Shinojima island, Fishing island in Minamichita, Japan
Shinojima is a small rocky island located in Mikawa Bay on Japan's Pacific coast. The terrain is uneven with granite outcrops and reefs surrounding the shoreline, shaped by both geology and human activity over time.
Human settlement on this island dates back to the Jomon period around 9000 years ago, as evidenced by pottery fragments found there. Later, granite from the island was quarried and used in the construction of Nagoya Castle.
Three times per year, the island maintains a tradition of preparing 508 salted sea bream for dedication at religious ceremonies.
You can reach the island by jetfoil from Morozaki Port or by train to Meitetsu Kowa Station followed by a bus to Kowa Port. Services are limited, and the facilities on the island are basic, so plan accordingly for a day visit.
A massive granite boulder known as Kiyomasa's pillow stone remained on the island after quarrying operations and could not be moved. This oddly abandoned rock is now a curious remnant from the castle-building era.
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