Inazumi Island is a small island floating in Susami Bay in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a circumference of approximately one kilometer, this small island is one of the area’s most distinctive scenic attractions.
Although modest in size, Inazumi Island is surrounded by rich natural vegetation, ancient legends, and a sense of mystery. Located directly offshore from Susami Beach, it provides a beautiful backdrop to the calm waters of the bay and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Susami.
The island is also deeply connected with local mythology. According to tradition, its name comes from the legendary eastern expedition of Emperor Jimmu. It is said that local people piled rice on the island and offered it as food during the expedition, giving rise to the name “Inazumi,” meaning a place where rice was piled.
Because of its sacred associations, the island has long been treated with respect by local communities and continues to be regarded as a special place today.
Inazumi Island was designated a National Natural Monument in 1971 as the “Warm-Climate Vegetation Community of Inazumi Island.” The island supports a remarkable variety of plants adapted to the warm climate of southern Wakayama, including subtropical species that are uncommon elsewhere on the Japanese mainland.
On the northern side of the island, evergreen broadleaf forest dominated by sudajii chinquapin trees creates a dense green landscape. The southern side features steep rocky slopes where ubamegashi ubame oak and other warm-climate plants grow.
Vining plants such as sakanakazura wind through the trees, giving parts of the island the appearance of a subtropical forest. The combination of dense vegetation, cliffs, and the surrounding sea creates a landscape that feels surprisingly tropical despite the island’s location on the main island of Honshu.
One of the plants historically associated with Inazumi Island is the impressive Ootaniwatari bird’s-nest fern. The island was once known as the northernmost natural habitat of this species on Honshu.
However, excessive collecting and other environmental pressures caused the plant to disappear from the island for a period of time. Local conservation efforts have since been undertaken to protect and restore the species.
The island’s rich vegetation is closely connected to its history as a sacred place. Because local communities traditionally treated the island with reverence, its natural environment was protected from extensive development.
Small sacred sites, including the Sanno Oji Shrine and Benten-gu Shrine, are found on the island. Benten is traditionally associated with protection, water, music, and prosperity, and the shrine has also been revered by local fishing communities.
Inazumi Island also attracted the attention of Minakata Kumagusu, the internationally known Japanese naturalist, folklorist, and scholar of the natural sciences.
Kumagusu documented the island’s dense vegetation and mysterious atmosphere in his writings. He was particularly interested in the relationship between the island’s natural environment and the local customs that protected its plants and trees.
A local tradition warns that taking stones, plants, or other natural objects from the island will bring misfortune. Such beliefs helped discourage people from removing materials from the island and contributed to the preservation of its natural environment.
For centuries, spiritual beliefs and respect for the island’s sacred character effectively served as a form of environmental conservation. Today, Inazumi Island provides an intriguing example of how traditional Japanese religious culture and the protection of nature can be closely connected.
Inazumi Island is famous not only for its natural environment and legends but also for its spectacular sunset views.
From Susami Beach, visitors can watch the sun slowly descend over the Pacific Ocean, with the silhouette of Inazumi Island standing against the glowing sky.
This beautiful scene has been selected as one of the 100 Best Sunrise and Sunset Views in Wakayama Prefecture. Around sunset, the sky gradually changes from orange to deep red and purple, while the surface of the sea reflects the warm evening light.
The peaceful atmosphere is especially appealing in the late afternoon. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the beach and watch the changing colors of the sky and ocean.
The island has a different character at different times of day. During daylight hours, its lush green vegetation and blue surroundings create a refreshing coastal landscape. At sunset, the same island becomes a dark silhouette against the glowing Pacific, creating a much more tranquil and atmospheric scene.
Susami Beach, located directly opposite Inazumi Island, is a popular seaside destination known for its relatively calm waters.
Because the beach is located inside Susami Bay, the waves are generally gentler than those on the open coast, making it a popular choice for families with young children.
Visitors can enjoy swimming as well as marine activities such as SUP and kayaking. While enjoying these activities, they can also admire the beautiful view of Inazumi Island just offshore.
In the evening, the combination of sea, island, and sunset creates one of Susami’s most memorable coastal landscapes. The beach is therefore also a popular location for photography.
Inazumi Island is much more than a small scenic island. Its history combines ancient mythology, local religious traditions, rare vegetation, and the maritime culture of Susami.
The legend of Emperor Jimmu gives the island a connection to Japan’s ancient mythical traditions, while the Sanno Oji and Benten shrines reflect centuries of local worship. The National Natural Monument designation highlights the exceptional value of its warm-climate vegetation, and the writings of Minakata Kumagusu add another fascinating layer to its history.
At the same time, the island remains closely connected with everyday tourism in Susami. Its location opposite Susami Beach makes it easy to enjoy as part of a relaxing coastal visit, while the sunset views provide an especially beautiful reason to stay until evening.
By public transportation: Approximately a 3-minute walk from JR Susami Station.
By car: Approximately 10 minutes from Susami Interchange on the Kisei Expressway via National Route 42.
Inazumi Island is one of the places where the distinctive character of Susami can be experienced in a single landscape. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and rich greenery, the island preserves stories of ancient legends, local faith, and traditional respect for nature.
Combining a visit to Inazumi Island and Susami Beach is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty of southern Wakayama. Whether you visit during the day to admire the lush coastal scenery or in the evening to watch the sunset, this small sacred island offers a peaceful and memorable experience.