genki Introduction | Just Across the Bridge Lies Another Side of Onomichi
Mukaishima is a small island located on the famous Shimanami Kaido route in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Just a few minutes from Onomichi City, it offers a rare opportunity to experience peaceful island living while staying close to an urban center.
From Onomichi Station, it takes only a few minutes to reach the island by ferry. Even though bridges now connect the island to the mainland, the ferries are still actively used today. This unique distance and accessibility symbolize one of Mukaishima’s defining charms: it is an island where you can enjoy island life while remaining closely connected to the city.
From the summit of Takami-yama Observatory, the island’s highest point at 283 meters, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido. The scenery of countless islands scattered across the sea is especially popular among cyclists and photographers.
Despite being located just next to the well-known tourist destination of Onomichi, Mukaishima still retains the atmosphere of a real living island—one that has not been overly commercialized by tourism.
Basic Information about Mukaishima Island
Location: Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Area: Approximately 22.22 km²
Population: About 20,994 (as of 2020)
Access:
- Ekimae Ferry / Onomichi Ferry / Fukumoto Ferry (about 3–5 minutes from central Onomichi)
- Mukaishima IC on the Shimanami Kaido Expressway
As part of Onomichi City, Mukaishima shares the same administrative and daily living sphere as the mainland. Shopping, commuting, schools, and medical services are all easily accessible, making everyday life feel very similar to living in the city itself.
The Origins and History of Mukaishima Island | An Island Shaped by the Sea
Mukaishima has long developed around fishing and maritime industries.
When Onomichi flourished as a gateway port to the Seto Inland Sea, Mukaishima—located directly across the water—played an important supporting role. Shipbuilders, fishermen, and port workers lived on the island, forming communities closely connected to the sea.
Even today, walking around the island reveals traces of that maritime past:
- Old houses lined along the shoreline
- Narrow alleys that still reflect traditional fishing village layouts
- Small shrines and remnants of shared community wells
These details offer glimpses into a time when daily life on the island was inseparable from the sea.
The Atmosphere of the Island | A Place of Everyday Life
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Mukaishima is that it is not primarily a tourist island—it is a place where people simply live their daily lives.
Within the island you will find:
- Local supermarkets
- Elementary and junior high schools
- Post offices
- Medical clinics
- Traditional neighborhood shops
All of these create a self-contained community where residents can meet most daily needs without leaving the island.
At the same time, because large tourist facilities are limited, the entire island maintains a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Things to See and Do in Mukaishima Island | Enjoying Nature and Scenery
While Mukaishima is not widely known as a major tourist destination, it offers many places where visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.
Rather than large attractions, the island invites visitors to explore at a slower pace, enjoying peaceful coastal scenery and the calm rhythm of island life.
One of the most famous viewpoints is the previously mentioned Takami-yama Observatory.
From the summit, visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding islands and the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido. On clear days, the Onomichi Channel and many neighboring islands are visible in the distance.
For those looking to experience the seaside more closely, there are beaches such as Tachibana Coast and Hishio Beach, both well loved by local residents. During summer, these beaches attract families and visitors enjoying swimming and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
The island also features many scenic coastal roads suitable for cycling, and it is not uncommon for cyclists traveling along the Shimanami Kaido to stop and explore Mukaishima.
Rather than flashy attractions, the island’s appeal lies in its quiet landscapes and its close connection to the sea.
The Ferry Culture Connecting Mukaishima and Onomichi
One unique aspect of Mukaishima is the ferry culture that still connects the island with Onomichi.
Even today, the Ekimae Ferry, Onomichi Ferry, and Fukumoto Ferry continue to operate daily.
Passengers board together with bicycles, motorcycles, or on foot, and within just a few minutes they arrive on the opposite shore. For local residents, this is simply part of everyday life.
Although bridges now exist, the ferries remain popular because they are:
- Close
- Fast
- Practical for daily travel
This ferry culture is one of the elements that truly makes Mukaishima feel like a natural extension of Onomichi.
Living on Mukaishima Island | Why Mukaishima Is Ideal for First-Time Island Living
For people who are interested in island life but feel uncertain about moving to a remote island, Mukaishima offers a relatively easy transition.
Reasons it is considered highly livable include:
- Only a few minutes by car to central Onomichi
- Easy access to hospitals, government offices, and shopping
- Car-friendly roads throughout the island
- The reassurance of ferry connections as an alternative route
Mukaishima offers a balanced lifestyle where the quietness of island living coexists with the convenience of city access.
Real Estate and Vacant Houses on Mukaishima Island
From a real estate perspective, Mukaishima features a variety of traditional residential properties, including:
- Former fishermen’s houses
- Detached homes built during the Showa era
- Single-story houses close to the sea
Compared with properties in central Onomichi, prices on Mukaishima are often more affordable even for similar conditions.
For people who wish to live near Onomichi while enjoying a bit more space and tranquility, the island represents a realistic option.
Many of the older houses are also well suited for renovation projects, creative studios, small cafés, or home-based businesses.
Who Mukaishima Island Is Perfect For
Mukaishima may be a good match for people who:
- Are interested in island living but want to maintain urban convenience
- Love the atmosphere of Onomichi
- Prefer a quiet residential environment
- Are interested in renovating old houses or starting a small business
In many ways, Mukaishima sits right between “island life” and “city living.”
Conclusion | An Island Where Everyday Life Continues
Mukaishima may not have the flashy attractions that appear on the cover of travel brochures.
However, what it does offer is something equally valuable:
- The sea always nearby
- A community where people still live and work
- A quiet rhythm of everyday life
As an island closely connected to Onomichi, Mukaishima provides an accessible gateway to island living.
For those considering relocating to the Shimanami Kaido area, it may be one of the easiest islands to start a new life.
At Retro Real Estate, we introduce properties while also sharing the atmosphere and lifestyle of islands like Mukaishima.
If you are interested, we encourage you to visit the island and experience it for yourself.