Everywhere you can see white granite, and the landscape is characterized by its fitting name, Shiraishi-jima Island.
Shiraishi-jima Beach, which stretches for about 500 meters, is a leisure spot bustling with many tourists in the summer.
Along the ridge at an elevation of about 150 meters, there are trekking courses where you can enjoy mountain walking while taking in the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The Bon Odori dance "Shiraishi Odori," designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, and the local specialty mulberry are also famous.
Here is an overview of Shiraishi-jima Island, where you can fully enjoy the nature of the sea and mountains, along with its highlights.
The information provided is based on the article published in July 2022. Please note that it may differ from the 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
- Kitagi-shima
- Manabe-shima
- Oobishima
- Kobishima
- Mushima
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 Shiraishi-jima Island?
Shiraishi-jima is the second largest island in the Kasaoka Islands, following Kitagi-shima.
It is also the second closest island to the mainland of Kasaoka City, after Takashima.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Population (as of April 30, 2021) | About 420 people |
| Area | 2.95 square kilometers |
| Circumference | 10 kilometers |
| Features | Shiraishi Odori, Mulberry |
| Transportation on the island | On foot / Private car |
Attractions such as Shiraishi-jima Beach, the entrance to the trekking course, Kairyuu-ji Temple, and the island's shops are scattered within a 15-minute walk from Shiraishi-jima Port, so walking is recommended for getting around.
Access to Shiraishi-jima Island
Boats depart from Sumiyoshi Port or Fukukoshi Port in Kasaoka City to Shiraishi-jima Port.
The journey takes about 35 minutes (about 25 minutes by high-speed boat). Along the way, you can fully enjoy your island trip.
| Departure Port | Type of Boat |
|---|---|
| Sumiyoshi Port | Passenger boat (regular boat, high-speed boat) |
| Fukukoshi Port | Ferry |
| By sea taxi | By sea taxi |
If you plan to use a passenger boat to go and a ferry to return, be careful not to purchase a round-trip ticket.
It is recommended to check the departure times in advance.
▼ For more details, please see the article below.
Shiraishi Odori
When it comes to Shiraishi-jima, the Bon Odori dance "Shiraishi Odori," designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, is famous.
Along with the Oomiya Odori from Hiruzan in Maniwa City and the Bichu Matsuyama Odori from Takahashi City, it is counted among the three major dances of Okayama Prefecture.
It is said that the origin of this traditional dance dates back to the late Heian period when the islanders mourned the war dead who washed ashore during the Genpei War at Mizushima in the Seto Inland Sea.
One characteristic of the dance is that there are multiple dance forms set to a single melody, with 13 different choreographies including male dances, kasa (hat) dances, female dances, and fan dances, making it a rare dance even nationwide.
In 2020, the event was canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, but the custom of dancing Shiraishi Odori at the Community Center Square and Shiraishi-jima Beach from August 13 to 16 as part of the Obon festival continues.
From the 13th to the 15th, it is said that dancing continues until late at night at the Community Center Square.
In August 2022, the event was canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
On the 16th, after the lantern floating at the beach, tourists can also join in the dance.
In August 2022, the event was canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Although Shiraishi Odori has been passed down through generations, it is facing a shortage of successors.
The depopulation and aging of the island are progressing, and Shiraishi Elementary School is currently closed, while Shiraishi Junior High School is set to close after the sole student graduates in the 2022 academic year.
To foster successors, the Shiraishi Odori Association Kasaoka Branch was established in 2017.
To allow people to learn Shiraishi Odori without having to go to Shiraishi-jima, free workshops are held twice a month on the mainland of Kasaoka City.
Until July 2022, it was held as planned as an outreach course.
In August 2022, it was canceled. The schedule for September is undecided.
At the beginning, there were no young people participating, but at the Shiraishi Odori workshop I visited in the summer of 2020, there were high school and university students who started attending from outside Kasaoka City due to their inquiry-based learning classes.
The circle of Shiraishi Odori is gradually expanding to include young people.
Mulberry
Shiraishi-jima has long been home to many mulberry trees.
