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Furutaka Mountain and Forest Path with Genkai Azaleas Etajima Island is 20-30 minutes by speed boat from Ujina Port. Ondo Bridge
links Kure City to Etajima Island, along a 50-minute drive. The 392-meter Furutaka Mountain rises high at the heart of Etajima Island. This steep mountain of granite offers a splendid view from the top, overlooking dozens of islands in Hiroshima Bay and part of Hiroshima and Kure Cities. A newly built road provides visitors easy access halfway to the mountain top. There is an observatory on the top and camping facilities with a small stream at the foot of the mountain. Beautiful Genkai azaleas bloom from late April to early May. Their bright red stands out against the greens of the pine trees. The path through the forest also presents relaxing views. Visitors may take a rest to hear birds singing while enjoying the commanding views of Hiroshima Bay and the Inland Sea through the trees. People on Etajima Island have grown citrus fruits for years. Besides mandarin oranges and navel oranges, they produce melons and greenhouse vegetables, including cucumbers. Etajima Island has two main ports: Kirikushi Port in the north, Koyo in the east. 
PhotoGenkai azaleas survived the big fire (Photograph taken circa 1994)
Memo Etajima-cho is also famous for its Naval Academy. The school opened in l888 after being transplanted from its original location, Tsukiji, Tokyo. The school was closed at the end of World War II, but is now an educational museum which exhibits 14,000 records and materials regarding the Naval Academy.
In Tsukumo, on the western tip of the island, the Japanese government provides facilities for young people,National Etajima Youth Friendship Center (house for youth). The buildings are equipped with lodging rooms and sports facilities.
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