Suou-Oshima
Also written: 周防大島 · 周尾大岛
A beautiful island nicknamed the 'Hawaii of the Seto Inland Sea'; blue sea and palm-lined coast create tropical resort-like scenery.
An Illustrated Japan / Yamaguchi / Famous Views
About this place
Suo-Oshima, formally Yashirojima (128.31 km2, coastline 160 km, highest mountain Kano-san 685 m, Dake-san 619 m so-called Oshima Fuji), is third largest island in Seto Inland Sea after Awaji and Shodoshima, largest in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Located 1-2 km off Honshu, nicknamed Goldfish Island because shape resembles goldfish, connected to mainland by Oshima Ohashi Bridge 1020 m opened 1976 and Okamuro Ohashi 1983, walkable and cycling allowed. Warm Seto Inland climate averaging over 15°C, low rainfall ideal for mandarin orange terraces covering island. Population dropped from 37,631 in 1970 to 14,798 in 2020, 17,030 as of April 1 2017. Part of Setonaikai National Park. Specialty mikan nabe hotpot, conger eel, Jam's Garden. Activities: cycling 'Satafla', swimming, fishing, star watching. Access: about 90 minutes from Iwakuni-Kintai Airport, only ferry to interior islands. Many hot spring inns, minshuku, sea kayak tours. Mikan harvest October-February. The island has Hawaii immigrant history with many residents emigrated to Kauai 1885-1924 sending remittances building Western houses, Ryuzaki area shows historic wooden mansions, and tropical-like Katazoegahama beach known as Hawaii of Seto Inland Sea. NASA said view from space resembled Hawaii. The area is well maintained with parking and toilets. Local cuisine and seasonal events enrich visit. Photography recommended early morning or sunset. Check tide tables and weather forecasts for best experience. Family friendly and accessible for most visitors with moderate walking. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers.
