UGURU BOX / About Uguru Island

An island of 18 people
with a world-class sea

About 18 residents. No cars. No shops.
Just the ocean, the sky, and time.

23km
Offshore from the mainland
~18
Island population
20m+
Water visibility
90%
Sea turtle encounter rate

What is Uguru Island?

The far edge of Kochi.
A place where time stands still.

23 kilometres off the coast of Sukumo, reached by ferry in 50 minutes. The island measures just 6.7 km around, with a population of about 18 people. There are no roads, no cars, no shops, and no traffic lights.

It might sound inconvenient. But almost everyone who visits says they want to come back. You can see coral reefs from the harbour wall, and sea turtles swim alongside you in the water β€” that kind of sea still exists in Japan.

Location
Sukumo, Kochi
Okinoshima-cho
Remote island in the Pacific
Area
1.31 kmΒ²
6.7 km circumference
Highest Point
Mt. RyΕ«zu 252m
Cretaceous sedimentary rock
Water Visibility
10m+ average
Up to 20m+ on clear days
Sea Turtle Encounter Rate
90%+
While diving or snorkeling

Six things only people
who've been here know

01
🀿
Boat Snorkeling

Visibility over 20m. The moment you put your face in the water, you think: "This is another world." Head straight to the best spots by boat β€” just 5 minutes away. 90%+ sea turtle encounter rate. All gear free to borrow.

02
🎣
Reef & Boat Fishing

Jigging, tai-rubber, rockfishing. All gear provided free. Whatever you catch ends up on the table that evening.

03
🍣
Fresh Seafood Lunch

Prepare and cook the fish you caught yourself. Sashimi, fried fish, salt-grilled. The freshness is different, the taste is different, and the memory you take home is different.

04
🏝️
Island Walk & War Ruins

Walk the quiet, road-free island at your own pace. Visit the WWII gun battery ruins and Kasuga Shrine β€” a walk through nature and history side by side.

05
🎊
Autumn Festival (Kasuga Shrine Grand Festival)

An autumn festival open to visitors from outside the island. Traditional Ushioni and mikoshi processions. A day to celebrate alongside the islanders β€” a truly special experience.

06
πŸŒ…
Starry Skies, Sunsets & the Extraordinary

Zero light pollution β€” so many stars it's almost overwhelming. A sunset sinking into the horizon that leaves you speechless. This is something only guests on the overnight plan ever know.

Getting Here

About 50 minutes by ferry from Katashima Port, Sukumo, Kochi.
The distance is part of what makes arriving so rewarding.

Ferry from Katashima Port
1st Departure Β· Morning 7:00 Katashima Port β†’
Uguru Island Port (~50 min)
2nd Departure Β· Afternoon 14:30 Katashima Port β†’
Uguru Island Port (~50 min)
Adult one-way Β₯1,330 (half price for children)
  • Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure
  • Route: Uguru Island Port β†’ Hahajima Port β†’ Hirose Port (Okinoshima)
  • The ferry may be cancelled in rough weather. Check the forecast the day before.
  • We recommend the 7:00 departure for UGURU BOX activities
✈️
Fly to Kochi Ryoma Airport
~1.5 hrs from Tokyo / ~1 hr from Osaka
πŸš‚
Kochi Station β†’ Sukumo Station
Dosan Line + Yodo Line, or express bus (~2–3 hrs)
πŸš—
Sukumo Station β†’ Katashima Port
~10 min by taxi or car. Free parking available.
⛴️
Katashima Port β†’ Uguru Island (Ferry)
~50 min. Watch the island's sea come into view.
🏝️
Arrive at Uguru Island Port
UGURU BOX staff will be there to welcome you.

A history that makes
your visit run deeper.

Kamakura–Muromachi Period
First settlers arrive. During the feudal era, the island was governed by the Uwajima Domain of Iyo Province. Records show it was also used as a place of exile.
Meiji Era
The island, along with Okinoshima and Himejima, was incorporated into Kochi Prefecture. It flourished as a fishing community.
1945 (Shōwa 20)
The island was militarised during WWII and residents were ordered to evacuate, though the war ended before it became a battlefield. The gun battery ruins remain on the island today β€” a quiet walk through the undergrowth takes you right to them.
Today
A community of about 18 people. Celebrated as a mecca for reef fishing, diving, and snorkeling, drawing enthusiasts from Japan and around the world.

All you have to do is come.

Gear, meals, accommodation β€”
UGURU BOX takes care of everything.

πŸ“… Book Now πŸ’¬ Chat on LINE πŸ“ž +818044102441