Ibuki Island: A Fishing Island That Produces Japan's Finest Iriko

Ibuki Island, floating in the Hiuchi-nada sea about 10 kilometers offshore from Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a small island only about 6 kilometers in circumference, yet highly regarded by chefs and dashi (broth) artisans nationwide as a production area for Japan's highest quality iriko (dried sardines). Essential to the dashi of Sanuki udon, Ibuki iriko yields a fragrant, clean-tasting broth prized by cooks. Life on the island revolves entirely around iriko fishing, and the simple, warm atmosphere of a Seto Inland Sea fishing town remains vivid today.

Highlights: Making Ibuki Iriko, Where Freshness Is Everything

The secret behind Ibuki iriko being regarded as Japan's finest lies in thorough freshness management. Because the fishing grounds lie in the waters right around the island, freshly netted Japanese anchovies (katakuchi-iwashi) are carried to the processing plant in a very short time, then immediately boiled and dried. This extremely short interval from catch to processing preserves freshness and produces refined iriko free of off-flavors. At the height of the summer iriko season, the whole island buzzes with activity and the savory aroma of drying sardines drifts from the processing plants. With its concentrated umami, Ibuki iriko is the heart of Sanuki udon flavor and is said to be delicious eaten on its own.

Alleys of the Port Town and Iriko-an

Ibuki Island's settlement is characterized by houses packed densely along steep slopes, with narrow lanes weaving like a maze. Walking up and down the slopes evokes the nostalgic life of a fishing town. The island has facilities such as Iriko-an, a rest and exchange space repurposed from a former elementary school, and as one of the Setouchi Triennale venues it radiates a distinctive charm where art and island scenery blend together. From the higher ground you can take in a grand panorama of the Hiuchi-nada sea and enjoy the sunset over the Seto Inland Sea.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Early summer through summer, when iriko fishing takes place, is when the island is most lively and you can feel its iriko culture firsthand. The mild Seto Inland Sea climate makes the island easy to visit year-round for relaxed island time. In Setouchi Triennale years, artworks are displayed on the island and it bustles with many visitors.

Getting There & Basic Information

From JR Kanonji Station on the Yosan Line, travel to Kanonji Port, then take the scheduled boat to Ibuki Island (Maura Port), about 25 minutes. Departures are limited, so always check the timetable in advance. The island has many slopes and narrow lanes, so exploring on foot is the norm. Restaurants and shops are limited, so bring what you need. A day trip is plenty, but staying to watch the Seto Inland Sea sunset is also lovely.

Practical Travel Notes

• The scheduled boat has few departures; missing the last boat risks being stranded on the island, so always confirm round-trip times.
• The island has many steep slopes and stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Restaurants, shops, and vending machines are limited; bringing drinks and light snacks is wise.
• Boats may be cancelled due to weather or sea conditions, so check the operating status in rough weather.
• Availability of iriko for sale or as souvenirs varies by season and shop, so confirm in advance if you wish to buy.
• In Triennale years there may be crowds and extra boat services, so check official information.

A Word of Advice

Ibuki Island lets you experience simple fishing-town life and Japan's finest iriko culture. Plan around the boat timetable, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the narrow lanes and the views from the high ground. Bringing drinks and snacks makes the relaxed island time more comfortable. (TabiTabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

The timetable of the regular boat linking Kanonji Port and Ibukijima (Maura Port) can be checked in the public information of the operator and Kanonji City. For the Ibuki iriko regarded as Japan's finest and the Iriko-an rest facility repurposed from a former elementary school, the tourism guidance of Kanonji City and Kagawa Prefecture is helpful. Information on the Setouchi Triennale is announced on the festival's official website. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About half a day for a stroll around the island; allow a bit more if you stay for the sunset.
• What to bring: The island has steep slopes and narrow alleys, so comfortable shoes are essential. Eateries, shops, and vending machines are limited, so bring drinks and snacks.
• Suggested route: From Maura Port, wander the village alleys up and down to spots such as Iriko-an, then take in the Hiuchi-nada panorama from the heights.
• Boat times: The regular boat has few departures, and missing the last one leaves you stranded, so always confirm the round-trip schedule.