Hojo Kashima Island
A charming 'Deer Island' accessible by a short, cheap ferry, offering relaxation, nature, and fun activities like feeding deer and BBQs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Summer festival vibes
Hojo Kashima Island
Best Time
Summer festival vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming 'Deer Island' accessible by a short, cheap ferry, offering relaxation, nature, and fun activities like feeding deer and BBQs.
"It's a good place for relax your mind, the deer isn't really satisfied me but the sea is gorgeous."
🎯 Cheap Ferry Ride
Only 210 yen round trip for adults! A budget-friendly way to experience island life.
🦌 Feed the Deer!
Buy deer food for 100 yen at the shop to get up close with the island's friendly residents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Deer Encounters
Kashima Island
Meet and feed the island's resident deer, both kept and wild. A truly unique and charming experience!
Scenic Ferry Ride
Hojo Port to Kashima Island
A brief, picturesque 3-minute ferry journey offering lovely sea views and a taste of island life.
Beach and BBQ
Kashima Island beaches
Relax on the shores, swim in the clear waters, or enjoy a barbecue with friends and family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Ferry to Deer Island
Deer Encounters & Island Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cheap Ferry Ride
Only 210 yen round trip for adults! A budget-friendly way to experience island life.
🦌 Feed the Deer!
Buy deer food for 100 yen at the shop to get up close with the island's friendly residents.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own lunch and drinks to enjoy a scenic BBQ or picnic on the beach.
🚶♀️ Explore the Island
Walk around, enjoy the sea views, and look out for wild deer sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cheap Ferry Ride
Only 210 yen round trip for adults! A budget-friendly way to experience island life.
🦌 Feed the Deer!
Buy deer food for 100 yen at the shop to get up close with the island's friendly residents.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own lunch and drinks to enjoy a scenic BBQ or picnic on the beach.
🚶♀️ Explore the Island
Walk around, enjoy the sea views, and look out for wild deer sightings.
☀️ Summer Festival
Visit in July for the summer festival for a lively atmosphere and unique cultural experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kashima Island is praised for its relaxing atmosphere, beautiful sea, and the unique experience of feeding deer. Visitors appreciate the low cost of the ferry and the opportunity for outdoor activities like fishing and barbecuing. Some found the deer interaction to be the highlight, while others enjoyed the overall peaceful island vibe.
"Its a good place for relax your mind, the deer isn't really satisfied me but the sea is gorgeous."
OVI
"The island is only a few minutes away by ferry, but apparently some brave souls even swim across. You can fish, swim and even have a barbecue on the island (there is a shop). But this island is... deer! Deer! Lots of deer! There are deer kept on the island, and you can feed them by purchasing food at the shop. They all flock together in droves, and it's very cute. I made three trips to the shop to buy food. And there are also wild deer. They sometimes make an appearance in front of people, but then quickly run away. Perhaps they come to check on the kept deer. Anyway, they were deer."
Saitoh-san
"I visited with my family in December. Parking was 520 yen (including the fee for one adult on board). The boat came and went every 30 minutes. Once on board, it takes about 3 minutes to get to Kashima. You can feed the deer. You can buy food at the shop for 100 yen. Apparently the rocks I wanted to see were on the other side of the island, but unfortunately we couldn't go because the road was closed. But the sea was beautiful and I was satisfied!"
みい
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Matsuyama City, take a train to Iyo Hojo Station, then walk to Hojo Port. From there, a short 3-minute ferry ride will take you to Kashima Island.
Ferries run every 30 minutes and cost 210 yen for adults for a round trip.
Yes, there is parking available at Hojo Port. The fee was around 520 yen, including one adult on the ferry.
Yes, it's very accessible. It's about 30 minutes by train from Matsuyama City to Hojo, followed by a short ferry ride.
While some brave souls might swim, the ferry is the recommended and easy way to get there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there's no entry fee for the island itself. You only pay for the ferry ride.
The main attraction, the deer, can be interacted with by purchasing food. There are no other specific entrance fees for general island access.
Ferries typically run every 30 minutes, but it's always a good idea to check the local schedule upon arrival at Hojo Port.
Yes, you can purchase deer food for 100 yen at the shop on Kashima Island.
Yes, parking is available at Hojo Port for a fee, which was around 520 yen in December, including one adult ferry ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can feed the deer, swim, fish, have a barbecue, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
The kept deer are accustomed to people and generally friendly, especially when food is involved. Wild deer are more shy.
Yes, camping is an option on the island, offering a unique overnight experience.
There is a shop where you can buy deer food and potentially other supplies for barbecues.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a relaxing half-day or full-day trip from Matsuyama.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there's a shop for essentials and deer food, it's best to bring your own food for a picnic or barbecue.
Yes, barbecue facilities are available, and it's a popular activity for visitors.
It's recommended to pack a lunch box and drinks, especially if you plan to barbecue or have a picnic.
There is a shop on the island that sells deer food and potentially other items for visitors.
Enjoying a picnic or barbecue with food brought from the mainland is the most common and enjoyable way to dine.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the deer in their natural habitat, the scenic ferry ride, and the beautiful coastal views.
Yes, the deer are often in open areas and can be approached, especially when feeding them.
Golden hour around sunrise or sunset can offer beautiful lighting for the island scenery.
Drone regulations can vary; it's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone.
The beaches and the ferry offer great perspectives. Exploring the island might reveal hidden scenic spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Families can enjoy swimming at the beaches or having a picnic or barbecue, making for a fun and affordable day out. 💰 Budget Travelers
You can bring your own food for a picnic or barbecue, saving significantly on dining costs. 🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deer of Kashima Island
While the deer are the main attraction, it's important to remember they are wild animals. Visitors should approach them with respect and follow any guidelines provided. The presence of both domestic and wild deer adds a unique layer to the island's natural charm, making it a fascinating place for animal lovers and casual observers alike. The sheer number of deer that flock together when food is offered is often described as 'cute' and 'amazing' by visitors.
Island Activities and Relaxation
Camping is also an option for those wishing to extend their stay and experience the island's peaceful atmosphere overnight.
The short and inexpensive ferry ride itself is part of the experience, offering scenic views of the coastline and a sense of adventure. The island's accessibility and low cost make it an ideal destination for a relaxed day trip, allowing visitors to unwind and enjoy nature without a significant financial commitment. Accessibility and Getting Around
This ease of access means you don't need a car to enjoy the island; it's easily reachable by public transport. Once on Kashima Island, no car is needed as it's small enough to explore on foot. The island is designed for leisurely exploration, allowing visitors to wander along the beaches, find good spots for fishing or barbecuing, and observe the deer. The straightforward access and pedestrian-friendly nature of the island contribute to its appeal as a relaxing getaway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit