Etajima, Naval education island in Hiroshima Bay, Japan
Etajima is a Y-shaped island in Hiroshima Bay with an area of about 91 square kilometers and a maximum elevation of 542 meters at Mount Uneyama. The island's varied terrain features rolling green hills and deep bays that shape its natural character.
The Imperial Japanese Naval Academy relocated to Etajima in 1888, establishing a long tradition of maritime education on the island. This background as a training center has shaped the island's development and identity.
The naval academy shapes daily life on the island, and its presence defines much of how residents and visitors experience the place throughout the year.
The island connects to Honshu via the Hayase Ohashi bridge, which opened in 1973, while regular ferries link it to Hiroshima, Kure, and Matsuyama. Getting around offers flexible options depending on where you're coming from.
The island is known for its olive plantations and oyster farming in Edashima Bay, which are maintained as regional specialties. These agricultural activities give the area a distinct character beyond its maritime past.
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