Why Etajima
Etajima, also widely recognized by names such as Nōmi-jima, Nomijima, Nomi Island, or the combined name Etajima-Nōmijima, is an island situated in Hiroshima Bay in the southwestern region of Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The designation of the island traces its origin back to an ancient and possibly legendary strait that was once located at the site of what is now the town of Ōgaki-chō Hitonose.
In terms of geography, the island features a prominent Y-shaped configuration made up of several distinct districts and branches. The center of the landmass is occupied by the former area of Nōmi, while the northwestern branch corresponds to Okimi, and the northeastern branch forms Etajima. The southern portion of the Y-shape consists of Ōgaki. Rising along the western border of the Nōmi area is Mount Uneyama, which stands as the highest peak on the island at an elevation of 542 meters (1,778 feet).
The island possesses a notable history tied to maritime education, dating back to 1888 when the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy was relocated to Etajima Island. That historical connection persists today, as the establishment continues its operations under the name Naval Academy Etajima. In contemporary times, the focus of the island includes specialized agricultural and marine endeavors, specifically the cultivation of olives and the operation of fish hatcheries, which are located in Etajima Bay to the north of the island.
Access to Etajima is provided through multiple overland and maritime transportation options. The island has been connected to the main Japanese island of Honshu since 1973 by means of the Hayase Ōhashi bridge, a structure that crosses through Kurahashi-jima island along its path. For driving across the island, National Route 487 serves as a key roadway. In addition to road access, ferry services link Etajima across the water to the cities of Hiroshima and Kure on Honshu, as well as to the city of Matsuyama situated on Shikoku island.
01 Weather
75°
68°
☔ 100%
77°
68°
☔ 100%
75°
67°
74°
66°
75°
63°
66°
63°