Innoshima, Former municipal island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Innoshima is a former municipality on an island in the Seto Inland Sea within Hiroshima Prefecture, covering roughly 40 square kilometers. The island sits within the Geiyo Islands chain and connects to nearby landmasses through the Shimanami Kaido bridge system.
From the 14th to 16th centuries, the island served as a base for the Murakami naval clan, which controlled maritime trade and military operations throughout the Seto Inland Sea. Over time, the island became known for producing a legendary Go master whose influence shaped the modern game.
The Honinbo Shusaku Memorial Hall showcases the legacy of a 19th-century Go master who lived here and shaped the game's modern rules. Today you can see how this strategic board game remains important to the local community and its visitors.
You can reach the island by car or bicycle via the Shimanami Kaido bridges, which provide direct links to surrounding areas. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn, when weather is mild and outdoor exploration is most enjoyable.
The Innoshima Suigun Castle museum displays weapons and armor from the Murakami clan era, and visitors can try on authentic samurai gear for photographs. This hands-on experience offers a direct connection to the island's seafaring warrior past.
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