Ibukijima Island

The island of Ibukijima in Kagawa is known for its high-quality dried sardines, “Ibuki Iriko”, which are an indispensable ingredient in the soup stock for the prefecture’s famous Sanuki udon. The island is about 25 minutes by ferry from Kanonji Port and is especially lively during the sardine fishing season from June to September. There are several unusual rock formations and caves created by erosion around the island, and some are said to have sheltered warriors and seafarers in ancient times. Annual spring events and festivals include a pilgrimage to 88 temple sites on the island on the 21st day of March by the lunar calendar, which welcomes many pilgrims to the island. It is a smaller version of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro) of 88 temples around Shikoku. Islanders hold a cherry blossom festival on the second Sunday in April under the cherry trees around Takinomiya Shrine and Namikiri Fudoson.