Otabujima Island

Otabujima Island lies 6 km south of Hinase Port in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Positioned at the southernmost tip of the Hinase Islands, this small island carries significant historical importance as the residence of the Okayama clan during the Edo period. The island's remoteness and natural beauty make it one of Okayama's more secluded coastal destinations.

The island's historical legacy remains visible through several well-preserved sites. A nature trail circles the island, allowing visitors to discover historic sites such as the Toro-do Hall and Hexagonal Well that serve as reminders of its feudal past. These remnants provide insight into the island's role during the Edo period when it functioned as an administrative outpost for the Okayama Domain.

Otabujima offers one of the prefecture's best remote island swimming beaches, with a white sandy beach stretching for about 500 meters. Guesthouses and inns line the beach and can be used as rest areas, making the island suitable for day trips or overnight stays. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy marine sports such as sea kayaking and windsurfing. The beach typically opens from late June to early September.

The nature trail provides the primary visitor experience on Otabujima. Walking this circular path allows exploration of the island's coastline, historic structures, and natural features. The relatively compact size makes it feasible to explore the entire island in a few hours, though the peaceful atmosphere encourages a more leisurely pace.

To reach Otabujima, visitors must first travel to Hinase Port in Bizen City. From Okayama Station, take the JR Ako Line to Hinase Station (approximately 60 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to Hinase Port. The journey continues via Daisei Kisen Ferry, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Otafu Port on the island. The beach is easily accessible after disembarking, located near the port. By car, the route involves driving approximately 5 minutes from Bizen IC on the Okayama Blue Line to Hinase Port before boarding the ferry. Access to the island is entirely dependent on ferry service, with no bridge connections available.