Kashiwajima – A Hidden Paradise in Southwestern Kochi

What is Kashiwajima island？

Photos courtesy of Kochi Prefecture Tourism Convention Association (写真提供：(公財)高知県観光コンベンション協会)

Kashiwajima is a small island, only 4 kilometers in circumference, located at the very tip of the Otsuki Peninsula in southwestern Kochi Prefecture.

From Kochi City, it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car. The route follows a scenic coastal road, where the Pacific Ocean sparkles under the sunlight. As you pass through quiet fishing villages and winding headlands, the drive itself becomes part of the journey. Then, after a short tunnel, the view suddenly opens—revealing a breathtaking stretch of crystal-clear, emerald-green sea.

The most striking feature of Kashiwajima is its stunningly transparent water. On a calm day, visibility can reach up to 40 meters, with an average of 20 meters year-round. The clarity is so remarkable that boats anchored offshore appear to be floating in the air—a sight that has made the island famous on social media.

Photos courtesy of Kochi Prefecture Tourism Convention Association  (写真提供：(公財)高知県観光コンベンション協会)

The sea here owes its color and purity to several factors:

Kashiwajima is also home to about one-third of all fish species found in Japan. Coral reefs flourish along the northern coast, and tropical fish in brilliant colors move among them. Divers from all over the world come to explore this underwater paradise, making it one of Japan’s top diving destinations. Even beginners can join guided courses offered by local dive shops.

Things to Do in Kashiwajima, Kochi

Enjoy Marine Activities

Kashiwajima is a hub for marine leisure. You can swim on white sandy beaches, snorkel among colorful fish, or dive to explore coral reefs. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and glass-bottom boat tours are also popular options.

For diving and snorkeling, equipment rentals are available with advance reservation, making it easy for both beginners and families to enjoy the water. Many shops offer trial diving courses, and you can even obtain a full diving license during your stay. The meeting of the Kuroshio Current and the Bungo Channel creates an environment where a wide variety of marine life can be observed in one location.

Rock Fishing at a Movie Location

While known for its diving, Kashiwajima is also a prime spot for rock fishing. It even appeared as a filming location in the popular Japanese movie Tsuribaka Nisshi. Around the island, you’ll find fishing points ranging from calm coastal rocks to more challenging offshore areas, where you can target large species like striped beakfish, black porgy, and grunt.

Taste the Local Seafood

Fresh seafood is one of the highlights of visiting Kashiwajima.

Uogokoro – A restaurant serving fisherman-style dishes, especially fresh sea bream. Address: 1096-2 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town.

Uogokoro – Details

Address: 1096-2 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Tel: +81-880-76-0077
Hours: 11:30 – 15:00 (Reservations required after 15:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (Closed on other days in case of bad weather)

Michi-no-Eki Otsuki – A roadside station where you can buy fresh seafood at the market and have it prepared into a set meal at the restaurant upstairs.

Michi-no-Eki Otsuki – Details

Address: 2610 Hiromi, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0302, Japan

Tel: +81-880-73-1610
Hours:
・Shop: 8:30 – 17:00
・Market: 8:30 – 18:00

Closed: Shop & Market – From the afternoon of December 31 to January 2

Official Website: https://www.furepa.jp/

Try Tokoroten, Kochi Style

Tokoroten is a jelly-like noodle made from seaweed. In many parts of Japan, it is eaten sweet with syrup, but in Kochi it is served savory, with bonito broth. Try it at Okonomi Kimi, where the seaweed used is dried in the sun just outside the shop.

Okonomi Kimi – Details

Address: 149-2 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Tel: +81-880-76-0453
Hours: 9:30 – around 18:00
Closed: Irregular holidays

Diving in Kashiwajima

Located where the Kuroshio Current meets the Bungo Channel, Kashiwajima is home to an extraordinary variety of fish species, making it especially popular for diving and snorkeling.

In addition to its beautiful coral reefs, lucky visitors may even encounter sea turtles. During peak seasons, reservations at local dive shops can be difficult to secure.

If you come to Kashiwajima, diving or snorkeling is something you shouldn’t miss.

Here is an example of a trial diving program offered by AQUAS:

Items to Bring: Swimsuit, towel
Participants: 1 person or more
Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Season: April – November
Eligibility: Ages 10 – 59
Fee: ¥12,800 (tax excluded)

As you can see, all you need is a swimsuit and a towel, making it easy to enjoy diving without special preparation. The reasonable price is also a plus.

One thing to keep in mind: in the summer season, reservations fill up quickly, so be sure to book early. If you plan to enjoy diving or snorkeling in Kashiwajima, make your arrangements in advance and experience this famous scenic spot to the fullest.

Tips for Swimming and Snorkeling

Some areas around Kashiwajima are off-limits for swimming due to strong currents or boat traffic. Always stay within the designated swimming zones marked by buoys, and do not jump from the bridges.

Safe swimming spots include:

・Ryugahama Campground Beach
・Shirahama Beach
・The area near Kashiwajima Bridge

Odoyama Observatory – A Panoramic Viewpoint

Famous as one of the most scenic spots at the far edge of Shikoku, Odoyama Observatory is a must-visit photo spot when traveling to Kashiwajima.

From here, you can enjoy one of the finest panoramic views not only in Kochi but in all of Shikoku. With no mountains blocking the horizon, you can gaze down at both Kashiwajima and Okinoshima in a single sweeping view.

Odoyama Observatory – Details
Address: Issai, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0342, Japan

Camping by the Sea

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Ryugahama Campground is just 30 seconds from the beach. Facilities include showers, BBQ gear, and snorkeling spots rich with fish and crabs. Tent sites accommodate up to six people for a reasonable nightly fee.

Ryugahama Campground – Details

Address: 1001-1 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Reception Hours)
Tel: +81-880-76-0607
Official Website: https://ryugahama-camp.jp/

Stay in a Local Guesthouse

Kashiwajima has no large hotels, but its minshuku (family-run guesthouses) offer warm hospitality and freshly prepared local meals. Popular options include:

Tokuda Ryokan

Known for homestyle cooking with local seafood.

Tokuda Ryokan – Details

Address: 27 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Tel: +81-880-76-0040

Yamatoya

A cozy inn with hearty breakfasts.

Yamatoya Ryokan – Details

Address: 15 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Tel: +81-880-76-0016

Sanbun Inn

Convenient for divers and anglers.

Kashiwajima Ryokan Sanbun – Details
Address: 641-2 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Tel: +81-880-76-0110

Mikamiya

Located on the opposite shore, with relaxing views of the island.

Kashiwajima Umi-no-Yado Mikamiya – Details

Address: 1096-26 Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan
Tel: +81-880-76-0372

Location of Kashiwajima

Address: Kashiwajima, Otsuki Town, Hata District, Kochi Prefecture 788-0343, Japan

Official Website: https://www.town.otsuki.kochi.jp/kanko/info/kashiwajima.php

Access to Kashiwajima

By Public Transport

1. From Kochi Ryoma Airport, take the airport bus to JR Kochi Station.
2. Transfer to JR Dosan Line and Tosa Kuroshio Railway to reach Sukumo Station.
3. Take a bus from Sukumo Station to Otsuki Town (Kashiwajima).

By Car

1. From Kochi City: About 3 hours via Kochi Expressway and National Routes 56 & 321.
2. From Sukumo City: About 45 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Kashiwajima may not be easy to reach, but its beauty makes the journey worthwhile. The clear emerald waters, vibrant marine life, and peaceful surroundings leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits.

When you first see “Kashiwajima Blue,” you may find yourself thinking: I can’t believe this is in Japan.

If you’re planning a trip to Kochi, make time for this hidden paradise—you’ll leave with memories as vivid as the waters themselves.