Last updated on September 6, 2024 by Krysti
Interested in exploring Suo-Oshima Island? You’re in luck! Because I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to Japan’s Aloha Island!
Known as the Hawaii of the Seto Inland Sea (or the Aloha Island), Suo-Oshima is a spectacular hidden gem – one that offers stunning natural beauty and unique cultural charm.
Here, you’ll find some of Japan’s most scenic coastal views featuring pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and majestic mountains.
What’s more, the island is renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere and unique cultural traditions – traditions that are heavily influenced by the Hawaiian Islands.
Needless to say, Suo-Oshima isn’t your typical Japanese destination, but it’s one that’s certainly worth visiting.
In fact, I’ve been to the island several times now and absolutely love it! I know I’ve said it already, but it’s just so beautiful – and there’s so much to do.
That being said, let’s dive right in and uncover the wonders of Japan’s stunning Suo-Oshima Island.
Suo-Oshima’s Connection to Hawaii
Hula performances on Suo-Oshima Island.
The island of Suo-Oshima has a long history with Hawaii, one that dates back all the way to the Meiji era of the 1800s.
Around this time, approximately 4,000 Japanese locals immigrated from Suo-Oshima to Hawaii, under an agreement between the Japanese government and the Kingdom of Hawaii.
See, Hawaii was in need of labor for their sugarcane production and there were plenty of Japanese locals who were interested in this opportunity.
In all, it’s estimated that about 29,000 people moved from Japan to Hawaii – and about 13% of them came from the island of Suo-Oshima.
As a result of this, a close union was forged between Suo-Oshima and, specifically, the Hawaiian island of Kauai – as customs were shared and families became intertwined.
This connection between the islands was so important that an official sister-island relationship was established in 1963 between Suo-Oshima and Kauai.
Today, you can still feel strong Hawaiian influences on Suo-Oshima – from the local food to the traditional customs and the overall general atmosphere of the island.
Where Is Suo-Oshima?
Nestled in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea, Suo-Oshima Island lies just off the southeastern coast of Honshu Island within Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The island is located about 45 minutes south of Iwakuni or about an hour and a half south of Hiroshima.
Unfortunately, public transportation to the island isn’t readily available. So, my advice is to rent a car and drive yourself.
While it is possible to take the train down to Ōbatake Station, that’s about as far as you can get without walking (a significant distance) or grabbing a taxi.
And, to be honest, I’m not sure how accessible taxis are in this area of Japan.
Best Time to Visit Suo-Oshima
Spring and summer are great times to visit Suo-Oshima.
Unlike much of Japan, I’d actually say that summer is the best time to visit Suo-Oshima Island.
This is when you’ll really get to experience those tropical island vibes the most.
Not to mention, the water is incredibly warm around this time of year, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make the most of the beach and the ocean.
Aside from this, I’d say that spring is also a really pretty time to visit the island.
Suo-Oshima is home to several cherry blossom trees, so it’s especially beautiful and scenic during the cherry blossom season.
Meanwhile, fall is pleasantly warm and sunny enough – although you won’t find the vibrant autumn foliage typical of other Japanese destinations.
And, finally, there’s winter, which is a bit cooler and definitely less crowded, but also offers the most affordable prices.
How to Get to Around Suo-Oshima
As mentioned above, public transportation can be a bit difficult to utilize in and around Suo-Oshima.
While there is a local bus available on the island, the routes and timetables offered can be quite limited.
As such, I highly recommend renting a car. Not only is it more convenient, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore attractions that lie a bit more off the beaten path.
If you plan to rent a car, it’s best to do so while you’re in Iwakuni or Hiroshima – or wherever you’re coming from.
Pro Tip: One of the best navigation apps for Japan (and my personal go-to) is Google Maps, so be sure to download it and have it ready to go! It’s great for driving and comes in handy when using public transportation!
Driving in Japan
Before you rent a car in Japan, make sure you look into the Japanese license requirements specific to your home country. Depending upon where you reside, you might need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit or a translated copy of your home country’s driver’s license. In some specific cases, you may even be required to obtain a Japanese driver’s license.
For those traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and most European countries, an International Driver’s permit is required. You can obtain this from an authorized automobile association in your home country.
Map of Suo-Oshima Island
To help you plan your trip, here’s a quick map overview of all the places mentioned in this Suo-Oshima travel guide.
If you’d like to view an interactive version of this map, click here!
8 Best Thing to Do on Suo-Oshima
Suo-Oshima offers a wide variety of attractions and activities – these are just a few of my favorites!
Check Out the Floating Torii Gate
One of the most iconic landmarks in Suo-Oshima is the floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
Situated right along the beach, this large orange torii gate floats in the water at high tide. But is also accessible for up close encounters at low tide.
Across the street from it, you’ll also find the shrine’s main hall, which is a small modest building.
This Shinto Shrine is believed to be inspired by the famous Itsukushima Shrine that can be found on Miyajima Island.
Explore the Island’s Beaches
Katazoegahama Beach
The shores of Suo-Oshima are dotted with stunning sandy beaches that offer easy access to the surrounding Seto Inland Sea.
While a good number of them are private, there are a few beaches that are open to the public.
My personal favorite is Katazoegahama Beach, but two other popular spots include Shonan Beach and Zushigahama Beach.
