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Ganryu Island
An island steeped in history and the tales of an epic duel.
Ganryu Island, formally known as "Funajima," is a small, uninhabited island approximately 1.6 km all around. Floating in the Kanmon Strait of the Seto Inland Sea, the isle is the historic site of the 1612 epic duel between legendary master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, known for his Tsubame-gaeshi technique. The island was named Ganryu Island in honor of the defeated Sasaki Kojiro, whose iconic style was called "Ganryu”.
Make your way to this island to find fames sites like the Musashi and Kojiro Statues, set to recreate the historic duel at their spot on a scenic plaza with stunning views of the Kanmon Strait. Other monuments include the Sasaki Ganryu Monument, erected in 1910 to commemorate the completion of land reclamation, and the Ganryu Island Literature Monument, a boat-shaped stone marker. An artificial beach represents the duel's sandy shore, complete with a replica of the boat Musashi used to reach the island.
The island also features walking paths and rest areas along the Kanmon Strait, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the majestic seascape with various ships passing by.
Highlights
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An uninhabited island approximately 1.6 km in circumference, floating in the Kanmon Strait.
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Famous as the site of the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro.
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Furnished with walking paths and rest areas for easy strolling out by unforgettably majestic backdrops.
Photos
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![Statues of Musashi and Kojiro standing proudly in the observation plaza.]()
Statues of Musashi and Kojiro standing proudly in the observation plaza.
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![Easy access with a 10-minute boat ride from Karato Pier.]()
Easy access with a 10-minute boat ride from Karato Pier.
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![Sasaki Ganryu Monument quietly standing in the inner part of the island.]()
Sasaki Ganryu Monument quietly standing in the inner part of the island.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
English pamphlets available. We don’t have foreign languages signs.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No free Wi-Fi available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
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Are there restrooms available?
Yes, there are.
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
Not available.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 巌流島
- Postal Code
- 750-0000
- Address
- 648 Funashima, Hikoshima, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi
- Telephone
- 083-231-1350 (Shimonoseki City Tourism Policy Department)
- Closed
- Free to walk
- Business Hours
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Walk anytime
Note: Regular ferry operates between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Check for weather-related cancellations (Kanmon Ferry: 083-222-1488). - Admission
- Free (ferry fare to Ganryu Island is not included).
- Access
- From JR Shimonoseki Station, take a Sanden Kotsu bus towards Chofu for about 7 minutes. From the "Karato" bus stop, it's a short walk to Karato Pier, where you can take the Kanmon Ferry to Ganryu Island, a 10-minute boat ride.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)