The Kasaoka Islands are a group of 31 islands, large and small, located off the southwestern tip of Okayama Prefecture, near Kasaoka City. Among them, there are 7 inhabited islands as follows:
- Takashima
- Shiraishi-jima Island
- Kitagi-shima Island
- Manabe-shima Island
- Oobishima Island
- Kobishima Island
- Mushima Island
Oobishima and Kobishima are collectively referred to as Hishima.
The islands of Setouchi are connected by bridges, making it easy to travel between them; however, there are no bridges to the Kasaoka Islands, so travel is done by boat from the port of Kasaoka City.
As a result, the islands of the Kasaoka Islands retain the charm of being remote islands.
The Kasaoka Islands are revitalizing the islands by focusing on industries that utilize the unique characteristics of each island, such as stone quarrying, fishing, and tourism.
Along with the islands of Marugame City, Shodoshima Town, and Tonosho Town in Kagawa Prefecture, it has been recognized as a Japan Heritage site under the title "Did You Know!? The Timeless Stone Islands - The Bisan Islands of Setouchi that Built the Foundations of Japan Across the Sea."
Highlights of the Kasaoka Islands
The islands that can be reached relatively quickly from Kasaoka Port are Takashima and Shiraishi-jima Island.
On Takashima, there is a 2-kilometer walking path that provides insight into the history of the island, which is a must-walk.
Shiraishi-jima Island is recommended for marine sports and hiking to see the armor rocks and the stupa.
It takes about an hour by boat to reach Kitagi-shima Island, Manabe Island, Hishima (Oobishima and Kobishima), and Mushima Island.
On Kitagi-shima Island, known as the Stone Island, please climb to the stone-cutting valley observatory to see the magnificent scenery.
Manabe Island features historical landscapes such as stone embankments and is a must-see location, as it was also a filming location for movies at Manabe Junior High School.
On Hishima, enjoy a leisurely walk along the 4-kilometer Hachimaki path, where you can see over 300 camellias.
On Mushima Island, the daffodils growing around the first lighthouse established in Okayama are in full bloom from January to February.
Ways to Enjoy the Kasaoka Islands
Not only the tourist spots of the islands but also enjoying the unique landscapes and the flow of time on the islands leads to a fulfilling experience of the Kasaoka Islands.
The Kasaoka Islands are basically tranquil and calm islands.
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the leisurely flow of time, please visit the Kasaoka Islands.