Plan Your Sagi Island Walk Around Its 3 Ports
Sagi Island (Sagishima), off the coast of Mihara in Hiroshima Prefecture, is reached by boat and explored at your own pace by linking its seaside settlements, fields, and shores.
Because no bridge connects the island to the mainland, every visit begins and ends at a port, so the basic approach is to work backward from your return boat.
Routes Differ at Sagi, Mukōta, and Sunoue Ports
The island has Sagi Port, Mukōta Port, and Sunoue Port, each served by routes connecting toward Mihara, Sunami, Onomichi, Ikuchijima, and Innoshima.
Even boats bound for the same Sagi Island may arrive at different ports, so check not only the outbound port name but also the combination of port and service you will use on the return trip.
Some services skip certain stops, so do not assume you can board simply by moving to a port that looks nearby on the map; prioritize the operator's timetable.
Explore One Area on Foot or Follow the Island Perimeter by Bicycle
For a walking trip, it is manageable to focus on one area from a port, such as the stone Jizō and Tōnomine near Mukōta Port or Ōnoura Beach near Sagi Port.
A bicycle lets you connect districts along the island perimeter, but slopes, curves, and summer heat mean you need extra time for photos and breaks.
Do not judge by distance alone; plan for slopes, headwinds, summer heat, and the boat's departure time together.
The Island Is Also a Place Where People Live
Seaside roads and narrow lanes through the settlements are used by residents for commuting, school, farm work, and travel to the ports.
Do not stand in the middle of the road for photos or enter private land and fields. Greetings and giving way help you quietly share the island's pace.
| Arrival Port | Main Route Direction | Planning Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sagi Port | Toward Mihara and Innoshima | Coast and Sagi district |
| Mukōta Port | Toward Mihara and Sunami | Stone Jizō and Tōnomine |
| Sunoue Port | Toward Onomichi and Setoda | Connection for touring the island |
Start Seaside Cycling with the Facilities at Each Port
If you plan to cycle around Sagi Island, check bicycle-loading conditions before boarding and prepare for small problems on the island.
Mihara City has developed the 3 ports as Sagishima Cycle Stations, with bicycle facilities in waiting rooms and around the ports.
Use the Cycle Stations at All 3 Ports
Mukōta Port has a bicycle rack, table, benches, and an air pump inside the waiting room.
Sagi Port has benches and an air pump in the waiting room, as well as an existing bicycle rack.
Sunoue Port has a bicycle rack, benches, and an air pump in the waiting room, making it useful for inspections before departure and before returning to the port.
Check Whether You Can Take Your Bicycle on the Boat
Passenger boats, high-speed boats, and ferries do not necessarily have the same rules for whether bicycles may be carried, the fee, or the number accepted.
Because handling may also change with congestion or vessel type, confirm in advance with the operator of your service and follow the crew's instructions when securing the bicycle.
If you use a bicycle bag, pack it small enough not to block the aisle or boarding area, and arrive at the port with time to spare instead of just before departure.
Watch Your Surroundings, Not Your Speed, Along the Coast
Even on open, scenic stretches, a car or farm vehicle may come around the next curve.
Do not ride side by side on narrow roads or gain speed downhill. When you see pedestrians or residents' vehicles, form a single line and yield in a safe place.
Do not assume that supplies or shops will be available on the island; bring your own water, snacks, repair items, and a trash bag.
| Port | Main Facilities | When to Use Them |
|---|---|---|
| Mukōta Port | Rack and air pump | Departure preparation and rest |
| Sagi Port | Bench and air pump | Inspection on the coastal side |
| Sunoue Port | Rack and air pump | Organizing before boarding |
See the Tides at the Rock-Carved Magai Warei Ishi Jizō
Near Mukōta Port, Magai Warei Ishi Jizō is a seated Jizō statue carved directly into a huge seaside rock.
Beyond its form and inscribed prayer, the site itself—where the visible portion changes with the tide—shows the link between Sagi Island's sea and faith.
A Stone Buddha Bearing a 1300 Inscription
The figure is set within a recessed boat-shaped outline at the center of the boulder and depicts Jizō seated on a lotus pedestal.
It holds a khakkhara staff in the right hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel in the left. Vases and a prayer are carved on both sides, along with inscriptions for the 2nd year of Shōan (1300) and the Buddhist sculptor Nenshin.
Because it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture, observe it from a distance without touching the rock surface or tracing the inscriptions.
Its Appearance Changes at Low and High Tide
At low tide the statue's full body appears, while at high tide seawater reaches near its face.
Tide levels change daily, so if you want to see a particular appearance, check tide information from the Japan Meteorological Agency or another source and view it from a safe place rather than climbing down over the rocks.
