Noshima, Desert island in Imabari, Japan
Noshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea near Imabari with the remains of a medieval castle. The ruins are surrounded by forest and sit directly along the shoreline.
The island was home to Noshima Castle in the medieval period and served as a base for the Murakami seafaring clan. This group controlled trade routes and waters throughout the region for generations.
The name refers to its position in the Seto Inland Sea, reflecting its historical role as a maritime outpost. Visitors can observe how the ruins tell the story of a seafaring community that once controlled these waters.
The island is only accessible by chartered boat from Miyakubo Port on nearby Oshima Island. Visitors should prepare for rough terrain and wear appropriate footwear for forest and rocky coastline.
The island received designation as a historic site and joined a Japanese cultural heritage collection recognizing its importance. This protection preserves both the castle remnants and the surrounding marine environment from disturbance.
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