Ganryujima Island (巌流島) is an island floating between Shimonoseki City (下関市), Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県) and Kitakyushu City (北九州市), Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県). It is known as the place where two great swordsmen, Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵) and Sasaki Kojiro(佐々木小次郎) once fought a duel. The duel was won by Musashi, and the island became known as Ganryujima after the defeated Kojiro’s sword style, “Ganryu (巌流)”.
Ganryujima Island is now uninhabited, but there are walking trails, rest areas, and restrooms. On the other hand, there are no restaurants or vending machines on the island, so be careful.
Attractions
Ferry to Ganryujima Island
It takes about 10 minutes by ferry from Shimonoseki to Ganryujima Island. During that time, from the ferry, you can see the aquarium “Kaikyokan (海響館)” in Shimonoseki, the Kanmon Kaikyo Bridge (関門海峡大橋) that connects Honshu and Kyushu, and the view of Moji Port (門司港) in Kitakyushu City. It’s so nice to enjoy those views while feeling the breeze on the deck of the ferry.
When the ferry arrives at Ganryujima Island, go through the gate and start exploring the island.
Funashima Shrine (舟島神社)
About a 1-minute walk from the pier of Ganryujima Island is Funajima Shrine, the only shrine on this island. After passing through the torii gate, two sacred stone monuments are enshrined. The one on the left is the god who protects the land, and the one on the right is the god who protects the water and sea. In this way, people in the past probably prayed for the safety of the island by worshiping the gods who are in charge of nature.
Sasaki Ganryu Monument (佐々木巌流之碑)
This stone monument is located a little further back on Ganryujima Island, and it seems to be standing quietly. It was erected to commemorate the completion of land reclamation on the island, and it is said that there was once a stone that was said to be Kojiro’s grave.
Ganryujima Literary Monument (巌流島文学碑)
The monument, which is designed to look like a boat, is engraved with images of Musashi and Kojiro, as well as a passage from a novel about Sasaki Kojiro. You can also see the Kanmon Kaikyo Bridge across the sea from here. The view of this monument and the Kanmon Kaikyo Bridge at the same time is perfect for photos.
Walkway
There is a promenade from the pier of Ganryujima Island. Enjoying the view spots while leisurely walking along the seaside promenade is recommended. There are a restroom and rest points along the promenade so take a break when you feel a little tired.
Also, on Ganryu Island, there are maintenance hatch called as “Poke Futa” with a picture of a Pokemon on it. If you like Pokemon, please look for them.
Statue of Musashi and Kojiro
The main spot on Ganryujima Island is this statue of the duel between Musashi and Kojiro. The statue on the right brandishing a sword is Musashi, and the statue on the left fighting back from the ground is Kojiro. The winner of this duel is Musashi, but Ganryujima is named after the school of Kojiro, who lost.
The statue of the duel is placed on a small hill, so it’s nice to see the duel from various angles. There is also a picture scroll of the history of Ganryujima Island nearby, so it would be a good idea to check it out as well.
Tenma boat (伝馬船)
Tenma boat here is a reproduction of the Tenma boat that Musashi used when he crossed to Ganryujima Island at the time. When you look at this ship, it’s easy to imagine the situation at the time.
Access
You can access Ganryujima Island by ferry from Karato Pier (唐戸桟橋) at Shimonoseki.
Purchasing a ticket for the ferry to Ganryujima Island
Purchase a ticket for the ferry to Ganryu Island at Karato Terminal (唐戸ターミナル). Ferries to Ganryujima Island depart from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture or Moji in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Fee
Adult : 900 yen
Child : 450 yen
※Ferry tickets are available for the following four routes, all of which are priced similarly.
1. Shimonoseki → Ganryujima Island → Shimonoseki
2. Moji → Ganryujima Island → Moji
3. Shimonoseki → Ganryujima Island → Moji
4. Moji → Ganryujima Island → Shimonoseki
※Arrivals and departures from Moji Port are only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
To the ferry terminal
The ferry from Shimonoseki to Ganryujima Island departs from Karato Pier (唐戸桟橋). Karato Pier is right across from Karato Terminal, so after purchasing your ticket, head towards there.
Take the ferry to Ganryujima Island
Take the ferry to Ganryujima Island. It takes approximately 10 minutes. You can see the cityscape and sightseeing spots of Shimonoseki from the ferry.
After enjoying a 10-minute sightseeing tour, you will arrive at Ganryujima Island.
Summary
Ganryujima Island, floating in the Kanmon Strait, is the site of a famous duel in Japanese history. The statue of the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro clearly reflects the situation at the time. It’s easily accessible, taking about 10 minutes by ferry from Shimonoseki, so it’s a must-visit place when you visit to Shimonoseki for sightseeing.
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