Inujima (犬島) is an island in the Seto Inland Sea and is part of Japan.
The name Inujima means "dog island". The island was named after a 3.6-m-high rock that looks like a dog. According to a legend, while traveling, the poet Sugawara no Michizane heard the call of a dog in the distance and was saved when he reached the island.
The island comprises 133 acres and has less than 100 full time residents.
During the feudal age (1185-1603), the island was used as a source of granite to construct castles, including those in Osaka and Okayama.
In 1909, a copper refinery was opened and the population of the island increased to over 1,000 people. However, copper prices plummeted soon afterwards, and the refinery was permanently shut down in 1919.
In 2008, the ruins of the refinery were converted into the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum.
From Okayama, take a train to Saidaiji Station (20 minutes, ¥240). Then take a Ryobi Bus in the direction of Higashi Hoden (東宝伝), and get off at Nishi Hoden (西宝伝) (55 minutes, ¥510). Then take a ferry to Inujima (10 minutes, ¥300). Ferry schedules are available online (dead link: January 2023).
Inujima can also be reached via ferry from Naoshima (55 minutes, ¥1,850) and Teshima (25 minutes, ¥1,230). Check the ferry schedules online.
The island must be traversed on foot. Maps are available online. A guide to the island is also available online
During the summer, the island is a popular place for swimming, camping, and kayaking.
There are often mini-festivals and other special events related to art at various times.
There are a few small cafes near the port.
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