Tsurushima: Island of History and Reflection

Discover Tsurushima: A historical island near Hinase, Bizen, offering a glimpse into Japan's Meiji-era religious history and serene natural beauty.

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Tsurushima, or Crane Island, is a small, uninhabited island in the Inland Sea of Japan, near Hinase. Once a penal colony for Christians during the Meiji Era, it now stands as a cultural heritage site, offering a poignant glimpse into a difficult past.

A brief summary to Tsurushima

3650 Hinasecho Hinase, Bizen, Hinasecho Hinase, Okayama, 701-3204, JP
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Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the island's uneven terrain.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the island.
Consider visiting during the annual pilgrimage to experience the island's history in a meaningful way.

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Getting There

Ferry

To reach Tsurushima, start at Hinase Station on the JR Ako Line. From the station, walk to Hinase Port. Ferries to Tsurushima are infrequent and may require prior arrangement or charter. Inquire at the Bizen Tourism Association counter at Hinase Station for current ferry schedules and costs. Chartering a small boat may cost around ¥5,000-¥10,000 depending on the size and duration.

Discover more about Tsurushima

Tsurushima, a small island off the coast of Hinase, carries a weighty history within its peaceful shores. During the early Meiji period, in 1870, this island became a place of exile for 117 Christians from Nagasaki as part of the Urakami Yoban Kuzure. These individuals were forced into labor and pressured to renounce their faith; a tragic chapter that saw 18 perish, 17 as martyrs, before religious freedom was granted in 1873.Today, Tsurushima is uninhabited, with abandoned buildings hinting at more recent attempts at habitation, including a guesthouse that operated until 1990. Yet, the island's past as a penal colony remains its defining characteristic. Visitors can find the weathered headstones marking the graves of those who died, along with a stone memorial and cross erected by the local Catholic church. The island also features a well dating back to the penal colony era, still in working order.While the island offers a serene landscape with rocky outcrops and narrow sandy beaches, its true draw lies in its historical significance. Tsurushima serves as a place for reflection on religious persecution and the resilience of faith. The island is now designated as a cultural heritage site by Bizen City, with an annual pilgrimage retracing the internees' route.