Tsurushima is a lovely island shaped like a gourd and 2.6km around.
Mandarins, Iyokan and lemons are produced on the sides of mountains. The main industry is octopus, squid and sea bream fishing.
In 1873 “Tsurushima Lighthouse” designated as tangible cultural property by Matsuyama City was built by the British and the inside is open 3 times a year.
The rock reef on the east shore of Tsurushima Island is called “Baseki” from its shape that resembles a horse or camel. It is said that “the rock which changed directions by a typhoon, lead the Japanese to victory during the Russo-Japanese war” and “when the islander troops astride the rock before attacking, they safely returned without being shot”. In addition, Baseki is said to be a mysterious rock reef because islanders believe that “sitting on the rock will cure sickness” and “there are no accidents at sea in Koseto (a strait between Tsurushima Island and Gogoshima Island)”.
The Tsurushima Island Lighthouse is the first western style lighthouse facility in Ehime prefecture. It was designed and built in 1873 by Richard Henry Brunton, a British engineer and a “foreign teacher in government employ”. There are currently 3300 lighthouses around Japan; however, only 67 that were built in Meiji period are still in active service. In addition, the Tsurushima Island Lighthouse is highly valuable because it is the only lighthouse that maintains the original structure of when it was built. The highlights of this lighthouse are the inner graining, fireplace, imported glass, Queen post truss and many more. This facility is open to the public three times a year by Matsuyama City Tangible Cultural Properties.
Services run twice in the morning and afternoon to and from Tsurushima
Mitsuhama Port - Tsurushima Port (40 min)
Takahama Port - Tsurushima Port (25 min)
Ferry Information : Nakajia Kisen Co. Ltd.
There are no accommodation facilities or grocery stores.
A vending machine and a liquor store is located at the left side in front of the ferry port.
You are recommended to bring your own food.
