Tomogashima Steamship

Tomogashima is a group of uninhabited islands off the coast of Wakayama, consisting of Jinoshima, Torashima, and Okinoshima. It is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. The main island, Okinoshima, is a popular spot for local excursions, picnics, and camping. However, the reason that attracts tourists to make a special trip here lies hidden in the forests: the red-brick military ruins. During World War II, Tomogashima served as a defensive fortress for Osaka Bay. After the war, as the military withdrew, it gradually became an uninhabited island ruin. To this day, it still retains abandoned military relics, including the remains of five gun batteries, ammunition warehouses, and soldiers' barracks. Some of the structures that are safe can be freely visited, naturally attracting military enthusiasts from home and abroad to make a pilgrimage. However, because the facilities are covered by forests, the red-brick structures are dilapidated, and overgrown with weeds, the photos taken are strikingly similar to Laputa from the anime master Hayao Miyazaki's 'Castle in the Sky', thus gradually becoming the most famous check-in hotspot in Wakayama City. To go to Tomogashima, one can take a ferry from Kada for about 20 minutes to reach the island. On the island, there are campsites at Minamitarui Square, Kitatarui Square, and Ikejiri Square. However, those who are not camping should pay attention to the ferry schedule. The last ferry from Tomogashima usually departs at 4:30 p.m. If you miss it, you will have to stay on the island all night. Be sure to check the ferry schedule before boarding the island. Tomogashima Steamship (友嶋汽船) Address: Tomogashima-bound boarding area, Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture