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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Honjima Island Shiwaku
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

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

🚲 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.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 53 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Island perimeter and interior
Enjoy leisurely walks along picturesque paths with stunning sea views and relax on serene, beautiful beaches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Exploration: Getting Around
Setouchi Triennale & Exhibition Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 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.
🚢 Ferry Schedules Matter
Check ferry times from Marugame or Kojima in advance to plan your island visit.
🚶♀️ Embrace Island Pace
No convenience stores here! Enjoy the escape and the kindness of locals.
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.
💰 Exhibition Fees Add Up
Be prepared for ~500 yen entry fees per art venue. Consider a pass if visiting many.
🚢 Ferry Schedules Matter
Check ferry times from Marugame or Kojima in advance to plan your island visit.
🚶♀️ Embrace Island Pace
No convenience stores here! Enjoy the escape and the kindness of locals.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Rental bicycles, especially electric ones, are highly recommended due to the island's hilly terrain. Buses are also available for getting around the island.
Yes, with the availability of rental bicycles and buses, it's quite convenient to explore Honjima Island without a car.
Yes, Honjima Island is located close enough to the Seto Ohashi Bridge that you can see it from various points on the island.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Electric bicycle rentals typically cost around 1,500 yen for a day, which is a worthwhile investment given the island's topography.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, Honjima Island is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a relaxing escape with art, history, and natural beauty.
Expect stunning sea views, picturesque townscapes, and beautiful natural landscapes. The island provides a serene and visually appealing environment.
The number of visitors is steadily increasing, especially during the Setouchi Triennale. Outside of festival periods, it remains a relatively peaceful destination.
The island is known for its relaxing and beautiful atmosphere, with kind and welcoming locals who enhance the visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Local seafood is likely a specialty. The island offers a chance to experience authentic island cuisine.
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.
Dining options are typically concentrated in the main village areas. Ask locals for recommendations or look for signs indicating restaurants.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for picturesque harbor views, traditional townscapes, art installations, and scenic coastal paths. Sunrises can also be spectacular.
Absolutely! The combination of historical architecture, sea views, and art creates many beautiful photographic opportunities.
Early mornings for soft light and fewer crowds, and late afternoons for golden hour are ideal. Sunrises are also noted as beautiful.
Generally, photography is welcomed. However, be mindful of private property and any specific rules at art installations.
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.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit