Explore the Uninhabited Island of Sensuijima

Apr 26, 2021

Explore the Uninhabited Island of Sensuijima

With the weather improving by the day, it is time to start getting out and enjoying the beautiful natural delights that Hiroshima and its general locale have to offer. A prime candidate for an excellent day trip is Sensuijima, a beautiful uninhabited island of gorgeous greenery and volcanic rocks in the midst of Fukuyama’s Tomonoura Harbor’s shimmering blue seas.

Not only does devastating scenery abound, but there are many historical spots, enchanting shrines, and even leisure activities to keep more adventurous travelers entertained.

Beaches of Sensuijima

Thanks to its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and plentiful resources, Sensuijima is a popular summer spot. Many a local will while their days away on the powdery sands and rocky outcrops.

While there are a few sandy spots dotted around the island, the most popular area is the main Sensuijima beach, which is fully kitted out with all of the equipment that one might require for a day on the beach, splashing in the water and grilling grub. This includes everything from mats, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and tents for day camping and glamping.

Furthermore, if you get hungry but can’t be bothered with all the faff of bringing your own barbecue or even food, at the Sensuijima National residence, you can rent BBQ sets that include all the ingredients (including rice) that you might want. However, on weekends and holidays, it might be an idea to get in touch to book in advance.

Hiking at Sensuijima

Sensuijima is a popular hiking spot for families, couples, and novices, and while it is not something that would challenge experienced climbers, it will certainly help you break a sweat!

The island has one main mountain with a few smaller peaks here and there, and some trails criss-cross their way through the forest (sometimes you can find maps in the beachside hotel’s cafe, so it might be worth checking it out before you head off).

It is possible to hike in the area all year round through the lush overgrowth of trees and ferns, though be aware that there is nowhere to buy food, snacks, or drinks (no vending machines here, unfortunately), so you may want to bring a packed lunch for sustenance. And then, what could be better than sitting at the top of the mountain, munching on an onigiri, gazing out over the town below and the stunning coastline stretching into the distance.

Bathing at Sensuijima

After a semi-strenuous hike, surely the idea of slipping into a nice warm bath is appealing, and at the cave tide and ocean baths at Kokumin Shukusha Sensuijima, the island’s government-operated hotel, you can do just that. The piping hot water, perfect for soothing aches and pains, is drawn up from the ocean and is packed full of minerals (so they say.)

Alternatively, if you want to go for a more luxurious spa treatment, make your way to the Jinsei Ga Kawaru Shuku Koko Kara inn’s Edo baths, which has baths and saunas, including a cave steam bath, a seaweed bath, and even a highly concentrated salt bath called a ‘womb bath.’

Sensuijima Details

Where: Ushiroji Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima (map)
Getting there: The first ferry to Sensujima leaves from Fukuyama Port at 7:10 and the last one at 21:30. It costs 240 JPY (adults) and 120 JPY (children) for a round trip.

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Image: By nanao wagatsuma via flickr.com [CC BY 2.0]
Image: By nanao wagatsuma via flickr.com [CC BY 2.0]
Image: By Lisa Pinehill via flickr.com [CC BY 2.0]