Tsunoshima Island

Famous country, Historical site

Reviews

Prepare to be captivated by Tsunoshima Island, a coastal gem that has become an iconic “Wonder” in Japan.

Name: Tsunoshima Island (角島)

Address: Hohoku-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

How to get there:
Tsunoshima Island is located off the northwest coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, easily accessible from the mainland.

  • By Car (Highly Recommended): This is the most popular and scenic way to reach the island.
    • From the Shimonoseki Interchange on the expressway, it’s about a 1 hour 10-minute drive.
    • The highlight of the drive is crossing the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, a magnificent 1,780-meter-long, toll-free bridge that connects the mainland to Tsunoshima. Driving across this bridge with the cobalt blue sea surrounding you is an experience in itself.
    • There are parking lots available on the island, particularly near the lighthouse.
  • By Train & Bus:
    • Take the JR Sanin Main Line to Kottoi Station or Takibe Station.
    • From these stations, you can take a Blue Line Kotsu bus towards Tsunoshima. The number of buses is limited, so checking the schedule in advance is crucial. You can get off at the Hotel Nishi-Nagato Resort Iriguchi bus stop to view the bridge from the mainland, or continue onto the island and alight at Todai Koen Mae (Lighthouse Park) bus stop.
    • Note: There is no footpath on the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, so walking across it is not advised due to traffic.

Landscape and Architecture:
Tsunoshima Island’s landscape is characterized by its stunning coastal beauty and a few key man-made structures that enhance its natural charm:

  • Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge: This is undoubtedly the island’s most famous “architectural” feature. The 1,780-meter-long bridge is celebrated for its elegant, gentle curve that preserves the natural environment of Hatoshima (an uninhabited island it passes by). It floats gracefully over the “cobalt blue” waters of the Sea of Japan, offering spectacular panoramic views.
  • Beaches: The island boasts beautiful white sandy beaches with incredibly clear, emerald green waters, often described as resembling tropical paradises. Cobalt Blue Beach and Tsunoshima Ohama Beach are popular spots for swimming and relaxation.
  • Tsunoshima Lighthouse (Tsunoshima Todai): Located at the western tip of the island, this is one of Japan’s oldest Western-style lighthouses, built in 1876 by Richard Henry Brunton, known as the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses.” You can climb its 105-step spiral staircase for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. It’s a symbol of the island and offers a fantastic viewpoint, especially at sunset.
  • Rugged Coastline and Greenery: The island’s edges feature rocky coastlines, and much of the interior is covered in trees, giving it a secluded and natural atmosphere. It is part of the Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park, highlighting its preserved natural beauty.
  • Amagase Park: Located on the mainland side of the bridge, this park offers excellent viewpoints for capturing iconic photos of the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge against the backdrop of the sea.

What makes it famous:
Tsunoshima Island’s renown is primarily due to:

  • The Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge: Its stunning beauty and unique design have made it a popular location for filming TV commercials, dramas, and movies, solidifying its status as an iconic landmark and a popular photography spot.
  • Tropical-like Scenery in Temperate Japan: The island’s incredibly clear, blue waters and white sandy beaches give it a surprisingly tropical feel, which is a rare and appealing characteristic for a Japanese island outside of Okinawa.
  • Scenic Drive Experience: Driving across the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge is considered one of Japan’s most spectacular drives, making the journey to the island as much an attraction as the destination itself.
  • The Historic Lighthouse: The Tsunoshima Lighthouse is not only picturesque but also holds historical significance as one of Japan’s early Western-style lighthouses, offering visitors a chance to learn about maritime history and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Seafood and Tranquility: The island offers fresh local seafood and a peaceful, idyllic getaway atmosphere, contrasting with more bustling tourist destinations.

Differences from some other wonders:

  • Dominance of a Man-Made Structure (Bridge) as a Natural Wonder: While many “wonders” are natural formations or ancient architectural marvels, Tsunoshima Island’s fame is inextricably linked to a relatively modern piece of infrastructure – the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge. The bridge isn’t just a means of access; it’s a central part of the island’s celebrated aesthetic and the primary reason for its recognition as a “wonder.”
  • Emphasis on the Journey (Driving) as an Experience: Unlike many destinations where the focus is solely on the arrival, the drive across the Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge is a significant part of the overall “Tsunoshima experience,” a rarity among famous Japanese attractions.
  • “Hidden Gem” to “Internet Sensation”: Tsunoshima was once a relatively isolated fishing community. Its rise to fame as a “wonder” is largely attributed to its visual appeal on social media and its use in commercials, making it a modern example of a destination gaining prominence through contemporary media.
  • Coastal Resort Atmosphere vs. Cultural Immersion: While it has a historical lighthouse, Tsunoshima Island offers more of a relaxed, coastal resort-like atmosphere with beaches and scenic drives, as opposed to the deep historical temples, traditional gardens, or bustling city life found in other Japanese “wonders” like Kyoto or Tokyo.
  • Small Island Scale with Grand Views: It’s a relatively small island, but it offers expansive, panoramic views that feel much grander than its size might suggest, particularly from the lighthouse and along the bridge.