As I walked around the island, I came across a mulberry field. This field is cultivated with the aim of revitalizing abandoned farmland.
The leaves of the mulberry tree are used for tea, and the dark purple fruits are called "mulberries" or "blackberries" and are processed into jams and other products.
Mulberries have a refreshing tartness characteristic of berries and are rich in vitamins and potassium.
The harvest of mulberries takes place every year from mid-May to June.
The leaves of the mulberry tree are also famous for being food for silkworms.
In the past, sericulture and cotton cultivation were also active on Shiraishi-jima, and each household spun thread, dyed it, and wove clothing.
Although they are no longer used, many households still have spinning wheels.
Representative Spots and Activities on Shiraishi-jima Island
Here are some representative spots on Shiraishi-jima Island.
Shiraishi-jima Beach
If you proceed right along the coastal road from Shiraishi-jima Port, you will reach Shiraishi-jima Beach in about 7 minutes on foot.
Along the way, there is a stone monument that reads "Shiraishi-jima, where jellyfish are at the misty shore."
"Nagisa" refers to the water's edge. It seems to be a poem about jellyfish at the calm water's edge, reminiscent of the end of summer.
As you reach the entrance of Shiraishi-jima Beach, you will see Bentenjima Island. On this small island, Benzaiten is enshrined.
Benzaiten is the goddess of wealth, but she is also often enshrined in places related to water, such as seas and rivers.
She has likely watched over the peace of the sea around Shiraishi-jima.
During low tide at spring tide, it is said that you can walk over to the island. It is referred to as the Mont Saint-Michel of Shiraishi-jima.
A white sandy beach stretches for about 500 meters, with the sea being clear and blue.
In the distance, you can see the cityscape of Fukuyama.
The beach has restrooms and showers. There are guesthouses and beach houses lined up, making it a bustling spot for many families in the summer.
You can also enjoy activities such as sea kayaking and windsurfing.
| Content | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | Year-round (recommended from June to October) |
| Price | 1,000 yen (tax included) per hour |
| Contact | Shiraishi-jima International Exchange Villa 090-4294-1993 |
Trekking
Trekking is walking while enjoying the mountain scenery.
In contrast to "mountaineering," where the goal is to reach the summit, trekking is about enjoying walking in the mountains without being fixated on reaching the top.
The central part of Shiraishi-jima features a ridge with an elevation of about 150 meters, offering great views and is perfect for trekking.
You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea in all directions.
On clear days, the view is so good that you can see Mt. Daisen in Tottori and Mt. Ishizuchi in Shikoku.
In addition, the trekking course features giant rocks that can accommodate about 30 people and a rare mountain surface with cracks resembling a chessboard, showcasing the stunning beauty created by nature.
Here are some points to keep in mind when trekking on Shiraishi-jima Island:
- Wear non-slip shoes and comfortable clothing
- Since many paths have little shade, take measures against sunlight such as hats and sunscreen
- Bring drinks
- There are no toilets in the mountains, so make sure to use the restroom beforehand
▼ For more details, please see the article below.
Kairyuu-ji Temple
About a 15-minute walk from Shiraishi-jima Port. Emerging at the foot of the mountain after passing through the alleys of the village is Kairyuu-ji Temple.
It is said to have been founded at the end of the Heian period, in 1183, as "Koubouzan Jigen-ji" to comfort the spirits of those who died in the Genpei War at Mizushima.
In the early Edo period, Shiraishi-jima became the territory of the Mizuno family of Bingo Fukuyama Domain, and it flourished as their prayer temple.
At the back of the temple grounds is a statue of Koubou Daishi (Kukai).
It is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) stopped by Shiraishi-jima Island for 37 days of training when he returned from Tang in 806.
In the Daishi Hall, there is a statue that he left on the island at that time. The hall, nestled between large rocks, is impressive, merging with the grand nature around it.
The Daishi Hall serves as the inner sanctum of the Kijima 88 Sacred Sites.
The white protruding tower within the grounds of Kairyuu-ji Temple is a Pagoda. It was established in 1970.
