Off the coast of Marugame, Hon-jima (7 km2) is the main island of the seven Shiwaku islands. It was formerly the haunt of pirates who navigated the Inland Sea trading with China, Korea and Vietnam. Today mainly inhabited by senior citizens, it has become something of a conservation centre by virtue of its old wooden houses that can be seen in Kasashima, the main village. Hon-jima is also home to a few very secluded sandy beaches.