Wet rocks and seaweed are slippery, and waves or boat wakes may arrive. When taking photos, do not look only at the screen; secure your footing and a safe route back.
Follow Community Tree Planting and Sea Views at Tōnomine Senbonzakura
Cherry trees have been planted on Tōnomine, within walking distance of Mukōta Port, and the loop trail and high ground offer views of the sea.
Rather than treating it only as a flower-viewing spot, walk with the awareness that the community has continued planting and caring for trees to beautify the island, revealing the background of the landscape.
Tree-Planting Activities Continuing Since 1992
The cherry trees on Tōnomine have been planted through community activities since 1992 (Heisei 4).
These planting and tree-growing efforts were recognized with the Forestry Agency Director-General's Award in the National Forest Nurturing Activities Contest.
When the trees are in full bloom, the loop trail resembles a pink tunnel, but flowering varies with the weather, so check blooming conditions before your visit.
Do not touch flowers or branches, stay on the path to avoid compacting the soil around roots, and during busy periods do not spread a tripod across the walkway.
Connect the View from the Port to the Heights
Tōnomine is about a 15-minute walk from Mukōta Port, letting you experience in a short route the change from stepping off the boat to reaching high ground overlooking the sea and settlement.
Do not rush only toward the summit. On the way up, look back as the port and sea gradually open into view; on the way down, focus on your footing.
Read the Terrain Outside the Flowering Season
Even when the cherry trees are not blooming, the hillside, coastline, Mukōta settlement, and layers of islands show how the port forms the center of daily life.
Bring a hat and a drink for stretches with little shade, and decide not to force a climb to the heights in rain or strong winds.
See Film History and a Natural Shore at Ōnoura Beach and Sukunejima
Ōnoura Beach in the Sagi district lets you see the sandy shore and a small offshore island together as you walk by the sea.
By looking beyond water play and considering both natural-coast conservation and the memory of a film, you can appreciate the coastal landscape from different angles.
Protect the Beach in the Natural Coastal Conservation Area
Ōnoura Beach is designated as the Sagi-Ōnoura Natural Coastal Conservation Area and is about a 10-minute walk from Sagi Port.
On the beach, watch for driftwood and other debris underfoot, take your trash home, and do not step into areas with coastal plants.
Check the swimming season, supervision, and operation of facilities. Do not assume you may enter the sea when there is no notice that the beach is open for swimming.
View Sukunejima from Boats and the Shore
Visible offshore from Ōnoura Beach, Sukunejima is a small island shaped like an upside-down bowl and is introduced as a filming location for director Kaneto Shindō's movie The Naked Island.
There is no scheduled boat that lands on Sukunejima, so view it from the shores of Sagi Island or from a boat traveling from Mihara Port to Sagi Port.
Do not assume you can arrange a private boat and land there; at sea, prioritize scheduled routes and safety management.
Combine Boat Times and Island Activities into One Plan
On Sagi Island, it is important to confirm your round-trip route for the day before considering the opening hours of individual attractions.
Routes and timetables may change, so check the information from the operator you will use.
Check Outbound and Return Trips Separately
Using the same port for both trips is straightforward, but you can also cross the island on foot or by bicycle and return from a different port.
For a plan using different ports, allow for travel time, slopes, breaks, and wrong turns, and aim for a service with plenty of margin rather than the last boat.
If bad weather or inspections cause changes, shorten your island plans and prioritize notices at the port and guidance from the operator.
Plan Shopping and Trash Disposal from the Mainland
Because island shops may not always be open, prepare drinking water and necessary food before boarding.
Bring a small bag with the expectation that you will leave no packaging or empty containers on the island and carry them back to the mainland.
Adjust Safety Measures by Season
In summer, heat builds along the coast where shade is limited; in spring and autumn, wind direction changes both the perceived temperature and how easily a bicycle moves.
Recheck the weather, wind, tide level, and sunset before departure. If your condition or the boat situation is uncertain, switch from circling the island to a walk around the port.
| Before Departure | On the Island | Before Returning to Port |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm round-trip services | Check remaining time | Recheck the port name |
| Prepare water and snacks | Carry your trash | Organize your belongings |
| Check wind and tides | Shorten the route if needed | Reach the waiting room early |
Summary | Explore Sagi Island Slowly with Its Ports and Sea as Your Guide
Sagi Island links 3 ports, the tide-changing Magai Warei Ishi Jizō, community-grown cherry trees at Tōnomine, a natural shoreline, and views of Sukunejima by foot or bicycle.
By bicycle, use the cycle stations at the ports and slow down on residential roads; on foot, focus on one district to avoid missing the island's details.
On the day of your visit, check your route, ports of call, and timetable, and enjoy the island's pace within the time available for wind, tides, sunset, and your return boat.
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