Shiwaku Islands
Former pilot-guild islands where medieval Japan's greatest navigators lived. Honjima Island preserves one of Japan's finest concentrations of traditional merchant houses from the 17th–19th centuries.
Half day
Free on islands; ferry from Marugame to Honjima ¥550 one way (¥1,050 round trip)
Ferry from Marugame: approximately hourly; island accessible year-round
Year-round
Ferry from Marugame, 35 min
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The Shiwaku pilot guild navigated Edo-period trade ships through treacherous Seto Straits — their wealth is visible in the architecture
- 2
Honjima's ishigaki (stone wall) lanes are almost unchanged since 1700
- 3
Combine with Naoshima ferry for an island-hopping day
Local Tips
The Shiwaku Islands were the home of Japan's most skilled Edo-era navigators — the merchant marine tradition left behind a cluster of remarkably well-preserved old port towns. Honjima has the best preserved streets; Shiraishi Island has excellent beaches. The islands are now part of the Setouchi Art Festival circuit. Very few foreign tourists visit — genuinely off the beaten path.
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