Kasado Island: A Seto Inland Sea Island Famous for Natural Flounder Aquaculture

Kasado Island, connected to the mainland by the Kasado Bridge in Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a nature-rich island surrounded by the highly transparent Seto Inland Sea. It takes pride in fresh seafood, above all the local Kasado flounder, and in the calm, scenic Seto Inland Sea. The ease of access, crossing casually by bridge, is another draw, making it a Seto Inland Sea resort island for driving, cycling, and food.

Highlights

The signature of Kasado Island is Kasado flounder. Raised in clean seas, the flounder is thick and firm with an exquisite, refined sweetness. At island eateries you can enjoy fresh flounder sashimi and a variety of flounder dishes. Events promoting flounder are popular, and the island is known as a gourmet island where you can fully savor the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea.

Kasado Island is dotted with spots to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Natural highlights abound, from the white-sand beach at Kasado Island Family Travel Village to coastlines strung with unusual rocks. Promenades and cycling roads are maintained on the island, so you can stroll or cycle while looking out over the sea. Kasado Island is also known as an island of beautiful sunsets, and the trail of sunset light stretching from Yuhi Cape toward Hanaguri Rock is an unforgettable view.

Seasonal Highlights

Sea bathing is best in summer, and flounder is especially delicious in the cold season. The mild weather of spring and autumn is ideal for strolling and cycling. In summer the beach at the Family Travel Village bustles with swimming and camping, wrapping the whole island in an active mood. In winter the air is clear, and the calm Seto Inland Sea and the sunset feel all the more beautiful. Island nature can be enjoyed through all four seasons.

Access and Basic Information

Reach the island by crossing the Kasado Bridge by car from JR Sanyo Line Kudamatsu Station. Buses also run from Kudamatsu Station. Because it is connected by bridge, access from the mainland is easy, and with a car you can move around the island smoothly. Restaurants and facilities may change their operating status by season or day of the week, so if you visit for flounder cuisine, checking open days in advance is reassuring.

Practical Travel Notes

Kasado Island is best covered efficiently by basing your trip around a car. The island has slopes and undulations, so if you enjoy cycling, an electric-assist bicycle adds comfort. Wild-caught flounder is especially popular, and availability can vary with the season and catch, so if there is a dish you want, confirm in advance. The Family Travel Village offers a beach, camping, and a foot bath, making a convenient base for families and groups. Yuhi Cape is at its best at dusk, so allow time to spare when you visit.

A Word of Advice

The charm of Kasado Island is island time just a little away from the everyday, reached casually by a single bridge. Savoring the signature flounder, cycling along the coast, and losing yourself in the Seto Inland Sea sunset at Yuhi Cape suit a leisurely island trip well. Paired with mainland sightseeing, spend half a day to a full day enjoying the nature and food of a Seto Inland Sea island.

• Contact: Kudamatsu City Tourism Association 0833-45-6911 (9:00-16:30, closed Mondays and Thursdays) / Kasadojima Family Travel Village 0833-52-1001 / Tourist information 0833-52-1222 / Kudamatsu City Aquaculture Center 0833-52-1333

📚 Sources

This article draws on published information from Kudamatsu City and its tourism-related sources, along with guidance on Kasado Island and Kasado flounder. On-site guidance along island trails and facilities was also consulted. Opening hours of lodging and eateries may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about half a day for an island stroll and a meal.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes suit walking the shore and trails.
• Getting around: Reached easily via Kasado Bridge, you can tour the island while taking in Seto Inland Sea views.
• Seasonal appeal: Savoring fresh seafood, including the specialty Kasado flounder, is a highlight.
• Note: The shore is exposed to weather, so dress appropriately for peace of mind.

Practical Information for Your Visit

The following is official information on "Hirameki Park Kasado-jima (Kudamatsu City Aquaculture Center)" on Kasado Island.

• Opening hours: 9:30-16:30
• Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (substitute closing day when these fall on a public holiday)
• Hands-on activities: Feeding the flounder costs 100 yen per capsule of feed. In the touch pool, about 71 square meters in area and one of the largest in Japan, you can touch fish caught in the waters around Kasado Island with your bare hands
• Access: 456-8 Oaza Kasadojima, Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. From Kudamatsu Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, cross the Kasado Ohashi Bridge to the island
• Inquiries: Tourist information 0833-52-1222 / Kudamatsu City Aquaculture Center 0833-52-1333

* Admission fees and parking are not published on the official websites we checked. Direct-sale prices for Kasado hirame (flounder) are not listed here because the figures differ between official websites.

(Sources: Kudamatsu City Tourism Association "Ikuccha! Kudamatsu Tourism Guide", Kudamatsu City Aquaculture Center official website)