The theatrical version “Detective Conan: The Jolly Roger (紺碧の棺)” is the 11th theatrical film released in 2007. The beautiful sea and mysterious legend are woven together in this work’s setting, which is Kozushima Island in the Izu Islands, which belongs to Tokyo. In this article, we will introduce in detail the sacred pilgrimage spots on Kozushima Island, which are a must-see for Conan fans.
Relationship Between “The Jolly Roger” and Kozushima Island
“The Jolly Roger” depicts mystery and adventure surrounding treasure sleeping at the bottom of the sea. The “Kamino-umi Island (神海島)” that appears in the work is modeled after Kozushima Island, located approximately 180 km south of Tokyo.
Kozushima Island is located in the center of the Izu Islands and is characterized by highly transparent sea, abundant nature, and unique topography. Although it is a small island with a population of about 2,000 people, it is also famous as a diving spot, and it is understandable that it was chosen as the setting for the movie, boasting beauty.
Overview of the Work
- Release Date: April 21, 2007
- Director: Yasujiro Yamamoto
- Screenwriter: Kanji Kashihara
- Box Office Revenue: 2.53 billion yen
- Main Characters: Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan), Ran Mouri, Kogoro Mouri, Ai Haibara, Detective Boys
The story unfolds on Kamino-umi Island in the Pacific Ocean, with mysteries and incidents revolving around “Jolly Roger,” the pirate treasure said to have sunk to the bottom of the sea 300 years ago.
How to Access Kozushima Island
Before beginning your pilgrimage, let’s first confirm how to get to Kozushima Island.
Access by Ship
Tokai Kisen (Large Passenger Ship)
- Departure Point: Takeshiba Pier, Tokyo
- Travel Time: Approximately 10 hours (night service)
- Fare: Approximately 7,000 yen per way in 2nd class (varies by season)
- Operation: Nearly daily
High-Speed Jet Ship
- Departure Points: Takeshiba Pier, Tokyo; Atami; Shimoda
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes from Takeshiba
- Fare: Approximately 13,000 yen or more per way
- Operation: Mainly in summer; possibility of cancellation due to weather
Access by Airplane
New Central Air (Cessna)
- Departure Point: Chofu Airport
- Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 15,000 yen or more per way
- Capacity: 9 passengers (difficult to book due to small aircraft)
Notes on Access
- Weather Conditions: Ships are especially prone to cancellation during winter due to rough seas
- Reservations: Early reservations are essential during summer and Golden Week
- Round-Trip Tickets: Be sure to secure your return flight as well
- Island Transportation: Advance reservations for rental cars, rental motorcycles, and rental bicycles are recommended
Major Sacred Pilgrimage Spots on Kozushima Island
1. Maehama Beach (前浜海岸)
Scenes in the Work: Port area where Conan and friends arrive, swimming scenes
Maehama Beach, the main beach of Kozushima Island, is an important location that appears multiple times in the movie. It served as the model for the beautiful ocean scenes in the work, with white sandy beaches and highly transparent emerald-green sea.
Highlights:
- Shallow water and highly transparent sea
- Popular as a swimming area during summer
- Popular as a sunset spot
Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Kozushima Port, about 5 minutes by car
Pilgrimage Tip: Early morning or evening is recommended. You can take photos at the same angles as in the work.
2. Akasaki Promenade (赤崎遊歩道)
Scenes in the Work: Diving scenes, underwater exploration scenes
The Akasaki Promenade is one of Kozushima Island’s representative tourist spots, a wooden promenade built along the coastline. There is also a jumping platform from which you can jump directly into the sea, and it is popular as a snorkeling spot.
Highlights:
- Unique coastline created by lava
- Excellent transparency for snorkeling
- Diving experience from the jumping platform
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Kozushima Port
Pilgrimage Tip: You can enjoy snorkeling while recalling the diving scenes from the work. The underwater transparency is excellent.
3. Tenjosan Mountain (天上山)
Scenes in the Work: Overall view of the island, panoramic shots
Tenjosan Mountain at 572 meters elevation is the highest peak on Kozushima Island. Small ponds such as the “Tenjou no Ike” (Heavenly Pond) and Fudou Pond dot the mountain summit, with a mystical landscape spreading out. This was the model for scenes in the work where the entire island can be seen.
Highlights:
- 360-degree panoramic view from the summit
- Heavenly Pond (Fudou Pond, New Tokyo Hundred Scenic Spots)
- White Island and desert-like landscape
Climbing Information:
- Duration: About 2 hours up, about 1 hour 30 minutes down
- Difficulty: Intermediate (the trail is maintained, but has steep sections)
- Best Season: April to November
Access: From Kuroshima or Shiroshima trailhead
Pilgrimage Tip: An early morning hike to watch the sunrise from the summit allows you to experience the mystical atmosphere of the work.
4. Takouwan Bay (多幸湾)
Scenes in the Work: Underwater cave exploration scenes
Takouwan Bay is a cove located in the northeastern part of Kozushima Island, famous as a diving spot. It is characterized by complex underwater terrain and abundant marine life, serving as an image source for the underwater exploration scenes in the work.
Highlights:
- Famous diving and snorkeling destination
- Underwater rock formations and cave terrain
- Abundant fish and marine life
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Kozushima Port
Pilgrimage Tip: With a diving license, you can experience underwater exploration similar to the work. Even without a license, you can enjoy it through a try-dive.
5. Kozushima Port
Scenes in the Work: Arrival and departure scenes of Conan and friends
Kozushima Port, which appears at the beginning and end of the story, is also the starting point for sacred pilgrimage. The actual atmosphere of the port is very similar to the depiction in the work, and you can immerse yourself in the world of the work from the moment you arrive.
Highlights:
- Pier where large ships dock
- Shops around the port
- Landscape of fishing boats lined up
Access: Gateway to the island
Pilgrimage Tip: If arriving by ship, photographing the moment the port comes into view from the deck is recommended.
6. Sawajiri Bay (沢尻湾)
Scenes in the Work: Dusk scenes, scenes of a quiet cove
Sawajiri Bay is a quiet cove located in the southwestern part of Kozushima Island. It is known as a spot with beautiful sunsets and served as the model for impressive dusk scenes in the work.
Highlights:
- Sunset view
- Calm and peaceful atmosphere
- Fishing spot
Access: About 20 minutes by car from Kozushima Port
Pilgrimage Tip: Best visited in the evening. You can photograph the beautiful sunset scenery same as in the work.
Underwater Spots on Kozushima Island (Diving)
Since “The Jolly Roger” features undersea treasure as an important element, actually experiencing diving at Kozushima Island allows you to appreciate the world of the work more deeply.
Major Diving Spots
1. Miura Bay
- Features: Beginner-friendly, calm sea area
- Highlights: Colorful tropical fish, soft corals
- Depth: 5m to 15m
2. Nagahama
- Features: Intermediate level, drop-off available
- Highlights: Large pelagic fish, high sea turtle encounter rate
- Depth: 10m to 30m
3. Oki-no-ne
- Features: Advanced level, tidal current present
- Highlights: Hammerhead sharks (if lucky), big game
- Depth: 15m to 40m
Diving Services
Kozushima Island has multiple diving shops that can accommodate everything from try-diving to fun diving.
- Try-Dive: Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 yen
- Fun Diving (2 boats): Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 yen
- Equipment Rental: Full set approximately 5,000 yen or more
Reservations: Advance reservations are essential as it gets crowded during summer.
