Etajima


Etajima, also called, Nomijima, Nomi Island, or is an island in Hiroshima Bay located in southwestern Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The mess with island name originates from the ancient strait at now town Ōgaki-chō Hitonose.

Geography

The island is roughly Y-shaped, with the former Nōmi occupying center, the Okimi - north-western branch, Etajima - north-eastern branch, and Ōgaki - the southern branch. The island's highest peak, mount 宇根山 high, is located on the western edge of Nōmi town.

Transportation

Since 1973, the island is connected to the Japanese mainland of Honshu by the bridge passing through the Kurahashi-jima island. The island is served by the national route 487. Also, ferries are available from the cities of Hiroshima and Kure on Honshu island and Matsuyama on Shikoku island.

History

The Imperial Japanese Naval Academy was moved to Etajima Island in 1888. While the academy still exists under the name Naval Academy Etajima, modern Etajima focuses rather on olive cultivation and fish hatcheries in Etajima Bay north of the island.