Sadamisaki Peninsula
Narrowest peninsula in Japan for its length, separating Shikoku from Kyūshū.
Sticking out from near Yawatahama Port, the Sadamisaki Peninsula runs in a nearly straight line west-southwest for about 45 kilometers. It follows the Japan Median Tectonic Line and forms the westernmost tip of Shikoku, falling entirely within the town of Ikata in Ehime Prefecture. Also called the Misaki Peninsula, this narrow strip of land separates the Seto Inland Sea to the north from the Uwa Sea to the south. At its western end lies the Hōyo Strait, the waterway between Shikoku and Kyūshū. For its length, it is the skinniest peninsula in Japan. The tip is marked by Cape Sada, which is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, while the southern coastal area belongs to the Uwa Sea National Park. The peninsula’s mountainous terrain and ocean views make it a popular spot for sightseeing, especially in spring when cherry blossoms line the "Melody Line" along Route 197. The Ikata Nuclear Power Plant is also located here.
The peninsula is extremely rugged. Before Route 197 was built, driving across it was a real hassle. Ferries connect Misaki Port at the peninsula’s tip to Saganoseki Port in Ōita on Kyūshū.
As of June 30, 2023, Ikata Town had 8,196 people living in 4,396 households.
- location
- Westernmost part of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
- length
- About 45 kilometers (28 miles)
- narrowest_peninsula
- Yes, for its length in Japan
- population
- 8,196 (as of June 30, 2023)
- households
- 4,396 (as of June 30, 2023)
- notable_feature
- Ikata Nuclear Power Plant
- national_park
- Cape Sada is part of Seto Inland Sea National Park; lower region is Uwa Sea Nati
Lore & Background
The Sadamisaki Peninsula is extremely mountainous. Until the completion of national highway Route 197, traversing the peninsula by car was quite inconvenient. The Sadamisaki "Melody Line" on Route 197 is famous for the scattered cherry blossoms trees along the mountains. This combination of mountains and ocean make the area a popular sightseeing destination, especially in the spring when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom. Ferries run from Misaki Port at the tip of the peninsula to Saganoseki Port (Ōita). As of June 30, 2023, Ikata Town reported a population of 8,196 people within 4,396 households.
Reader's Guide
The Sadamisaki Peninsula is the westernmost part of Shikoku, covered by the town of Ikata, Ehime Prefecture. It is home to the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant. The peninsula juts out in a straight line from close to Yawatahama Port out west-southwest along the Japan Median Tectonic Line. At the tip of the peninsula is Cape Sada, designated as a national park of the Seto Inland Sea. The lower region is designated as the Uwa Sea National Park land. The Sadamisaki "Melody Line" on Route 197 is famous for the scattered cherry blossoms trees along the mountains. This combination of mountains and ocean make the area a popular sightseeing destination, especially in the spring when the sakura are in bloom. Ferries run from Misaki Port at the tip of the peninsula to Saganoseki Port (Ōita).
Did You Know?
- The Sadamisaki Peninsula is the narrowest peninsula in Japan for its length.
- It is home to the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant.
- The peninsula separates the Seto Inland Sea from the Uwa Sea.
- Cape Sada at the tip is designated as a national park of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Ferries run from Misaki Port at the tip to Saganoseki Port in Ōita.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sadamisaki Peninsula?
It is a long, slender stretch of land forming the western tip of Shikoku island in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The area falls under the town of Ikata and is also known by the alternate name "Misaki Peninsula."
Why is Sadamisaki Peninsula famous for being narrow?
At roughly 45 kilometers in length, it holds the distinction of being Japan's narrowest peninsula relative to its length. The landmass extends in a nearly straight line along the Japan Median Tectonic Line, splitting the Seto Inland Sea from the Uwa Sea.
Where exactly is Sadamisaki Peninsula located?
It sits at the far western edge of Shikoku in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Geographically, the peninsula acts as a divider between Shikoku and the nearby island of Kyūshū.
What notable structure is on Sadamisaki Peninsula?
The Ikata Nuclear Power Plant is the most prominent landmark on the peninsula and the feature most people associate with the area.
How many people live on Sadamisaki Peninsula?
As of mid-2023, the peninsula is home to about 8,196 residents spread across roughly 4,396 households. It remains a small, sparsely populated community centered around the town of Ikata.
More in Peninsulas 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record