Yuge Port: A Hidden Harbor in the Heard of Setouchi
Yuge Port (Yuge Sea Station) welcomes superyacht owners to experience Setouchi in a way that few others have. More than just a mooring point, it’s a gateway to eastern Ehime Prefecture and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Cycle along secluded coastal roads, savor local flavors, or simply unwind on the shore of an uninhabited island while taking in breathtaking seascapes by day and sleeping under a canopy of stars at night.
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What to Know About Yuge Port
Yuge Port, also known as Yuge Sea Station, is located on the island of Yugejima, one of several islands in the town of Kamijima, in eastern Ehime. The islands are not connected to the mainland by bridges, but there are ferry services.
● Operating period: Year-round (except New Year’s holidays)
● Berthing capacity: Maximum vessel length of 24 m (78.7 ft), maximum draft of 1.4 m (4.6 ft)
● Reservations: TBD
● Maximum mooring time: TBD
● Port fees: Mooring and entry fees apply
● Shore power: Available
● Water refill: Available
● Refueling: Available
● Waste disposal: Available on weekdays -
What’s Nearby?
At the end of the jetty is Flat, the port building. Open year-round from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM (except New Year’s holidays), Flat serves as both a travel information center and a hub for islanders and visitors. Its 24-hour facilities include toilets, showers, and laundry services. It also has offices, a lounge, a library, and an event space for workshops and exhibitions. Within a 5-minute walk from the jetty are supermarkets, banks, and a post office. If exploring the area by car, just a 5-minute drive away is Matsubara Beach—the nearest swimming beach—and the FESPA Inland Sea Resort, which has hot-spring baths.
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Kamijima, a Secluded Island Retreat
The town of Kamijima encompasses 25 islands in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea, their relative isolation preserved by the absence of bridges to the mainland. Designated one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan," Kamijima is celebrated for its citrus groves, unspoiled natural beauty, and rich maritime heritage. Once a flourishing hub for salt production and shipbuilding, the town is dotted with cultural landmarks that provide glimpses into the region’s past. Kamijima’s signature green lemons are a staple in local cuisine, used instead of vinegar to flavor the rice in “lemon sushi.” Coastal walking trails, quiet fishing villages, and secluded beaches blend seamlessly in a mix of tranquility, beauty, and history.
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Discover the Authentic Setouchi
The islands of Kamijima offer an immersive escape and an opportunity to embrace the philosophy of slow travel. Stay in repurposed heritage homes, including kominka guest houses from the early twentieth century, or camp on one of 18 uninhabited islands for a private, off-grid experience.
Sample artisanal pastries at cafes tucked away in the narrow alleys of Yugejima, or dine at local restaurants including Misty Kamei on Iwagijima and indulge in the local specialty, Iwagi Lemon Pork. To deepen your connection with the islands, try hands-on cultural activities, such as traditional salt-making workshops or Yuge Temari (intricately embroidered fabric balls) crafting experiences on Yugejima, and seasonal fruit picking on Iwagijima. As evening falls, visit the islands’ izakayas and bars to drink and eat with locals and embrace the opportunity to forge new friendships. -
Outdoor Activities in Kamijima
The Yumeshima Kaido is a scenic cycling route, easier and less pedaled than the popular Shimanami Kaido. It is tailored for leisure cyclists and connects four major islands in Kamijima: Yugejima, Sashima, Ikinajima, and Iwagijima.
Yugejima is home to cultural sites including historic salt production facilities and the picturesque Yuge Shrine. Sashima, the least populated of the four connected islands, is known for its isolated beaches. On Ikinajima, the quiet roads and small fishing harbors create a peaceful setting for relaxed exploration. The 370-meter peak of Mt. Sekizen on Iwagijima is a breeze to summit with an e-bike, for unrivaled panoramas of the region. The route to the top is particularly beautiful from late March to early April, when the blooms of 3,000 cherry trees color the hillsides in shades of pink. From Iwagijima, you can hop on a ferry to nearby Ikuchijima and connect to the Shimanami Kaido for further cycling adventures.
The calm sheltered waters of the Seto Inland Sea are ideal for marine activities. Explore hidden coves and unspoiled beaches on a guided kayaking or paddleboarding excursion, or spend a peaceful afternoon fishing, either from the shore or aboard a private vessel. As the day draws to a close, unwind with a beachside yoga session, embracing wellness and the serenity of the islands under soothing sunset skies. -
Explore Further
Yuge Port is a convenient base for exploring Ehime and beyond. From here, it's easy to continue to other superyacht-friendly ports in Ehime. These include Matsuyama Sightseeing Port, the entryway to Dogo Onsen—one of Japan’s oldest and most storied hot springs—and Miyaura Port on the island of Omishima, renowned for its contemporary art museums. Yuge Port is also close to Hiroshima Prefecture, where you can explore downtown Hiroshima or visit iconic sites such as Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima.
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Super Yacht
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Scenic Views
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Outdoor Adventure
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Eastern Ehime (Toyo)
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Family Friendly
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Shrines
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Mountains & Gorges
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Cycling
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Coastline & Sea
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Food & Drink
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Camping & Glamping
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Souvenirs
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Traditional Crafts
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Cultural Heritage
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Seasonal Flowers
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Historic Sites & Monuments
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Cultural Experiences
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Old Townscapes
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Spring
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Autumn
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Temples
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Summer