Eshima

Eshima is a scenic spot in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, designated as both a municipal scenic site and a prefectural cultural property. It is a small island of about 400 meters in circumference floating off the northeastern coast of Awaji Island, and it is regarded as one of the tradition-identified locations of “Onokoro Island” that appears in Japan’s creation myths (the Kuniumi legend). Although it became an island due to wave erosion, it is said to have originally been connected to the mainland. At the summit stands a stone monument enshrining Matsuo-maru, who—according to legend—served as a human sacrifice in place of many people when Taira no Kiyomori repaired the harbor of Owada-no-tomari. From central Osaka, Eshima can be reached in about one hour by car via the Kobe–Awaji–Naruto Expressway. The exposed ancient strata on the rocky surface are especially distinctive. The poet Saigyo praised the beauty of the scenery around Eshima in a waka poem, and the fact that many poems have been composed about the area suggests it has long been a beloved place of scenic beauty. At night, the island is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy an enchanting view that differs from the daytime atmosphere.