Tomogashima Islands

Tomogashima is the collective name for a group of four islands located between Wakayama Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. The four islands are Ji-no-shima, Oki-no-shima, Kami-shima, and Tora-shima, and administratively they belong to Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. In the Meiji era, Oki-no-shima and Tora-shima had gun batteries and defense facilities installed by the Japanese military, so entry by the general public was prohibited until the end of World War II. Even today, many military facilities remain as they were, and the old brick ruins are popular for giving visitors the feeling of stepping into another world—like being lost in a Studio Ghibli anime. Although Tomogashima is uninhabited, you can camp by bringing your own gear if you submit a "Consent & Facility Application Form," and in summer a lodging facility may open for a limited time, making it possible to stay overnight. Getting to Tomogashima is mainly by ferry only. Take the Nankai Railway to "Kada Station," then walk about 15–20 minutes to "Kada Port." The ferry may be cancelled in bad weather, so it’s recommended to check the forecast or inquire before you go. If the weather unexpectedly turns bad after you arrive, extra ferry services may be operated, so you can feel reassured.