Ōmishima Island


Ōmishima Island is the largest island in the Geiyo Islands chain, and the westernmost island on which Japan's Nishiseto Expressway, which links Honshu and Shikoku via a number of islands, runs. It is located in the Seto Inland Sea. The island's highest peak is Washigatozan at an altitude of.

Population

The population as of the 2020 census was 4,963 - 2,299 men, and 2,264 women.

Geography

Ōmishima is kidney-shaped and together with Ōsakikamijima on the west encloses the calm bay of Utena, where the primary seaport of is located. The island's Utena Dam reservoir is the primary freshwater source for Ōmishima itself and the nearby Hakata.

Nature

Originally, the island had many bald mountains and little vegetation. Most of the forests that exist today have been artificially planted since the Meiji period. It is believed that in prehistoric times, the vegetation was dominated by ubame oak, tobira, and camphor trees. Even today, old camphor and ubame oak trees remain at the shrine, and the "Camphor trees of Oyamazumi Shrine" in particular are a group of camphor trees in a primeval forest grove and have been designated a national natural monument.

History

Transportation

Ōmishima is connected to the mainland of Honshu and Shikoku islands by the bridges of the Nishiseto Expressway. A ferry is also available from the island to Ōsakikamijima, Okamura Island and Ōkunoshima. Ōmishima Island is served by the national Route 317.

Attractions

Notable residents