Travel DiaryDiary #9
The Beaches of the Tobishima Kaido
You might be surprised to know there are a handful of gorgeous beaches hidden away on the Tobishima Kaido islands. Come and discover Tobishima’s beaches and its beautiful countryside.
Shimo Kamagari Island - Rental Bikes and Kajigahama Beach
The Camp & Cottage Kajigahama next to Shimo Kamagari’s popular Kajigahama Beach offers camping, rental cottages and rental bikes.
The campsite boasts an unimpeded view of the Seto Inland Sea and the cottages come with a traditional Japanese hearth. Everything you need for a memorable stay. You can also experience the joy of cycling around the islands on high-quality bike rentals. If you want to conserve your energy, try their new battery-assisted bikes.
Rental Bikes: https://setouchicycling-tobishima.jp/rental-bike
Camp & Cottage Kajigahama: https://kuremachidiary.jp/en/place/2332/
The campsite boasts an unimpeded view of the Seto Inland Sea and the cottages come with a traditional Japanese hearth. Everything you need for a memorable stay. You can also experience the joy of cycling around the islands on high-quality bike rentals. If you want to conserve your energy, try their new battery-assisted bikes.
Rental Bikes: https://setouchicycling-tobishima.jp/rental-bike
Camp & Cottage Kajigahama: https://kuremachidiary.jp/en/place/2332/
Kami Kamagari Island - Sea Kayak Experience at B&G Ocean Center
The B&G Ocean Center is located next to Kenmin-no-hama Beach – the most popular beach on the Tobishima Kaido (https://kuremachidiary.jp/en/place/766/)
There’s no better way to feel at one with your surroundings than gliding through the water in a sea kayak. No matter what your level, B&G’s team of professional watersports instructors will show you the ropes. The gentle waters around the B&G Ocean Center make it perfect for beginners. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a finless porpoise.
B&G Ocean Center (Japanese): http://kama-bg.net/
There’s no better way to feel at one with your surroundings than gliding through the water in a sea kayak. No matter what your level, B&G’s team of professional watersports instructors will show you the ropes. The gentle waters around the B&G Ocean Center make it perfect for beginners. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a finless porpoise.
B&G Ocean Center (Japanese): http://kama-bg.net/
Toyoshima Island - Ohama Beach & Exploring the Toyohama
Ohama Beach is a great place to relax and unwind. This sheltered beach has a wonderful view of the bridge connecting Osaki Shimojima with Toyoshima. Simply lying on the beach reading your favorite book will be time well spent.
You can also cross the bridge and pick up the Onoura Walking Map to explore the narrow streets and alleyways in Toyohama fishing village.
Ohama Beach (Japanese): http://www.city.kure.lg.jp/soshiki/50/09-ohama-beach-toyohama.html
Onoura Walking Map (Japanese): https://www.city.kure.lg.jp/soshiki/50/onourameirotannkennmap.html
You can also cross the bridge and pick up the Onoura Walking Map to explore the narrow streets and alleyways in Toyohama fishing village.
Ohama Beach (Japanese): http://www.city.kure.lg.jp/soshiki/50/09-ohama-beach-toyohama.html
Onoura Walking Map (Japanese): https://www.city.kure.lg.jp/soshiki/50/onourameirotannkennmap.html
Osaki Shimojima - Exploring Utsu Shrine & Ocho
The town of Ocho on Osaki Shimojima is famous for its high-quality citrus. In fact, the first domestic Japanese lemon was successfully grown and harvested in Ocho in 1898 and you can still see citrus growing on the terraced hills surrounding the town.
Take the time to wander around the town, taking in its beautiful old buildings and picturesque narrow lanes. The photogenic Utsu Shrine in the center of Ocho is said to have existed for over 2,000 years.
For lunch, try the popular local okonomiyaki restaurant KAZUKI in the neighboring village of Mitarai.
Ocho (Japanese): https://www.city.kure.lg.jp/soshiki/53/shoukai-yutaka.html
Utsu Shrine (Japanese): http://www.yutaka-kanko.jp/tourist/
Okonomiyaki KAZUKI : https://goo.gl/maps/dyxmxVLb7a5t4Xqj9
Take the time to wander around the town, taking in its beautiful old buildings and picturesque narrow lanes. The photogenic Utsu Shrine in the center of Ocho is said to have existed for over 2,000 years.
For lunch, try the popular local okonomiyaki restaurant KAZUKI in the neighboring village of Mitarai.
Ocho (Japanese): https://www.city.kure.lg.jp/soshiki/53/shoukai-yutaka.html
Utsu Shrine (Japanese): http://www.yutaka-kanko.jp/tourist/
Okonomiyaki KAZUKI : https://goo.gl/maps/dyxmxVLb7a5t4Xqj9
Okamura Island - Sun Beach & Sekizen Shokudo Canteen
Okamura Island, the last island on the Tobishima Kaido chain, is officially part of Ehime Prefecture and Shikoku. On the way to Okamura Port, make sure to stop by at Sun Beach. This beautiful sandy beach has a wonderful view of the historic harbor town of Mitarai on Osaki Shimojima. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up to Kannonzaki National Park on the hill above the beach.
For food, head to Sekizen Shokudo Canteen. Their island lemon butter chicken curry is a real hit among locals, cyclists and bikers. Taste it once and you’ll be hooked!
Sun Beach (Japanese): http://www.sekizenweb.com/kankou/okamura/09_sunbeach.html
Sekizen Shokudo Canteen (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/%E9%96%A2%E5%89%8D%E9%A3%9F%E5%A0%82-106068021012245/
For food, head to Sekizen Shokudo Canteen. Their island lemon butter chicken curry is a real hit among locals, cyclists and bikers. Taste it once and you’ll be hooked!
Sun Beach (Japanese): http://www.sekizenweb.com/kankou/okamura/09_sunbeach.html
Sekizen Shokudo Canteen (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/%E9%96%A2%E5%89%8D%E9%A3%9F%E5%A0%82-106068021012245/
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