Awashima Island

Awashima Island (粟島) is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea, off the coast of western Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. With an area of 2.62 square kilometers and a population of about 170 (as of October 1, 2015), the island is known for its rich maritime history, unique attractions, and participation in contemporary art events.

The island’s shape resembles a boat propeller and is situated just 4.5 kilometers from the mainland. Historically, Awashima flourished as a port of the Shiwaku Navy during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1897, Japan’s first National Sailor School was established on the island, capitalizing on the legacy of skilled sailors from the region. The school operated for 90 years before closing in 1987.

Today, visitors can explore the Awashima Marine Memorial Park, which occupies the former merchant marine school buildings. The park features a naval museum displaying model ships, maritime tools, and relics from the naval school. The old classrooms and auditorium are also open for viewing.

Natural attractions include the Jyonoyama Observatory, accessible via a 30-minute hike, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, including the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and Hiuchinada Sea. Between June and September, visitors can witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of sea fireflies in the surrounding waters.

Awashima has become a venue for the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival. Notable artistic attractions include the “Missing Post Office” (also known as “Hyoryu Yubinkyoku” or Drifting Post Office), an art installation by Saya Kubota. This unique post office, housed in a former post office building, is open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Other points of interest include the Awashima Artists’ Village, where young artists create installations in a former junior high school, and various shrines such as Kameebisu Shrine, Ise Shrine, and Makihachimanjinja Shrine, known for its waterside torii gate.

For accommodation and dining, visitors can check out Le Port Awashima, which offers rooms and a restaurant, or the Art Canvas Awashima guesthouse. The Awaloha Cafe provides meals using locally sourced ingredients.

The island’s unique blend of maritime history, natural beauty, and contemporary art makes it a distinctive destination in the Seto Inland Sea region.

Missing Post Office

Hours	Open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Admission	300 yen
Phone	+81 875-56-5880 (Mitoyo Tourism and Exchange Authority)
Address	1317-2 Takumacho Awashima, Mitoyo, Kagawa 769-1108
Official Website	https://missing-post-office.net/

Getting there

Access to Awashima Island:

Ferry Access:

• The main transportation to Awashima Island is by ferry from Suda Port to Awashima Port.
• Ferries operate at intervals of 1 to 3 hours.
• The journey takes 15 minutes.
• The fare is 330 yen one way.

Getting to Suda Port:

Take a train to Takuma Station:

• From Marugame: 20 minutes, 330 yen (frequent local trains)
• From Takamatsu: 50 minutes, 980 yen (local or rapid trains)
• From Okayama: 80 minutes, 1,430 yen (local or rapid trains)
• Transfers may be required at Sakaide, Tadotsu, or Utazu stations.

From Takuma Station, take a community bus:

• Buses run once an hour.
• The bus ride takes 20 minutes.
• The fare is 100 yen one way.
• Get off at Suda bus stop and walk a short distance to the port.