Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Etajima (江田島市, Etajima-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [è̞.tä́.(ɟ̟͡)ʑí.mä́(.ɕì)]) is a city (formerly a town) located on the island of Etajima in Hiroshima Bay in southwestern Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The modern city of Etajima was established on November 1, 2004, from the merger of the town of Etajima (from Aki District) absorbing three towns from Saeki District: Nōmi, Ōgaki, and Okimi. As of December 31, 2016, the city has an estimated population of 24,596 and a population density of 240 persons per km2. The total area is 100.97 km2.
Within Hiroshima Prefecture (Chugoku region), Etajima (江田島市) serves as a city in hiroshima prefecture. Travelers exploring Hiroshima often combine a stop in Etajima with regional highlights such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Miyajima's floating Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi), hillside port town of Onomichi, the 70 km Shimanami Kaido island cycling route, and Tomonoura harbor (Fukuyama).
| Fact | Details for Etajima (江田島市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 江田島市 (Etajima) |
| Administrative Status | City in Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Hiroshima Prefecture (Capital: Hiroshima) |
| Region of Japan | Chugoku |
| Population | 28,601 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 100.97 km² · 283 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 2004-11-01 |
| Coordinates | 34.2167°N, 132.45°E |
Getting to Etajima & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen)): 1h 25m from Shin-Osaka, 1h 38m from Kyoto, or 3h 55m from Tokyo on the Sanyo Shinkansen.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Hiroshima Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Hiroshima with Etajima. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Hiroshima have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Etajima en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Etajima are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Hiroshima can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Etajima & Hiroshima
Etajima shares the culinary traditions of Hiroshima Prefecture and the wider Chugoku region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki with yakisoba noodles — a signature specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Miyajima grilled & fried oysters (kaki) — a signature specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes) — a signature specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Onomichi soy-backfat ramen — a signature specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Anago-meshi (conger eel over rice) — a signature specialty across Hiroshima Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Etajima.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late March–April for cherry blossoms at Peace Park, Miyajima & Senko-ji (Onomichi); November for Momijidani Park autumn maples on Miyajima; spring/autumn for cycling the Shimanami Kaido.
Regional highlights across Hiroshima Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Etajima include: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Miyajima's floating Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi), hillside port town of Onomichi, the 70 km Shimanami Kaido island cycling route, and Tomonoura harbor (Fukuyama).
Practical Travel Tips for Etajima
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Etajima (or at Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Etajima accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Etajima (江田島市) located in Japan?
Etajima (江田島市) is a city located in Hiroshima Prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan (coordinates: 34.2167°N, 132.45°E). It has a population of approximately 28,601 across an area of 100.97 km².
How do I get to Etajima by train?
Most visitors reach Etajima via the main prefectural gateway of Hiroshima Station, Fukuyama & Shin-Onomichi (Sanyo Shinkansen). 1h 25m from Shin-Osaka, 1h 38m from Kyoto, or 3h 55m from Tokyo on the Sanyo Shinkansen. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Etajima. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Etajima and Hiroshima known for?
In Etajima and across Hiroshima Prefecture, top local dishes include Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki with yakisoba noodles, Miyajima grilled & fried oysters (kaki), Momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes), as well as Onomichi soy-backfat ramen and Anago-meshi (conger eel over rice). Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Etajima?
Late March–April for cherry blossoms at Peace Park, Miyajima & Senko-ji (Onomichi); November for Momijidani Park autumn maples on Miyajima; spring/autumn for cycling the Shimanami Kaido. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: