Narugashima is a long, narrow island in the Kitan Strait, off the eastern coast of Yura in Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its distinctive sandbar stretches approximately 2.5 kilometers from north to south, creating a striking coastal landscape that has earned it the nickname “Awaji Hashidate,” after the famous Amanohashidate sandbar in northern Kyoto Prefecture. The island forms part of Setonaikai National Park and is protected for its natural beauty and ecological importance.
Narugashima lies approximately 100 meters from Awaji Island, separated by waterways at its northern and southern ends, known as Shinkawaguchi and Imagawa-guchi. A ferry from Yura Port reaches the island in about two minutes, making it an easy destination for a short excursion into nature.
Yura Bay, on the island’s western side, is known for yellowtail fish farming. In spring, visitors may also be able to enjoy shellfish gathering on the tidal flats, where clams and other shellfish can be found, subject to local rules and conditions.
The island’s highest points are Mount Naruyama, at 52 meters above sea level, in the north and Takasaki, at 23 meters, in the south. In the past, sandbars connected these elevated areas to Awaji Island. Until the early Edo period, a lagoon existed between Naruyama and Takasaki. Later, waterways were excavated at both ends, leaving Narugashima as a separate barrier island shaped by coastal sand deposits.
Narugashima covers approximately 39 hectares and has a coastline of about 6.4 kilometers. Extensive tidal flats spread along its western side, while the sandbars and coastal wetlands provide habitats for a variety of plants and animals, including rare species. These fragile ecosystems are an important reason for the island’s conservation value.
Protective embankments have been constructed to help limit erosion of the sandbar, and local residents take part in cleanup activities to maintain the island’s natural environment. Visitors can help protect this special landscape by staying on appropriate paths, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, and taking their rubbish away with them.
The white-clawed fiddler crab is one of the notable animals found on Narugashima’s tidal flats. It was listed as Vulnerable (VU) on Japan’s Ministry of the Environment Red List in 2007. The tidal flats provide important habitat for this distinctive crab and other coastal wildlife.
Hamahō is a deciduous shrub in the mallow family that can grow to approximately three meters tall. It was classified as an endangered species in Category A of Hyogo Prefecture’s Red Data Book in 2003. This coastal plant is part of the island’s valuable native vegetation.
Hama-utsubo is a parasitic plant that depends on other plants for nourishment. It was also listed in Category A of Hyogo Prefecture’s 2003 Red Data Book, reflecting its conservation importance.
Hama-matsuna is an annual plant formerly classified in the goosefoot family and associated with intertidal coastal habitats. It was listed as Near Threatened in Category C of Hyogo Prefecture’s 2003 Red Data Book.
Loggerhead sea turtles occasionally come ashore on the Kitan Strait side of the island to lay their eggs in sandy areas. Their presence highlights the importance of preserving Narugashima’s beaches and minimizing disturbance during the nesting season.
Narugashima has played an important role in the military and coastal history of Awaji Island. In 1610, Ikeda Tadao abandoned Sumoto Castle and renovated Yura Naruyama Castle, which was used as a naval stronghold. In 1635, Hachisuka Tadahide discontinued the castle and transferred the center of administration back to Sumoto Castle.
During the Edo period, waterways were excavated at the northern and southern ends of the island, helping to create the coastal landscape seen today. In 1896, the Yura Fortress was established as part of Japan’s coastal defenses. Artillery batteries were built at Naruyama, including the First and Second Naruyama Batteries, as well as the Takasaki Battery. The fortress was abolished in 1924 as part of a reorganization of military fortifications.
The island later had a national lodging facility called Naruyamaso, which closed in 1986. Today, Narugashima is best known for its natural scenery, tidal flats, and wildlife rather than its former military role.
By ferry: Ferries operated by the Yura Fisheries Cooperative connect Yura Port with Narugashima. The crossing takes approximately two minutes. According to the listed schedule, services run once an hour between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from April through October, with the final service at 4:00 p.m. during the winter period from November through March. Schedules may change, so confirm the latest operating times before traveling.
Ferry fares: The listed round-trip fare between Yura Port and Narugashima is ¥300 for adults and ¥200 for elementary school students and younger children. For travel between Narugashima and Oishi, the listed round-trip fare is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children. Confirm current fares and boarding arrangements with the operator before your visit.
By bus: From Sumoto Express Bus Center, take an Awaji Kotsu bus on the Yura Line and get off at Yura Shisho-mae. Yura Port is approximately a two-minute walk from the bus stop. Visitors traveling by car can use Hyogo Prefectural Route 76, which connects Sumoto, Nada, and Gasshu.
Narugashima is a rewarding destination for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Awaji Island. Its long sandbar, broad tidal flats, rare coastal plants, and diverse wildlife create a distinctive natural environment, while the island’s history adds another dimension to the visit. A short ferry ride from Yura Port brings visitors to this protected landscape, where the scenery and rhythms of the coast can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace.