Himeshima Island
Himeshima Island: A 'Princess Island' rich in legend, stunning coastlines, and fresh seafood. Explore its unique hot springs and natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Butterfly spotting & festivals
Himeshima Island
Best Time
Butterfly spotting & festivals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Himeshima Island: A 'Princess Island' rich in legend, stunning coastlines, and fresh seafood. Explore its unique hot springs and natural wonders.
"Experience the magic of Himeshima, where ancient legends meet breathtaking ocean views and delicious local flavors."
🚗 Rent a bike or electric car
Exploring Himeshima is best done with wheels! Walking is tough, so rent a bike or electric car to see it all.
🦋 Butterfly season is magical
Catch the chestnut tiger butterfly in spring or mid-October – it's like a real-life anime character!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chestnut Tiger Butterfly
Specific locations in October
Spot the unique butterfly, likened to a Demon Slayer character, during spring and mid-October.
Hyoshimizu Onsen
Himeshima Island
Experience a unique, slightly cold carbonated hot spring with beautiful ocean views.
Himeshima Lighthouse
Himeshima Island
A picturesque lighthouse offering scenic views of the surrounding sea.
Himeshima Beach
Himeshima Island
Enjoy the island's beautiful coastline and waters, with Kodoma Beach being a recommended spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Getting Around
Seasonal Wonders & Local Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a bike or electric car
Exploring Himeshima is best done with wheels! Walking is tough, so rent a bike or electric car to see it all.
🦋 Butterfly season is magical
Catch the chestnut tiger butterfly in spring or mid-October – it's like a real-life anime character!
🍤 Savor fresh seafood
Himeshima is famous for its delicious seafood, especially tiger prawns. Don't miss out!
♨️ Try the unique hot springs
Experience the slightly cold, carbonated hot springs at Hyoshimizu Onsen for a refreshing dip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a bike or electric car
Exploring Himeshima is best done with wheels! Walking is tough, so rent a bike or electric car to see it all.
🦋 Butterfly season is magical
Catch the chestnut tiger butterfly in spring or mid-October – it's like a real-life anime character!
🍤 Savor fresh seafood
Himeshima is famous for its delicious seafood, especially tiger prawns. Don't miss out!
♨️ Try the unique hot springs
Experience the slightly cold, carbonated hot springs at Hyoshimizu Onsen for a refreshing dip.
⏰ Plan ferry times wisely
Coordinate your visit with the ferry schedule to make the most of your island adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Himeshima Island is praised for its beautiful scenery, delicious seafood, and unique legends, offering a tranquil escape. Visitors appreciate the friendly locals and the chance to experience a slower pace of island life. Some find transportation challenging without rentals, and the free bus service can be limited.
"In spring and mid-October, the chestnut tiger butterfly, said to be the motif for Kocho Shinobu from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, appears here. I was surprised at how similar its coloring and flying style were to Shinobu Kocho in the anime.
There are also surprisingly many other sights to see, such as hot springs, lighthouses, and beaches. You can get around the island by rental bicycle or electric car; walking is quite difficult.
A free bus runs through the island during the peak season, but it does not stop at the spot where the chestnut tiger butterfly appears in October.
We recommend planning your visit to coincide with the return ferry time."
7893 02
"We crossed over to Himeshima because there is the Himeshima Lighthouse on the island."
無聊無聊
"I took the ferry and landed on Himeshima for the first time. After eating a fried prawn set meal, I rented a bicycle and headed to my destination, Hyoshimizu Onsen. After a 30-minute ride along the Himeshima Blue Line, admiring the beautiful ocean, I entered a slightly cold carbonated hot spring. Apparently, you alternate between soaking in the hot spring and the hot spring, which felt great. I had a fun conversation with the local grandmothers and learned about events and delicious restaurants on Himeshima. I waved goodbye, saying I'd come back for the shrimp festival in October, and headed home in a warm and fuzzy mood."
しょうなか
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Himeshima Island by taking a ferry from Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes.
The most convenient ways to get around Himeshima Island are by renting a bicycle or an electric car. Walking can be quite challenging due to the island's terrain.
A free bus operates on the island during peak season, but it may not stop at all attractions, such as the chestnut tiger butterfly viewing spots in October.
The island is primarily accessed by ferry, and it's recommended to use local rental options for transportation once you arrive.
Ferries to Himeshima Island depart from ports in Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture, such as Imai Port.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Himeshima Island itself. However, ferry fares and any fees for specific attractions or rentals will apply.
Operating hours can vary for specific attractions like the hot springs or rental services. It's advisable to check locally or in advance, especially for seasonal services.
Beaches like Himeshima Beach and Kodoma Beach are generally free to access.
While the exact fees can vary, the Hyoshimizu Onsen is an attraction that may have a small usage fee.
It's a good idea to inquire about advance booking for rental vehicles, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography enthusiasts will love the scenic coastal views along the Himeshima Blue Line, the picturesque Himeshima Lighthouse, and the charming village atmosphere.
Absolutely! The island offers opportunities for capturing marine life, coastal landscapes, and, during specific seasons, unique butterflies.
Travelers use a variety of cameras, from smartphones to professional setups like the Nikon Z8 with lenses like the Nikkor Z 24-120, to capture the island's beauty.
Generally, photography is welcomed. However, always be respectful of private property and local customs.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for coastal and landscape photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Himeshima Island is particularly famous for its delicious seafood, with Japanese tiger prawns being a highlight. You can also enjoy fresh catches like black porgy, flounder, and whiting.
There are local restaurants and cafes on the island. Ozi Cafe, run by a foreign resident, offers Australian-style coffee and beans. 
Options might be limited, as the island's cuisine heavily features seafood. It's best to inquire at restaurants directly about vegetarian or vegan choices.
The shrimp festival, often held in October, celebrates the island's famous tiger prawns and is a great opportunity to sample local delicacies.
While seafood is the main draw, local eateries may offer other traditional Japanese snacks or sweets. Exploring the village can reveal hidden culinary gems.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
+4🎣 Anglers & Seafood Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legends and History of Himeshima
The island's name itself is a tribute to a princess who once found refuge on its shores, a legacy that continues to shape its identity. Recognized as a certified Japanese Geopark, Himeshima offers a glimpse into a rich cultural and natural heritage. The island's lore is further enriched by its 'Seven Wonders,' including tales of oysters that never sink and a spring that miraculously appeared when a princess clapped her hands. These stories add a layer of enchantment to the island's already captivating atmosphere. Exploring Himeshima is not just a trip; it's an immersion into a world where myths and reality intertwine, making it a unique destination for history buffs and legend seekers alike.
+1Exploring Himeshima's Natural Beauty
Beyond the beaches, the island offers a refreshing experience at Hyoshimizu Onsen, a carbonated hot spring known for its slightly cool temperature and therapeutic properties.
Experiencing Island Life: Culture and Community
Visitors often remark on the warm and welcoming nature of the locals, who are happy to share insights about island life, events, and delicious dining spots. The island has also seen interesting cultural integrations, such as Ozi Cafe, opened by an Australian resident who moved to Himeshima during the pandemic. This cafe introduces local Japanese coffee lovers to Australian coffee styles and beans, showcasing a blend of international and local influences.
+4 This fusion of cultures, combined with the traditional island way of life, creates a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit