Benten Island is a small island in Anaga, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. The entire island has been developed as Maruyama Sea Fishing Park, a popular destination for anglers and visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Awaji Island. With views across the Naruto Strait and well-equipped fishing facilities, it offers an enjoyable outdoor experience in a scenic coastal setting.
Located within Maruyama Fishing Port, Benten Island faces the Naruto Strait and has a circumference of approximately 250 meters. An elegant arched footbridge connects the island to the mainland, allowing visitors to cross on foot.
Walking paths run through the island, leading to designated fishing platforms where visitors can enjoy fishing and leisurely strolls. The area is particularly attractive at sunset, when the changing colors of the sky create a beautiful backdrop over the sea.
The island is managed as part of Maruyama Sea Fishing Park, and entry is permitted only during the park’s opening hours.
A fishing platform approximately 150 meters long and three meters wide extends around about half of the island. Offshore, a separate fishing raft measuring approximately 10 meters by 10 meters provides another place to cast a line.
The water depth ranges from about five to nine meters, and a variety of fish can be caught throughout the year. Visitors reach the fishing platforms by crossing the arched bridge and following the island’s walking paths.
The fishing park’s management office is located at Gyosaikan, a seafood shop next to the island, where visitors can also find fresh local marine products.
The range of fish available changes with the seasons, making Benten Island an appealing destination for repeat visits. Common targets include the following species.
Rockfish, greenling, black sea bream, marbled rockfish, Japanese surfperch, largescale blackfish, and flatfish.
Black sea bream, filefish, horse mackerel, chub mackerel, young yellowtail, Japanese sea bass, marbled rockfish, and rockfish.
Yellowtail, sea bream, Japanese whiting, wrasse, striped beakfish, horse mackerel, chub mackerel, rockfish, and largescale blackfish.
Sea bream, Japanese sea bass, flatfish, marbled rockfish, and largescale blackfish.
Approximately 40 free parking spaces are available for visitors. From the parking area, it is a short walk to the arched bridge leading to the island.
Rental fishing rods are available for ¥500, and bait is also sold on-site. These services make it possible to enjoy fishing without bringing all your own equipment.
Located beside the island, Gyosaikan sells fresh seafood and offers an opportunity to discover local marine products after a day of fishing.
Maruyama Sea Fishing Park has seasonal opening hours.
May to August: 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
September to November: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
December to April: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The park is normally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and during the year-end and New Year holiday period. It remains open throughout the Obon summer holiday period. As schedules may change, visitors should check the latest information before setting out.
Traveling by car is the most convenient way to reach the island.
After exiting the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway at Seidan-Mihara Interchange, continue straight through the first traffic signal. Turn left at the Minato intersection, then turn left again at the Minato-ko Iriguchi intersection. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes.
After exiting Awajishima-Minami Interchange, turn right immediately and continue for approximately five minutes. At the T-junction, turn left and drive for another 10 minutes.
Benten Island combines excellent fishing facilities with beautiful views of the Naruto Strait. Its seasonal variety of fish, accessible fishing platforms, equipment rentals, and nearby seafood shop make it an attractive destination for experienced anglers and beginners alike.
Even if fishing is not your main interest, the small island offers a pleasant place to appreciate the coastal scenery, take a walk, and enjoy the sunset. When planning your visit, check the park’s current opening schedule and follow all posted safety instructions.