All three of these beaches offer modest amenities, including restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
Pro Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear or paddleboard for more beachside fun!
Take in the Views from Mt. Dake Observation Deck
Situated 618 meters above sea level, the observation deck on Mt. Dake offers incredible views of Suo-Oshima Island and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea.
To reach the summit, you’ll need to drive up a small, windy road and go for a short hike.
Once at the top, you’ll find several lookout points – each offering a different vantage point of the island.
For the best views, continue down the trail, past the concrete tower into the forest. This will lead you to the actual observation deck, where you’ll discover unhindered, panoramic views of Suo-Oshima.
Pro Tip: The road up Mt. Dake is so small and windy that it’s honestly a bit scary. So, be cautious and only proceed if you’re comfortable driving in these types of conditions.
Enjoy a Hula Show
During the summer, Suo-Oshima hosts free hula performances that are open to the public.
Held at various locations across the island, these shows feature a variety of traditional Hawaiian hula dances performed by locals from across Japan.
Meant to highlight the important connection between Suo-Oshima and the Hawaiian Islands, these performances are not just fun to watch but are also culturally relevant.
For the latest schedules and announcements, be sure to monitor Suo-Oshima’s official event website.
Purchase Local Goodies from the Jam Garden
Nestled right along the shoreline, Setouchi Jam’s Garden is a charming local jam shop and cafe.
Here, you’ll find an assortment of homemade jams and marmalades crafted from the island’s very own local produce.
In addition to this, the shop also sells Lemoncello, a lemon liquor made from locally grown lemons.
While you’re here be sure to visit the attached cafe – this is where you can sample some of their most delicious creations.
Pro Tip: Most of the items (both in the shop and at the cafe) are seasonal, so there’s always something new and exciting to try!
Visit the Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii
Founded in 1999, the Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii aims to preserve the rich history between Japan and Hawaii.
Here, you’ll find a variety of exhibits – many of which feature relics that were brought back from Hawaii by Japanese islanders and their families.
In addition to this, the museum maintains a database where individuals can track the immigration of their ancestors.
Even the building itself pays tribute to the connection between Suo-Oshima and Hawaii.
Featuring a blend of Japanese and Western elements, the structure is a reproduction of a former home – one that was owned by a Japanese man who emigrated to Hawaii and later returned to Suo-Oshima.
Go For a Scenic Drive Around the Island
One of the best ways to explore Suo-Oshima and take in its many sights is to go for a drive around the island.
Along the way, you’ll discover scenic lookout points, stunning ocean views, and quaint local dwellings.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you can make stops along the way to appreciate the beauty of the island – and visit some of its delicious local eateries.
Sample the Local Cuisine
Local mikan ice cream from the Roadside Station.
Speaking of local restaurants, Suo-Oshima is home to a variety of cafes and eateries that you should definitely plan on checking out.
Not only is the food delicious, but most restaurants on the island also offer incredible views of the ocean.
Two of my personal favorite places to eat are Power Beach and Cafe Misaki – both of which serve up a blend of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisines.
Aside from this, other popular spots include Aloha Orange, which is another Hawaiian eatery, O-Kun, a Cambodian restaurant, and Re:Seto, a cafe that also serves seafood.
And last, but certainly not least, we can’t forget about the Roadside Station Sazan Seto Towa, which plays host to a variety of local vendors.
Here, you can find a mix of sit-down restaurants and quick on-the-go food stands, as well as the island’s famous Mikan ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions About Japan’s Aloha Island
Here are my thoughts on some commonly asked questions about visiting Suo-Oshima Island.
Is Suo-Oshima Island Worth Visiting?
If you’re in the area, then I’d say yes, Suo-Oshima is definitely worth visiting! However, I wouldn’t necessarily travel from Tokyo or Osaka just to visit Suo-Oshima. While the island is certainly beautiful and unique, it can be difficult to get there and to get around. So, if you have limited time in Japan, it may not be worth the trip.
How Do You Get From Hiroshima to Suo-Oshima?
The easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to travel from Hiroshima to Suo-Oshima is by car. However, if you can’t drive or would prefer not to, you could always take the train from Hiroshima Station down to Ōbatake Station. From here, you can try to explore the island by taxi or bus – but there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to visit all of the attractions.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Suo-Oshima?
One day is more than enough time to hit up the island’s most popular highlights. However, if you have the time and can stay the night, I recommend doing so. Not only will it give you the opportunity to explore more of the island, but you can do so with fewer crowds.
What Hotels Are Near Suo-Oshima?
There aren’t very many hotels on Suo-Oshima Island. However, there are two that are pretty popular – Marissa Resort, which offers more of a luxury stay, and Setouchi Island Stays, a glamping resort. Aside from this, the island is home to a number of property rentals.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Suo-Oshima Island in Japan
So there you have it – my complete guide to Suo-Oshima Island! Hopefully, this article is helpful in planning your own trip to Japan’s Aloha Island.
Regardless of what you decide to do, I’m sure you’ll have an incredible time. After all, Suo-Oshima is an incredibly beautiful and unique destination – one that is sure to leave a lasting impression!
Planning to visit Suo-Oshima in Yamaguchi? If so, what are you most excited to do? Let me know in the comments below!
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