Honjima Island Shiwaku
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Honjima Island Shiwaku

4.2
·53 reviews·Marugame, Japan

A serene island in the Seto Inland Sea, blending rich maritime history with vibrant art installations, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
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Honjima Island Shiwaku

Honjima Island Shiwaku

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene island in the Seto Inland Sea, blending rich maritime history with vibrant art installations, perfect for a peaceful escape.

4.2
(53 reviews)

"Such a beautiful place exists in Japan! The people were kind, and the sunrise was beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Electric Bike Rental is Key

The island is hilly! Electric bikes are a lifesaver for exploring comfortably. Worth the 1,500 yen.

💰 Exhibition Fees Add Up

Be prepared for ~500 yen entry fees per art venue. Consider a pass if visiting many.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 53 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Setouchi Triennale Art Installations

Setouchi Triennale Art Installations

Various locations across the island

Discover unique contemporary art installations housed in traditional private homes and public spaces.

Former Naval Base & Shipbuilding History

Former Naval Base & Shipbuilding History

Various historical sites

Explore remnants of Honjima's past as a naval base and shipbuilding hub, offering a glimpse into its rich history.

Scenic Walking Paths & Beaches

Scenic Walking Paths & Beaches

Island perimeter and interior

Enjoy leisurely walks along picturesque paths with stunning sea views and relax on serene, beautiful beaches.

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Planning Your Visit

Island Exploration: Getting Around

Honjima Island offers rental bicycles, including electric options, which are highly recommended due to the island's hilly terrain. Buses are also available, making it convenient to explore the island's attractions. Plan your transport in advance, especially if visiting during peak seasons like the Setouchi Triennale.

Setouchi Triennale & Exhibition Fees

If visiting for the Setouchi Triennale, be aware that individual exhibition venues, often private houses, may have separate admission fees (around 500 yen). Consider purchasing a pass if you plan to visit multiple sites. The island's popularity is growing, so book accommodations and rentals early.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Setouchi Triennale periods
Why
Vibrant art and island atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

visiting honjima marugame renting a bike #fyyp #igorot #japan #kikaytaraki #kagawa
@kikayfintash
18 likes • 249 views

🚲 Electric Bike Rental is Key

The island is hilly! Electric bikes are a lifesaver for exploring comfortably. Worth the 1,500 yen. Reddit

💰 Exhibition Fees Add Up

Be prepared for ~500 yen entry fees per art venue. Consider a pass if visiting many. Reddit

Japan honjima island🎌 #japantravel #japanlife #japantrip #japanculture #lifeinjapan🇯🇵
@bagusdewesakomah
15 likes • 226 views
Selamat hari minggu #jepangindonesia🇯🇵🇲🇨 #fypシ゚ #anakdepok #香川県 #honjimaisland #fypppppppppppppp #barberqueparty
@sakuracutee84
44 likes • 566 views

🚢 Ferry Schedules Matter

Check ferry times from Marugame or Kojima in advance to plan your island visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace Island Pace

No convenience stores here! Enjoy the escape and the kindness of locals. Reddit

reddit.com

Setouchi Triennale 2019 Autumn Season - Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Honjima, Takamijima

Thanks to a suggestion on my previous itinerary check, I am planning to check out the Setouchi Triennale in October. I will be spending 4 nights, 3 days hopping around the Seto inland sea, checking out some of the art the islands have to offer. I would love feedback and…

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Electric Bike Rental is Key

The island is hilly! Electric bikes are a lifesaver for exploring comfortably. Worth the 1,500 yen. Reddit

💰 Exhibition Fees Add Up

Be prepared for ~500 yen entry fees per art venue. Consider a pass if visiting many. Reddit

🚢 Ferry Schedules Matter

Check ferry times from Marugame or Kojima in advance to plan your island visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace Island Pace

No convenience stores here! Enjoy the escape and the kindness of locals. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(53 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Honjima Island for its incredibly relaxing atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and the unique cultural experience offered by the Setouchi Triennale art installations. The kindness of the locals and the charm of the historical townscape are frequently highlighted. However, some find the admission fees for individual art venues to be a bit high, and the lack of convenience stores can be an inconvenience for some.

"I visited during the Setouchi Triennale 2025 Autumn Session. This was my third time there, and it seems like the number of people is steadily increasing. There are plenty of rental bicycles. There are also plenty of buses that travel around the island, so I don't think you'll find it inconvenient to get around.
The scenery and townscape are great, but I was annoyed at having to pay around 500 yen for each exhibition venue (private house)."

小橋伸助

"The Setouchi Triennale 2025 Autumn Session runs until early November. It's held on the main island. It's a 30-minute ferry ride from Kojima Tourist Port in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, and Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. There's plenty to see. 😀"

おさむ

"It was a very relaxing and beautiful island.
Electric bicycle rentals cost 1,500 yen, but since the island is not flat, I'm really glad I got an electric one."

mikan kotatsu neko

What People Like

Relaxing island atmosphere
Beautiful sea views
Kind and welcoming locals

What People Dislike

Exhibition venue fees
Lack of convenience stores

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Honjima Island is accessible by ferry from Marugame Port in Kagawa Prefecture (approx. 35 minutes) or Kojima Tourist Port in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture (approx. 30 minutes). Ferry schedules can vary, so it's best to check in advance. Reddit

Rental bicycles, especially electric ones, are highly recommended due to the island's hilly terrain. Buses are also available for getting around the island. Reddit

Yes, with the availability of rental bicycles and buses, it's quite convenient to explore Honjima Island without a car. Reddit

Yes, Honjima Island is located close enough to the Seto Ohashi Bridge that you can see it from various points on the island. Reddit

Ferries operate from Marugame Port and Kojima Tourist Port. The journey is relatively short, making it an easy day trip or part of an island-hopping adventure. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, many of the art exhibition venues, particularly those housed in private homes during the Setouchi Triennale, have individual admission fees, often around 500 yen per venue. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, it's common for art festivals like the Setouchi Triennale to offer multi-venue passes. Inquire locally or check the official Triennale website for details. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially for temporary art installations during the Setouchi Triennale. It's advisable to check specific venue times or the Triennale schedule. Reddit

For general island exploration, advance booking isn't usually necessary. However, during the Setouchi Triennale, popular exhibition venues might have limited capacity, so booking ahead is wise if possible. Reddit

Electric bicycle rentals typically cost around 1,500 yen for a day, which is a worthwhile investment given the island's topography. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Honjima offers a blend of art installations (especially during the Setouchi Triennale), historical sites related to its shipbuilding past, scenic walking paths, and beautiful beaches. It's a place for relaxation and cultural exploration. Reddit

Yes, Honjima Island is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a relaxing escape with art, history, and natural beauty. Reddit

Expect stunning sea views, picturesque townscapes, and beautiful natural landscapes. The island provides a serene and visually appealing environment. Reddit

The number of visitors is steadily increasing, especially during the Setouchi Triennale. Outside of festival periods, it remains a relatively peaceful destination. Reddit

The island is known for its relaxing and beautiful atmosphere, with kind and welcoming locals who enhance the visitor experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are no convenience stores, you can find local eateries and cafes on Honjima Island. It's advisable to check operating hours, especially outside of peak tourist seasons. Reddit

Local seafood is likely a specialty. The island offers a chance to experience authentic island cuisine. Reddit

Bringing some snacks or a picnic lunch is a good idea, especially if you plan to explore more remote areas or if dining options are limited during your visit. Reddit

Dining options are typically concentrated in the main village areas. Ask locals for recommendations or look for signs indicating restaurants. Reddit

Options may be limited. It's best to inquire directly at restaurants or be prepared with your own food if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for picturesque harbor views, traditional townscapes, art installations, and scenic coastal paths. Sunrises can also be spectacular. Reddit

Absolutely! The combination of historical architecture, sea views, and art creates many beautiful photographic opportunities. Reddit

Early mornings for soft light and fewer crowds, and late afternoons for golden hour are ideal. Sunrises are also noted as beautiful. Reddit

Generally, photography is welcomed. However, be mindful of private property and any specific rules at art installations. Reddit

A versatile lens for landscapes and details, and a wide-angle lens for townscapes and art installations would be beneficial. A tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots. Reddit

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