Getting to the Island

A Journey to Osaki-Kamijima

Located in Japan’s largest inland sea—the Seto Inland Sea—Osaki-Kamijima rests quietly between Honshu and Shikoku. Though it belongs to Hiroshima Prefecture, there are no bridges linking it to the mainland; the only way to reach the island is by boat.

And yet, it’s closer than you might think: from Hiroshima Airport, a 30-minute drive brings you to the port, followed by a peaceful 30-minute ferry ride across the water. A hidden island—gently set apart from the rush of the mainland, yet never out of reach.

From Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Reaching the island by air is fast and convenient, with direct flights to Hiroshima Airport from major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Sendai, Sapporo, and Okinawa. There are also direct international flights from Dalian, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Seoul, and Hanoi. With connecting flights, travelers can easily access the island from anywhere in the world.

From Hiroshima Airport, it takes just two simple steps to reach the island: a 30-minute vehicle ride to Takehara Port, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea.

Hiroshima Airport

Takehara Port

Osaki-Kamijima

Vehicle Ride

Ferry Ride

1. From Hiroshima Airport to Takehara Port

To get from Hiroshima Airport to Takehara Port, you have three vehicle ride options:

Taxi

Simply tell the driver you’re going to Takehara Port.
Rental Car

Several rental car services are available at the airport. For more information, see here.
Shared Shuttle Van

Operated by Anzen Taxi (0846-22-0842).

This is the most budget-friendly option, but it runs on a limited schedule—so we recommend checking the timetable here in advance.

(Please note: the shared shuttle van is referred to as a “Limousine Bus” on the linked page.)
Seating is limited, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you’d like to reserve a spot.

All options take approximately 30 minutes.

2. Ferries to Osaki-Kamijima

From Takehara Port, ferries to Osakikamijima run to two destinations:

Tarumi Port （垂水港）
Shiromizu Port（白水港）

Ferries depart approximately every 30 minutes, heading to one of the two ports, and the ride takes about 30 minutes. Both ports are just a 5-minute drive apart, so you can use either one.

If someone is picking you up on the island, please confirm in advance which port you’ll be arriving at.

Ferries are also car-accessible, so you can bring a vehicle onboard if needed.

You can find the latest schedule on Sanyo Shosen’s website.

From JR Hiroshima Station

If you prefer traveling by Shinkansen, the most convenient way to reach the island from JR Hiroshima Station is by highway bus to Takehara Port. The ride takes approximately 80 minutes.

There are alternative routes using local trains, but in many cases, the train stations are some distance from the port—which can be challenging if you’re carrying luggage. For this reason, we recommend taking the highway bus for a smoother journey.

A rental car is also an option from JR Hiroshima Station, offering more flexibility for those who prefer to drive.

JR Hiroshima St.

Takehara Port

Osaki-Kamijima

Highway Bus

Ferry Ride

1. Take the GEIYO Highway Bus

After arriving at Hiroshima Station, head to Bus Stop No. 23, located in front of the Hiroshima JP building. You can find the location on Google Maps here.

The highway bus is called Kaguya-hime-go, operated by Geiyo Bus. Please note that seats are not reserved, so it’s a good idea to arrive a little early. For more details, including the timetable, please visit their website.

The ride to Takehara Port takes approximately 80 minutes.

2. Ferries to Osaki-Kamijima

From Takehara Port, ferries to Osakikamijima run to two destinations:

Tarumi Port （垂水港）
Shiromizu Port（白水港）

Ferries depart approximately every 30 minutes, heading to one of the two ports, and the ride takes about 30 minutes. Both ports are just a 5-minute drive apart, so you can use either one.

If someone is picking you up on the island, please confirm in advance which port you’ll be arriving at.

Ferries are also car-accessible, so you can bring a vehicle onboard if needed.

You can find the latest schedule on Sanyo Shosen’s website.

Accessing Osaki-Kamijima by Car

You can reach Osaki-Kamijima by car via five different ferry ports connecting from Honshu, Ōmishima, Osaki-Shimojima, and Shikoku.

All ferry lines are car-accessible, allowing you to bring your vehicle onboard for convenient travel on the island.

Below are the main ports and their details:

Takehara Port

This is the main gateway to Osaki-Kamijima, offering 32 round trips per day—departing approximately every 30 minutes.

It connects to either Tarumi Port or Shiromizu Port on the island, both located just 5 minutes apart by car.

Location: Google Maps

Destination Ports: Tarumi Port ( Google Maps ) and Shiromizu Port ( Google Maps )

Travel duration: 25 minutes to Tarumi, 30 minutes to Shiromizu

Operator: Sanyo Shosen

More information: Website

Akitsu Port

This port offers the second-highest number of ferry services, with 16 round trips per day.

It connects to Ōnishi Port, located near the center of Osaki-Kamijima.

Location: Google Maps

Destination Port: Ōnishi Port ( Google Maps )

Travel duration: 35 minutes

Operator: Akitsu Ferry

More information: Website

Ōchō Port

Located on Osaki-Shimojima, which is now connected to Honshu via a bridge from Kure City, this is the third port in Hiroshima Prefecture offering access to Osaki-Kamijima.

Location: Google Maps

Destination Port: Akashi Port ( Google Maps )

Travel duration: 15 minutes

Operator: Shimanami Kaiun

More information: Website

Imabari Port & Munakata Port

Both ports are located in Ehime Prefecture and can be accessed via the scenic Shimanami Kaidō highway connecting Honshu and Shikoku.

Ferries arrive at Kinoe Port, also known as Tenma Port, on Osaki-Kamijima.

Service is limited, with only 2 round trips per day between Imabari and Kinoe, and 4 additional round trips between Munakata and Kinoe.

Location: Imabari Port ( Google Maps ) , Munakata Port ( Google Maps )

Destination Port: Kinoe Port - also known as Tenma Port ( Google Maps )

Travel duration: 70 minutes from Imabari, 15 minutes from Munakata.

Operator: Ōmishima Blueline

More information: Website

From Imabari Port

Taking a ferry from Imabari is another way to reach Osaki-Kamijima, especially convenient if you’re in Shikoku. You can board the Ōmishima Blueline ferry, which stops once at Munakata Port on Ōmishima before arriving at Kinoe Port—also known as Tenma Port (they are the same location).

Please note that the ferry operates on a very limited schedule. There are only two round trips per day between Imabari and Kinoe. If you’re departing from Munakata, there are an additional four round trips daily to Kinoe.

Munakata Port is accessible by car or other vehicles via the Shimanami Kaidō, which connects Honshu and Shikoku.

The ferry ride takes about 70 minutes from Imabari to Kinoe, and around 15 minutes from Munakata to Kinoe.

Imabari Port

Munakata Port

Osaki-Kamijima

Ferry Ride

References

Destination Port in Osaki-kamijima

Kinoe Port （木江港）- Also known as Tenma Port （天満港）

Timetable & Additional Information

Ōmishima Blueline website

Next: Traveling Around the Island