The World Of Laputa - Tomogashima Island In Wakayama

Laputa: Castle in the Sky is a popular animated film by Studio Ghibli that is run time and time again on Japanese television. There is an uninhabited island in Wakayama prefecture where you can feel as if you are in the world of "Laputa: Castle in the Sky". That island is Tomogashima.

How to Get to Tomogashima

The only way to reach Tomogashima is by ferry, so first you'll have to go to Kada Port in Wakayama city of Wakayama prefecture. To get to Kada Port from the central Wakayama city, you will have to use the Nankai Kada Line from Wakayamashi station to Kada station. The port is a 15 minute walk from there, and you will find direction boards nearby.

You will purchase tickets here. You won't be able to board once the ferry has reached its capacity so we recommend arriving here early. The fare is 2000 yen for a round-trip for adults and 1000 yen for children.

You should check out the time schedule beforehand.

Arriving at Tomogashima

After about a 20 minute ride on the ferry you will reach Tomogashima. The calm waves and gentle breeze feel pleasant and there is a peaceful atmosphere on the island.

There are tables and benches near the port, so you can take a break here and plan your trip around Tomogashima as well.

Visit the Ruins: The Third Battery Of The Imperial Japanese Army

The most well-known area even within Tomogashima is the Third Battery. It's a popular spot because it's so well-maintained and also because you can enter inside. The battery is located here on Tomogashima because this place was used by the Imperial Japanese Army. A fortress and batteries were built here by 1888. It was a very important place for the Imperial Japanese Army, and was off limits to the general public until the end of World War II.

The inside looks like this. In reality it's much darker and you might have trouble walking around without a flashlight in some places. The light from your phone will do, but make sure to prepare some kind of light before going.

This is a map of the whole site. You'll need about 30 minutes if you're going to take your time looking around.

There are some bright lit areas as well. The inside is like a maze so be careful not to get lost.

To the Observatory

From the observatory you will be able to overlook this beautiful view. However it's a long uphill walk, so trying to get there in sandals can be dangerous. You should head to the observatory in sneakers or other shoes that are easy to walk in. There is no where to purchase food on the island, so many people buy their lunches before getting on the ferry and then bring them here to enjoy.

Many Other Attractions

Other than the Laputa-like Third Battery, there are numerous batteries on the island. If you are a ruin-lover or want to experience the history here, we recommend you stop by.

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Information

Tomogashima (Okinoshima)

Address: Wakayama, Wakayama, Okinoshima
Hours: Last Ferry from Tomogashima 16:30 (March-November 30) / Last Ferry from Tomogashima 15:30 (December 29-End of February)
Closed: -
Wi-Fi: -
Credit Cards:
Languages: -
Menus/Pamphlets in Other Languages: -
Nearest Station: Kada station (加太駅), Nankai Kada Line
Access: 15 minute walk from Kada station to Kada Port, 20 minutes by ferry from Kada Port
Price Range/Entrance Fee: Adult Round-Trip 2000 yen / Child Round-Trip 1000 yen
Religious Considerations: -
Phone Number: +81-73-435-1234
Website: Tomogashima
All pictures from PIXTA