 in Kagawa Prefecture
Honjima Island (本島), the second largest of the Shiwaku Islands, is located in western Kagawa Prefecture. This historically significant island was once the center of power and governance over the Shiwaku Islands. In its prime, Honjima served as the home base for the Shiwaku Navy, known for its skilled sailors who played a crucial role in maritime transportation through the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can explore the preserved Shiwaku Kinbansho (former government office), where relics from the Shiwaku Suigun, including the logbook of the Kanrin Maru, are displayed.
Honjima also offers a peek into its Edo Period past, with the beautifully preserved Kasashima Town, known for its wooden townhouses and narrow stone streets. Hike up to Kasashima Castle ruins for panoramic views (though now obscured by forest), and explore the Meotogura warehouse, a unique structure. Honjima hosts the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival where visitors can admire permanent art installations, adding a modern flair to the island’s rich history.
Getting around
Resources
Japanese
Honjima Island
Official page of the island on the Marugame City website.
Honjima Ferry
Official page about the Honjima ferry on the Marugame City website.
Honjima Kisen Ferry
Official website
Attractions
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