Kitagi-shima Island, the largest island of the Kasaoka Islands.
Once prosperous due to quarrying, stone from Kitagi-shima Island was used in the bridge of Meiji Jingu Shrine and the large torii gate of Yasukuni Shrine.
The impressive quarry seen from the observation deck is a spectacular view unique to Kitagi-shima Island.
The rugged mountain face with quarry remnants contrasts with the island's tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy a leisurely island time while gazing at the unique scenery.
In December 2020, a large mural also appeared!
Here is an overview of Kitagi-shima Island and its representative attractions.
Please note that the content described here is information as of the article's publication in February 2021. It may differ from current information.
What are the Kasaoka Islands?
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
- Obishima Island
- Kobishima Island
- Mushima Island
Oobishima and Kobishima are collectively referred to as Hishima.
There are no bridges to the islands, and travel is done by boat from the port of Kasaoka City.
The islands have a tranquil and calm atmosphere.
Along with the islands of Marugame City, Shodoshima Town, and Tonosho Town in Kagawa Prefecture, it is designated as a Japan Heritage under the title "Do You Know!? The Stone Islands Where Eternal Time Flows - The Bisan Islands That Built the Foundation of Japan Across the Sea."
What is Kitagi-shima Island?
Kitagi-shima Island is the largest island in the Kasaoka Islands.
It is also known as the birthplace of comedian Daigo from the comedy duo "Chidori."
| Population (as of October 1, 2020) | About 700 people |
|---|---|
| Area | 7.48 square kilometers |
| Perimeter | 19.1 kilometers |
| Features | Quarrying and stone processing Nagashi-bina |
| Transportation on the island | On foot / Rental bicycles / Private cars |
It has the largest population among the Kasaoka Islands.
Known as the "Stone Island" for its high-quality stone.
The varying elevations of the quarries create a dramatic landscape.
Details about the stone of Kitagi-shima Island will be introduced later.
Access to Kitagi-shima Island
There are four routes to access Kitagi-shima Island.
| Route | Departure Port | Arrival Port |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Kanfuro Maru / Daifuku Maru) | Fushikoshi Port | Toyoura Port / Kanfuro Port |
| High-speed boat | Sumiyoshi Port | Kitagi-shima Port (Oura Port) |
| Regular boat | Sumiyoshi Port / Kamishima Sotoura Port | Kusunoki Port / Kitagi-shima Port (Oura Port) |
| Water taxi | By water taxi | By water taxi |
▼ For more details, please see the article below.
The Stone of Kitagi-shima Island
Kitagi-shima Island prospered through the production and processing of granite.
The stone produced on Kitagi-shima Island is regarded as one of Japan's finest stones and has been widely used in historical buildings and structures in Japan from the Edo period to the present day.
The stone from Kitagi-shima Island can be found in the following locations, for example:
- The stone walls of Osaka Castle, rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate
- The former head office of the Bank of Japan
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Yasukuni Shrine
In the 1960s, there were about 100 stone processing factories, making it the largest stone production area in Japan at that time.
It was once known overseas as well.
As of 2021, the number of quarries on the island has decreased to two, but it still produces high-quality granite known as "Kitagi-ishi."
At the quarry known as "Tani," if you are lucky, you may see stone masons at work.
You can feel the presence of stone throughout the island, deeply rooted in the local way of life.
Nagashi-bina of Kitagi-shima Island
Nagashi-bina is said to be the event that inspired the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival).
Also known as "Hina Nagashi," it appears in the "Tale of Genji" from ancient times.
To wish for the health and safety of the family, a "katashiro" (a human-shaped object made of leaves) is set adrift in the river or sea, carrying away misfortune.
The Nagashi-bina of Kitagi-shima Island is said to have continued since the mid-Edo period and has been registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Kasaoka City.
On the day of the full tide on the old lunar calendar's March 3, paper hina dolls are placed on a small boat (utsuro-bune) with sails and set adrift at sea.
Points to Note When Visiting
Kitagi-shima Island has four ports, and the arrival port varies depending on the boat.
There is no public transportation connecting the ports on the island, so be sure to check your destination and the port of arrival in advance.
A convenient starting point for sightseeing is the complex facility K’s LABO.
You can have meals at the café, and they also offer rental bicycles and marine leisure equipment.
Business days are limited to Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, so if you want to use it, be sure to align with the business days.
Visits to the observation deck of the quarry valley are only available from noon to 1 PM every day.
If you wish to visit, please plan your overall schedule around this time.
Rental bicycles can be borrowed at "K’s LABO" or on the Kanfuro Maru ferry.
Since the number is limited, reservations are recommended.
Representative Spots and Activities on Kitagi-shima Island
Here are some representative spots on Kitagi-shima Island.
K’s LABO
K’s LABO, located near Toyoura Port, is a convenient complex facility for tourism.
At "K’s LABO," you can find the following:
- A stone museum introducing the history and culture of stone
- A museum shop for souvenirs
- A café with a view of the sea
- Rental bicycles
- Various marine leisure rentals
Rest, eat, shop, and play. It can be said to be a starting point for sightseeing.
Warehouse Mural by MAYA MAXX
From February 11 to 14, 2021, an art music festival, the Stone Islands of Setouchi Project 0th " Shima wo Kanaderu," was scheduled to be held in the Kasaoka Islands.
However, due to the spread of COVID-19, it was switched to a relay event.
This event was held as a relay event connecting the OHK Okayama Broadcasting's special edition of "Nanshon?" with the OHK studio and the Kitagi-shima venue on February 13 at 1 PM.
As a pre-event for "Shima wo Kanaderu," painter, illustrator, and picture book author MAYA MAXX created a warehouse mural.
MAYA MAXX is known for her diverse activities across genres, including painting, picture books, and design.
In addition to her annual solo exhibitions, she has also worked on book cover illustrations for novelist Banana Yoshimoto and provided painting guidance for the film "Hachimitsu to Clover."
A large blue bird that can be seen from the boat.
The red circle represents the stone, a specialty of Kitagi-shima Island.
The large bird with sparkling gentle eyes welcomes visitors, creating a bright and cheerful spot.
![Shimawokanaderu KASAOKA ART&MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021 (February 11-14, 2021) - Pre-event [Let's Draw the Bird that Plays] Presentation in Kitagi-shima](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/24132955/MAYAMAXX201203-0862r-485x323.jpg)
Quarry Valley
Quarry Valley is one of Japan's most historically significant quarries.
It is a quarry with significant elevation differences, with a maximum height difference of about 180 meters.
From the observation deck, you can view the valley from a height of about 60 meters.
Visits to the observation deck of Quarry Valley are only available from noon to 1 PM every day.
You can enjoy the impressive scenery.
▼ The entrance fee is as follows.
| Adults (Middle School Students and Above) | 1,000 yen |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Students | 500 yen |
| Children Under Elementary School Age | Free |
Activities on Kitagi-shima Island
Depending on the season, you can enjoy the following activities.
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Mountain climbing
- Sea kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Fishing
- Oyster factory tours
The island is pleasant even just for a leisurely walk.
My Experience Walking on Kitagi-shima Island
On a winter day in 2020, I walked around Kitagi-shima Island.
I will report with many photos.
I traveled on the Daifukumaru ferry. It was a 45-minute boat trip one way.
Inside the ferry, there was a large catch flag.
As we approached Kitagi-shima, the traces of quarrying were clearly visible, and I could feel that it is an island of stone.
The rugged yet beautiful mountain slopes were striking.
As we got closer to the port, the paintings of MAYA MAXX caught my eye.
Isn't it exciting to spot a landmark from afar?
I felt a joy of "I've arrived" when I saw the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine from the boat, just like when I spotted the Eiffel Tower from an airplane.
After arriving, I first took a break at K’s LABO while looking at the sea.
A dinosaur sculpture made of stone welcomed me.
I enjoyed a coffee and checked out the souvenirs.
And then, I explored the island!
The first building I encountered with a blue wall was retro.
This is Toyoura Community Center. It is a historic building that was also used as a filming location for the movie "Setouchi Shonen Yakyu-dan," starring Masako Natsume.
At the site of the old Toyoura Kindergarten, there were many cute paintings left behind.
It is currently used as the office of the NPO Kasaoka Island Development Marine Association.
A work titled "Mobius Strip" by sculptor Keizo Ushio.
I wondered how it was made; it is a mysterious piece.
I also encountered a cat living on the island.
The transparent sea and the stones were beautiful.
I strolled leisurely while enjoying the view of the Seto Inland Sea.
The sea breeze was pleasant, and the view was wide and open.
There were stone sculptures and piles of stones here and there.
At the dock called "Kitagi's Venice," the stone walls and boats created a nice atmosphere.
Is Venice in Italy like this?
Since it is located a little inside from the road, be careful not to miss it.
I headed to the stone quarry viewpoint.
I visited outside of business hours, so I couldn't climb up to the viewpoint.
However, even just seeing part of it through the excavator from below was impressive!
The view from up high must be beautiful.
From the visitors' comments, I saw opinions like, "I was moved by the stunning view" and "It was scary because the footing was shaky."
I resolved, "Next time, I will definitely visit during business hours (noon to 1 PM)!"
Citrus fruits and nuts were growing in various places on the island, allowing me to feel the bounties of nature.
I picked up acorns and admired the colors of the plants.
The islander who showed me the way picked a small fruit from a tree in his yard and ate it, making me feel the closeness of nature.
I leisurely walked back to K’s LABO.
I had the "Tai Bone Ramen" recommended by the islanders.
The ramen was soothing to my tired body.
The evening sky seen from the return boat was also beautiful.
The wide sky, the sea that felt close, and the ever-changing scenery.
The travel time is also one of the pleasures of island trips, and I enjoy it.
On Kitagi-shima Island, there is an NPO that provides services aimed at the independent development of the Kasaoka Islands as a whole, as well as the stabilization of the lives and improvement of welfare for the islanders.
Koji Narumoto, Chairman of the NPO Kasaoka Island Development Marine Association, shared his thoughts with us.
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