Have you ever seen an island that seems to defy the ordinary? Before you lies Bentenjima Island a small islet off the coast of Tomonoura in Hiroshima. Bentenjima Island isn’t just a pretty picture. It’s a place steeped in history and legend. A guardian deity Benzaiten watches over it. This goddess is known for her protection of maritime affairs. Her shrine stands proudly on the island.
The story of Bentenjima Island is one of resilience. Legend tells of a powerful earthquake in 1410. This earthquake created the island’s dramatic jagged rock formations. Before the quake the shrine may have been on the mainland. Now it stands defiant against the crashing waves.
A darker legend speaks of the wanizame. This mythical creature half crocodile half shark once supposedly inhabited the waters around Bentenjima Island. People believed it caused the swirling currents and dangerous waves. They even tell stories of the creature kidnapping a young woman.
The island’s beauty is undeniable. Smooth pebbles line the shore. These pebbles glisten when the waves wash over them. But be warned local folklore says taking one home brings on terrible eye disease.
You can’t actually set foot on Bentenjima Island. However you can see its beauty from a boat. The Heisei Iroha Maru ferry passes close by. This makes for a spectacular view as you travel to Sensui Island. The ferry trip takes only about five minutes. It’s a short but memorable journey. The island is also beautifully lit up at night.
Beyond Bentenjima Island itself nearby Tomonoura offers a beautiful backdrop. The whole area is one of incredible natural beauty. The view of Bentenjima Island is one of Tomonoura’s most iconic sights. The annual Bentenjima Firework Festival is held around the end of May. It provides a spectacular end to the month. It showcases the island’s beauty in a memorable way. So take in the view and remember the stories of Bentenjima Island. They are a testament to the powerful forces of nature and the enduring power of legend.