Kii-Oshima Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Situated approximately 1.8 kilometers from Cape Shionomisaki, the southernmost point of Japan’s main island of Honshu, it is the largest island in Wakayama Prefecture.
The island covers approximately 9.68 square kilometers and has a coastline of about 28 kilometers. Thanks to the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current, Kii-Oshima enjoys a relatively mild climate and is surrounded by spectacular ocean scenery.
Until relatively recently, Kii-Oshima was accessible only by boat or ferry. However, the completion of the Kushimoto Ohashi Bridge in 1999 connected the island directly to Honshu. Today, visitors can easily reach the island by car, making it one of the most attractive destinations for sightseeing around Kushimoto.
Kii-Oshima is sometimes described as a “forest island” because much of its interior is covered with evergreen broad-leaved forests. Trees such as ubamegashi oak, chinquapin, and camellia thrive in the island’s warm climate, creating a natural environment that feels somewhat different from many other parts of Honshu.
In spring, the island becomes especially beautiful when Oshima cherry trees come into bloom. Their pale flowers and fresh green leaves create a striking contrast with the vivid red blossoms of camellias, producing a distinctive spring landscape unique to Kii-Oshima.
In early summer, flowers from chinquapin trees can give parts of the island a soft yellow appearance. Throughout the year, the combination of dense forests and the blue ocean creates changing scenery that provides a peaceful escape from everyday life.
The waters surrounding Kii-Oshima are influenced by the Kuroshio Current, one of the major warm ocean currents flowing along the Pacific coast of Japan. The current brings abundant marine life to the area and has supported fishing communities here for centuries.
The island’s coastline features dramatic sea cliffs, rugged rock formations, and clear blue waters. Kii-Oshima is particularly well known as a destination for rock fishing, attracting anglers from throughout Japan.
The surrounding waters are also popular for scuba diving. The warm current supports a diverse underwater ecosystem where divers may encounter tropical fish, coral, and migratory marine species. For travelers who enjoy the ocean, Kii-Oshima offers an opportunity to experience the rich marine environment of southern Wakayama.
The island has facilities for enjoying the outdoors, including fishing areas, campsites, and beaches. Sue Shirahama Beach is a popular destination for families and visitors looking to relax beside the sea.
Beyond the coastline, visitors can also enjoy forest walks and viewpoints throughout the island. Taking time to explore the island at a relaxed pace is one of the pleasures of Kii-Oshima, where the slower rhythm of island life makes it easy to forget the routines of everyday life.
One of the most important chapters in the history of Kii-Oshima is the Ertuğrul disaster of 1890. The story is widely regarded as an important foundation of the long-standing friendship between Japan and Turkey.
The Ertuğrul, a warship of the Ottoman Empire, had visited Japan and was returning home when it encountered a powerful typhoon. The ship was wrecked off Kashinozaki on Kii-Oshima, and many crew members were swept into the stormy sea.
Residents of the Kashino area risked their own lives to rescue survivors despite the dangerous weather and rough seas. They provided the survivors with food, clothing, shelter, and medical care, helping save many lives.
The story of the local residents’ efforts became an enduring symbol of friendship between Japan and Turkey. The event is particularly well known in Turkey and has become part of the country’s historical education and cultural memory.
At Kashinozaki, visitors can learn more about this historic event at the Turkish Memorial Museum. The museum presents materials related to the Ertuğrul, including a model of the ship, historical documents, and artifacts recovered through underwater investigations.
Some props used in the Japanese-Turkish film “Ertuğrul 1890” are also displayed, helping visitors understand the story in a more accessible and visual way.
From the museum’s terrace, visitors can look toward Funakora, the area where the Ertuğrul was wrecked. Looking out across the sea provides an opportunity to reflect on the events that took place here more than a century ago.
A memorial dedicated to the victims of the disaster also stands at Kashinozaki. A grave marker and memorial were established after the disaster, and a larger memorial was later constructed with support from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey.
The memorial continues to be cared for by people in both Japan and Turkey and stands as a lasting symbol of the friendship between the two countries.
At the eastern tip of Kii-Oshima stands the elegant white Kashinozaki Lighthouse. The lighthouse was designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, who is often called the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses.” It first began operating in 1870.
It is recognized as one of Japan’s oldest surviving stone lighthouses and represents an important chapter in the development of modern lighthouse construction in Japan.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase to enjoy spectacular views across the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Taiji area, with the vast horizon stretching far into the distance.
The former lighthouse keeper’s residence also remains nearby. Together with the lighthouse, it gives the area a distinctive atmosphere reflecting the international influences that accompanied Japan’s modernization in the late 19th century.
On the southern coast of Kii-Oshima lies Umikongo, one of the island’s most impressive scenic attractions. Here, enormous rock formations shaped by centuries of powerful waves rise dramatically from the ocean.
The rugged rocks resemble enormous sculptures created by nature, with pyramid-like and dome-shaped formations standing against the blue Pacific. The spectacular landscape demonstrates the tremendous power of the ocean and wind.
The name “Umikongo,” meaning “Sea Kongo,” comes from the resemblance of the scenery to Mount Kongo in the Korean Peninsula, a famous landscape traditionally admired for its dramatic mountain formations.
Umikongo has also been selected as one of the “100 Natural Sites of Japan to Preserve for the 21st Century”, a selection organized by the Asahi Shimbun. It is an excellent place to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Pacific coast.
Takanosu Observatory is one of the best places to enjoy the scenery of Umikongo. From the viewpoint, visitors can look across dramatic cliffs, rugged offshore rocks, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
The contrast between the dark rocks, powerful waves, and deep blue sea creates an unforgettable panorama. At sunset, the scenery takes on a completely different character as the ocean is illuminated by warm evening light.
Every year on February 11, Kii-Oshima hosts the Minato Festival, the annual festival of Minato Shrine. The festival has been carefully passed down by local residents for generations and has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Wakayama Prefecture.
The festival includes a variety of traditional ceremonies and events, including the O-mato ceremony, a sacred procession, and a boat procession carrying the deity across the water.
One of the most exciting events is the Kae-denma boat race. Two traditional boats, named “Ōtori” (Phoenix) and “Hayabusa” (Falcon), compete as they travel between the island and Kushimoto Port.
The rowers propel the boats with powerful strokes while shouting traditional calls, creating a thrilling spectacle. The race reflects the island’s deep connection with the sea and its long history as a port where ships once waited for favorable winds.
Through the Minato Festival, visitors can experience the maritime traditions and community culture that have shaped life on Kii-Oshima for centuries.
Deep in the forest of the Sue district is a remarkable natural feature known as Jigoku-no-Gaba, or “Hell’s Gaba.” The word “gaba” refers to a cave or cavern in the local dialect.
The site is a huge vertical hole said to measure several dozen meters in both diameter and depth. A horizontal passage at the bottom is believed to connect with the sea, and seawater may enter the passage during high tide.
A tragic local legend tells of a traveling ascetic who was pursued and eventually died at this location. The story, together with the enormous vertical opening, gives the site a mysterious and somewhat eerie atmosphere.
There are no protective fences around the opening, so extreme caution is required when viewing the site. Visitors should never approach the edge carelessly.
Kanayama Observatory is another scenic viewpoint on Kii-Oshima. Reaching the observatory involves walking along a mountain path, but the effort is rewarded with expansive views across the island and surrounding sea.
From the viewpoint, visitors can see Hashigui-iwa, the mountains around Kushimoto, and the blue Pacific Ocean. The walk through the forest is also part of the experience, making the observatory a pleasant destination for those who enjoy light hiking and nature.
Kii-Oshima also offers opportunities to learn about bluefin tuna aquaculture, including activities connected with Kindai University, which achieved the world’s first successful complete aquaculture of bluefin tuna.
One of the most exciting experiences is feeding bluefin tuna in a large offshore fish pen. Watching hundreds of enormous tuna rush toward the surface at once is an impressive sight and provides visitors with a close-up look at the scale of modern marine aquaculture.
Some experiences also include an opportunity to sample tuna afterward, combining food, education, and hands-on marine experiences.
Near Kashinozaki is Ottoman Konak, a shop offering a variety of Turkish goods and crafts. Colorful kilim rugs, glass ornaments, accessories, and ceramics imported from Turkey create an atmosphere quite different from the surrounding Japanese landscape.
Visitors can also try dondurma, the famous stretchy Turkish ice cream. The unusual texture and entertaining way it is sometimes served make it a popular treat among visitors to the area.
Completed in 1999, the Kushimoto Ohashi Bridge connects Kii-Oshima with the main island of Honshu. Its graceful white arch stands out beautifully against the surrounding blue sea and has become one of Kushimoto’s recognizable coastal landmarks.
Before the bridge was built, island residents depended on ferries and passenger boats for transportation. The completion of the bridge dramatically improved access and transformed both everyday life and tourism on the island.
Today, the bridge is also popular with drivers. Crossing it provides a refreshing experience, with views of the sea and surrounding coastline opening up along the way.
Kii-Oshima is an island where spectacular nature and remarkable history come together. Its forests and warm coastal waters offer abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, while its historic sites tell the story of the island’s deep connection with the sea and its international ties with Turkey.
Visitors can admire the dramatic rocks of Umikongo, enjoy panoramic views from Kashinozaki Lighthouse, learn about the Ertuğrul disaster at the Turkish Memorial Museum, and discover the island’s rich marine culture.
The island’s festivals, local legends, traditional crafts, and seafood add further depth to the experience. At the same time, the peaceful forests and beautiful coastline make it easy to slow down and enjoy the unique rhythm of island life.
For international travelers visiting southern Wakayama, Kii-Oshima offers a fascinating combination of nature, maritime culture, Japanese history, and Japan-Turkey friendship. Take your time exploring the island and discover the stories hidden among its forests, cliffs, historic sites, and blue Pacific waters.