Recommended Sacred Pilgrimage Course
1-Night, 2-Day Course
Day 1
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Kozushima Port (using high-speed ship)
- 9:30 AM Pick up rental car/motorcycle
- 10:00 AM Commemorate photos at Maehama Beach
- 11:00 AM Snorkeling at Akasaki Promenade
- 1:00 PM Lunch (seafood dishes at island restaurants)
- 2:30 PM Walk around Takouwan Bay
- 4:00 PM Sunset at Sawajiri Bay
- 6:00 PM Check into accommodation
- 7:00 PM Dinner
Day 2
- 6:00 AM Begin climbing Tenjosan Mountain
- 9:00 AM Arrive at summit, enjoy the spectacular views
- 11:00 AM Descend
- 12:00 PM Lunch
- 1:00 PM Purchase souvenirs
- 2:00 PM Depart from Kozushima Port (high-speed ship)
2-Night, 3-Day Course (Including Diving)
Day 1
- 10:00 PM Depart from Takeshiba Pier (large passenger ship/night service)
Day 2
- 8:30 AM Arrive at Kozushima Port
- 9:00 AM Check into accommodation (many inns accommodate early check-in)
- 10:00 AM Morning diving (2 dives)
- 1:00 PM Lunch
- 2:00 PM Explore Maehama Beach and Akasaki Promenade
- 5:00 PM Hot spring (Kozushima Onsen Wellness Center)
- 7:00 PM Dinner
Day 3
- 6:00 AM Climb Tenjosan Mountain
- 10:00 AM Descend, breakfast
- 12:00 PM Visit Takouwan Bay and Sawajiri Bay
- 3:00 PM Purchase souvenirs
- 4:00 PM Depart from Kozushima Port (high-speed ship)
Cuisine and Souvenirs of Kozushima Island
Must-Try Cuisine
1. Kinmedai (Golden-Eye Snapper) Dishes
The waters around Kozushima Island are prime fishing grounds for kinmedai. Fresh kinmedai simmered in broth or sashimi are exquisite.
- Recommended Shops: Food stalls in Yocchaare Center, dinners at private inns
- Price: Kinmedai set meal 1,500 to 2,500 yen
2. Island Sushi
A regional dish of the Izu Islands. Nigiri sushi made with fish marinated in soy sauce-based sauce.
- Recommended Shops: Sushi restaurants and food stalls on the island
- Price: Per person 1,000 to 1,500 yen
3. Ashitaba (Angelica Keiskei) Dishes
Kozushima Island specialties using ashitaba: tempura, boiled greens, etc.
- Recommended Shops: Various food stalls and private inns
- Price: Ashitaba tempura 500 to 800 yen
Recommended Souvenirs
1. Ashitaba Products
- Ashitaba tea, ashitaba cookies, ashitaba soba
- Price: 500 to 1,500 yen
2. Salt
- Natural salt made from seawater around Kozushima Island
- Price: 300 to 800 yen
3. Kusaya
- Traditional fermented food of the Izu Islands (strong smell, be careful)
- Price: 1,000 to 2,000 yen
4. Shochu “Morishio”
- Kozushima Island sweet potato shochu
- Price: 1,500 to 3,000 yen
Accommodation Information
Kozushima Island offers a variety of accommodation options.
Private Inns and Pensions
- Features: Homey atmosphere, can enjoy island cuisine
- Price: 8,000 to 12,000 yen per night with two meals
- Recommendation: Many inns pride themselves on seafood dishes
Hotels and Ryokans
- Features: Fully equipped facilities, some with hot springs
- Price: 12,000 to 20,000 yen per night with two meals
- Recommendation: Inns connected with Kozushima Onsen Wellness Center
Campgrounds
- Facility: Kozushima Village Public Campground
- Price: 500 to 1,000 yen per night (tent site)
- Amenities: Kitchen facilities, toilets, showers complete
Reservation Tips
- Book Early: Especially July to August and Golden Week are booked months in advance
- Breakfast-Only Plans: Meals-not-included plans are available, but dining options on the island are limited
- Shuttle Service: Most inns offer shuttle service to the port
Notes and Etiquette for Sacred Pilgrimage
Island Rules and Manners
- Nature Conservation: Always take trash away, do not collect plants
- Private Land: Do not trespass without permission
- Noise: Be quiet in residents’ living areas
- Photography: Be considerate if locals’ faces are in photos
Safety Precautions
Sea Safety:
- Do not swim in prohibited swimming areas
- Check weather and wave conditions
- Avoid solo snorkeling and diving
- Wearing a life jacket is recommended
Mountain Climbing Safety:
- Submit a climbing notice (optional but recommended)
- Bring sufficient water and food
- Turn back if weather worsens
- Wear appropriate gear such as climbing boots
Notes by Weather and Season
Summer (July to August):
- Advantages: Ideal for swimming and diving, high ship operation rate
- Disadvantages: Crowded, higher accommodation prices, typhoon risk
Spring and Autumn (April to June, September to November):
- Advantages: Relatively uncrowded, mild weather
- Disadvantages: Slightly cool seawater, limited high-speed ship operation days
Winter (December to March):
- Advantages: Uncrowded, cheaper accommodation
- Disadvantages: Seas are rough with frequent cancellations, swimming impossible, cold
History and Culture of Kozushima Island
To enjoy your sacred pilgrimage more deeply, let’s also learn about Kozushima Island’s history and culture.
Etymology of Kozushima Island
The name Kozushima Island comes from a myth in which the gods of the Izu Islands gathered to hold a conference on water distribution. The “Tenjou no Ike” (Heavenly Pond) on Tenjosan Mountain is said to have been the conference venue, and the island’s name is believed to have originated from “the island where gods gather” → “Kamitsushima (神集島)” → “Kozushima.”
Major Historic Sites and Cultural Facilities
Monoimina Shrine (物忌奈命神社)
- Shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of Kozushima Island
- Annual festival held in August
Yocchaare Center
- Complex facility with tourist information, souvenir shops, and restaurants
- Exhibits on Kozushima Island’s history and culture
Local History Museum
- Exhibits on Kozushima Island’s history and folklore materials
- Free admission
Photography Spots and Instagram-Worthy Locations
Here are recommended spots for capturing memories of your sacred pilgrimage.
1. Tenjosan Mountain Summit
- Best Time: Early morning (sunrise), on clear days
- Photography Spot: 360-degree panorama, Heavenly Pond
2. Akasaki Promenade
- Best Time: Morning (front lighting)
- Photography Spot: Overlooking the sea from the promenade, diving scenes
3. Maehama Beach
- Best Time: Evening (sunset)
- Photography Spot: Gradient between beach and sea
4. Sawajiri Bay
- Best Time: Evening (sunset)
- Photography Spot: Moment the sun sets into the sea
Photography Tips
- Weather: Clear or partly cloudy is ideal
- Time of Day: Slanting light at dawn and dusk is dramatic
- Composition: Reference scenes from the work
- Waterproofing: Be careful with salt water and sand when photographing by the sea
Combining with Nearby Islands
If you have extra time, visit other islands near Kozushima.
Shikinejima Island
- Access from Kozushima: About 15 minutes by ship
- Highlights: Natural hot springs (undersea hot spring), beautiful beaches
Niijima Island
- Access from Kozushima: About 30 minutes by ship
- Highlights: Surfing mecca, white sandy beaches, Moai statues
Oshima Island
- Access from Kozushima: About 2 hours by ship
- Highlights: Mihara Volcano, camellia flowers, hot springs
Voices of Actual Pilgrims
Here are testimonials from Conan fans who visited Kozushima Island.
Person A (Woman in her 20s)
“I finally managed to visit more than 10 years after watching the movie. The actual Kozushima Island was even more beautiful than I imagined, and especially the view from Tenjosan Mountain was breathtaking. The mystical atmosphere of the work was preserved, and I was very moved.”
Person B (Man in his 30s)
“I visited after obtaining a diving license. The underwater transparency was fantastic, and I could re-experience the underwater exploration scenes from the work. The diving shop staff were friendly and we had a great conversation about Conan.”
Person C (Couple in their 40s)
“We visited as a family with our children. Snorkeling at Akasaki Promenade was especially fun. The islanders were warm-hearted, and we want to visit again.”
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Enjoyment of the Kozushima Island Sacred Pilgrimage
Kozushima Island, the setting for “Detective Conan: The Jolly Roger,” is a wonderful sacred pilgrimage destination where you can experience the world of the work. Beautiful seas, mysterious mountains, and warm islanders welcome you.
Keys to a Successful Pilgrimage
- Advance Preparation: Early reservations for accommodation and transportation
- Check Weather: Especially monitor ship operation status
- Flexible Schedule: Plan with buffer days considering cancellation risks
- Proper Gear: Climbing boots, swimwear, sunscreen, waterproof camera, etc.
- Review the Work: Watching the movie again before your visit makes it more enjoyable
Final Remarks
Kozushima Island is both a sacred pilgrimage site for “The Jolly Roger” and a fascinating island with rich nature and culture. Through sacred pilgrimage, not only will your understanding of the work deepen, but you’ll also discover the island’s attractions themselves.
Conan fans, please visit Kozushima Island and immerse yourselves in the world of the work. It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.
With careful preparation and respect for the island, enjoy a wonderful sacred pilgrimage journey!
