Etajima
Etajima (江田島), also called Nōmi-jima, Nomijima, Nomi Island, or Etajima-Nōmijima (江田島・能美島)[1] is an island in Hiroshima Bay located in southwestern Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The mess with island name originates from the ancient (and possibly legendary) strait at now town Ōgaki-chō Hitonose (大柿町飛渡瀬).
| Native name: 江田島 Etajima | |
|---|---|
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  Etajima Location in Japan | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Seto Inland Sea |
| Coordinates | 34°12′5″N 132°26′21″E |
| Area | 91.32 km2 (35.26 sq mi) |
| Length | 19.2 km (11.93 mi) |
| Width | 10 km (6 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 542 m (1778 ft) |
| Highest point | mount 宇根山 (Uneyama) |
| Administration | |
Japan | |
| Prefecture | Hiroshima Prefecture |
| city | Etajima |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 24596 |
| Pop. density | 269/km2 (697/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Japanese |
Geography
The island is roughly Y-shaped, with the former Nōmi occupying center, the Okimi - north-western branch, Etajima - north-eastern branch, and Ōgaki - the southern branch. The island's highest peak, mount 宇根山 (Uneyama) 542 m (1,778 ft) high, is located on the western edge of Nōmi town.
Transportation
Since 1973, the island is connected to the Japanese mainland of Honshu by the Hayase Ōhashi bridge passing through the Kurahashi-jima island. The island is served by the national route 487. Also, ferries are available from the cities of Hiroshima and Kure on Honshu island[2] and Matsuyama on Shikoku island.
History
The Imperial Japanese Naval Academy was moved to Etajima Island in 1888. While the academy still exists under the name Naval Academy Etajima, modern Etajima focuses rather on olive cultivation[3] and fish hatcheries in Etajima Bay north of the island.
Further reading
- Cecil Bullock, Etajima: the Dartmouth of Japan (London, 1942)