This Thai-style pagoda enshrines relics of the Buddha (the bones of Shakyamuni) and a statue of Shakyamuni, donated from Wat Paknam Temple in Bangkok, Thailand.
International Exchange Villa
Among the various accommodation facilities on the island, I would like to introduce the International Exchange Villa.
Located on a hill about a 6-minute walk from Shiraishi-jima Port, this facility was established mainly for foreign tourists to experience life on a Japanese remote island.
Until April 2018, it was exclusively for foreigners, but now it is a lodging facility available for both foreign tourists and Japanese people.
It has shared kitchens and bathrooms, allowing for self-catering. Interacting with other guests in the shared spaces is also one of the highlights.
From the spacious deck, you can see the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.
The entrance to the trekking course is right there. Additionally, you can reach the sea in about 3 minutes, making it an excellent location to experience the nature of Shiraishi-jima Island.
The furniture used is from the popular brand "Master Wall" of Akase Woodworking Co., Ltd., headquartered in Satosho Town, Okayama. The company donated it.
Master Wall uses solid walnut wood, one of the three major precious woods in the world, and is a brand with the concept of "Antique furniture for 100 years later."
The simple design embodies a universal beauty that will still be relevant in 100 years. It seemed to blend seamlessly with the nature of Shiraishi-jima Island.
▼ The accommodation fees are as follows:
- 1 person per room / 4,500 yen per night (tax included)
- 2 people per room / 8,000 yen per night (tax included)
- 0-2 years old: free if sleeping with an adult
- 3-7 years old: 1,000 yen per night (tax included) if sleeping with an adult
- 8 years and older: adult rate
I Actually Walked on Shiraishi-jima Island
On April 20, 2021, I visited Shiraishi-jima Island.
I took a regular ferry departing from Sumiyoshi Port in Kasaoka City, and after about 35 minutes, I arrived at Shiraishi Port.
Just before Golden Week, I was welcomed by many koi nobori (carp streamers).
The koi nobori were accompanied by large fishing flags, creating a spectacular sight.
There was a sign that said, "We have displayed the May dolls. Please take a look," and I was able to see splendid May dolls through the window.
I felt a warm welcome atmosphere, which made me happy.
On this day, there was an opening ceremony for the "Shiraishi-jima Waiting Room" near Shiraishi Port.
There was also a ceremony for the renovation of the Shiraishi-jima Police Station.
The islanders stopped by, creating a lively atmosphere.
The fire station in front of the Shiraishi-jima Community Center is decorated with murals.
This is a work by artist Radek Predigel, born in Poland in 1973, titled "Island of Paradise."
It is one of the works created during the "Kasaoka Islands Art Bridge 2017" event held in August 2017 as part of an artist residency and exchange project.
During the Kasaoka Islands Art Bridge, artists stayed for a short period on Shiraishi-jima, Takashima, and Rokushima, creating works in collaboration with the islanders using the island's life and daily experiences as material.
The colorful murals harmonizing with the tranquil scenery felt like the warm and natural welcome of the people of Shiraishi-jima Island.
Entering the alley from the seaside road, you can find traditional buildings remaining.
This building used to be a post office. It has a retro charm.
Across the street, a new post office has been built.
I heard that there used to be a movie theater on Shiraishi-jima Island.
The building with the character "映" (meaning "screen") displayed used to be the movie theater. Please try to find it.
I stopped by the largest store on the island, Amano Store.
In addition to vegetables and food items, it offers a variety of daily necessities such as stationery and medicine.
The townscape of Shiraishi-jima is well-maintained and gives a very clean impression. The tranquility of the island made walking around very pleasant.
Along the way, I stopped by a mulberry field in a fallow land, behind which I could see the now-closed Shiraishi-jima Elementary School and Shiraishi-jima Junior High School, which will be closed starting in the 2022 school year.
Compared to the mainland, which is accessible by ferry, the living environment may not be very convenient.
Still, many people are gradually choosing to live on Shiraishi-jima Island, feeling a strong attraction to coexistence with nature.
I spoke with Muyas Ayumi, who moved to Shiraishi-jima Island with her family and has been living there for three years as of 2021.
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