Innoshima Suigun Castle 因島水軍城

The original castle on Innoshima is believed to have been little more than a shelter from rough seas and bad weather. The current buildings comprising Innoshima Suigun Castle, constructed in 1983, are far more grandiose. But while the structure is contemporary, the artifacts held inside the castle's museum map out a long, rich history.

Innoshima Suigun Castle is accessible by car and bus. You can also get there by rental bicycle.

Take the bus from Onomichi Station for Innoshima Habu Port. Get off at the Kanamebashi stop and transfer to the bus headed toward Ohama. The Innoshima Suigun Castle stop is about a 10-minute walk away from the main buildings.

If you are driving, the nearest interchange is Innoshimakita. From there, the castle is just a few minutes away. By bicycle, it takes about 40 minutes from the port of Tono.

Innoshima was once the home of the Murakami Kaizoku, a dominant naval force that existed outside the control of the local shogunate. At the castle and museum, you can learn about their long, bloody history and why many in the area feared them. You can also take in the views of the sea while you are there.