Kamishima tourist guide: Complete explanation of access, accommodation, and meals!

Article production / Mie Travel Camera Club Fugamaru-chan

▼Table of contents

• What is Kamishima?
• How to access Kamishima
  • By regular boat from Toba Port
  • Take a sightseeing steamship from Irago Port
• About lodging and meals on Kamishima
  • Lunch at “Yamaumi”
  • Accommodation report for “Sankaiso”
• Kamishima tourist attractions and landmarks
  • landing place
  • Old Orca Hill
  • Clock tower ruins
  • Yashiro Shrine
  • Kamishima lighthouse
  • supervisory patrol
  • Terada family residence
  • karst landform
  • Niwahama Beach
  • Furusatohama/Hachitaiwa
• Kamishima sightseeing model course

What is Kamishima?

Kamishima is a small island floating in the ocean about 14 kilometers northeast of Toba Port, with a circumference of about 4 kilometers.

As the name suggests, it has been believed since ancient times as an island where gods dwell.

The only means of transportation to Kamishima is by boat.

Boats bound for Kamishima depart from Toba Port and Irago Port, so be sure to check the timetable for going there and returning.

For directions and timetables by boat, see How to get to Kamishima.

The setting of Yukio Mishima's novel "Sound of the Sea"

Kamishima is famous as the setting for Yukio Mishima's novel ``Shiosai,'' and was also the filming location for the live-action movie ``Shiosai.''

Many of the places that appear in novels and movies still remain today, and there are informational signs for ``Shiosai'' around the filming locations.

Spectacular nature and historic buildings

Kamishima is home to many natural attractions, including karst topography, as well as historical buildings built during the war.

You can also enjoy visiting these famous spots by walking along the Kinki Nature Trail, which allows you to circumnavigate the island in about two hours.

The detailed route is explained in Kamishima sightseeing model course later in the article.

Flying area of Asagi cod

The Asagi Madara is a large butterfly with vivid patterns on its wings, and Kamishima is known by enthusiasts as a great observation point.

They fly to Kamishima from October to November, and can be observed in various places on the island.

Meals unique to Kamishima

At the sea-sounding inn, Sankaiso, you can enjoy meals made with seafood from Kamishima.

There is also a restaurant called ``Yamaumi'' on the island, so you can enjoy gourmet food on a day trip.

For more information on "Sankaiso" and "Yamaumi", please see Accommodation and Meals in Kamishima.

What did you think? We have introduced some of the charms of Kamishima.

Next, we will explain the information you need to know before going to Kamishima and the charm of Kamishima in more detail.

How to access Kamishima

Here we will explain the boats bound for Kamishima that depart from Toba Port and Irago Port.

By regular boat from Toba Port

TobaCity liner departs from Toba Port (Toba Marine Terminal) to Kamishima, and the one-way fare is 740 yen for adults (370 yen for children).

The boarding time is approximately 40 minutes, and there are four flights per day, but there may be cancellations in case of bad weather.

Please see the official website of TobaCity for the timetable of the liner.

The process up to boarding is explained in detail in Kamishima sightseeing model course.

Take a sightseeing steamship from Irago Port

The one-way fare for the Kamishima Sightseeing Steamship departing from Irago Port is 1,600 yen for adults and 800 yen for children, and the round-trip fare is 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children.

The boarding time is approximately 15 minutes, and the number of flights per day varies depending on the season, so please refer to the timetable on Kamishima Kanko Kisen official website.

You can use the free parking lot at Irago Misaki Ryokuchi Park, which has 50 parking spaces.

About lodging and meals on Kamishima

Here we will tell you about our stay and lunch in Kamishima! This is the latest local report conducted on February 11, 2023.

Lunch at “Yamaumi”

``Yamaumi'' is a restaurant that is loved by local islanders, and is a sister restaurant to the accommodation facility ``Sankaiso.''

The shop is located just a few minutes walk from the boat pier and right next to the ruins of the clock tower.

お昼の時間帯にオープンしますが、事前にお電話（0599-28-9011）で営業時間や定休日を確認すると安心です。

This is what the inside of the store looks like. There are table seats and a small Japanese-style room, giving it a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.

The menu changes depending on the day, and in addition to udon and pasta, there are also set meals and stews made with fish from Kamishima.

At the time of the interview, it was winter and it was cold, so I ordered ``Kaki Tamago Ankake Udon''♪

This is the "Kaki Tamago Ankake Udon" (¥600), which has plenty of creamy egg.

It also contained green seaweed from Toba, and the aroma of Japanese-style soup stock was in the air even before I ate it.

As for the taste...the Japanese-style soup stock had a strong umami flavor, and the compatibility with the seaweed was excellent.

Accommodation report for “Sankaiso”

Shiosai no Yado ``Sankaiso'' is an accommodation facility with a history of over 50 years in Kamishima.

It is located just a few minutes walk from the pier, making it easy to access on the way there and back.

Here we will introduce you to Sankaiso's accommodation rates, meals, and rooms.

hotel fee

There are several price plans ranging from 10,000 yen to 15,000 yen (excluding tax) per person, but all of them are seafood courses that include 1 night and 2 meals.

Meals vary depending on the plan, and lunch can be included for an additional fee.

宿泊は金・土・日・月のみ営業で、宿泊予約は公式サイトもしくは電話（0599-38-2032）で可能です。

*Payment method is cash only

toilet and bath

There is a shared toilet in the passageway on each floor, and you can use the Western-style toilet with a washlet.

There are large baths for men and women on the 4th floor, and you can relax in the bathtub where you can stretch your legs.

The bath can be used until 23:00.

entrance

Sankaiso is a four-story building that stands out on the island, and the entrance is located a short distance up some stairs in an alley.

Near the roof of the building, there are large letters that say ``Sankaiso'', so I think it's easy to find if you use that as a landmark.

guest room

The rooms are pure Japanese-style rooms and are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, refrigerator, safe, yukata robes, and hand towels.

From the windows, you can look out over Kamishima 's fishing port and the sea, and depending on the season, you can even watch the sunset.

The futon is in a closet and the staff will lay it out for you.

I had a comfortable stay in a clean and well-maintained room.

meal

Here we will provide a detailed report on the ``15,000 yen (excluding tax)'' course meal.

Dinner was a luxurious kaiseki meal, and the boat platter was filled with fresh fish and lobster sashimi, all of which were extremely fresh.

You may be surprised, but the amount shown in this photo is one serving.

In addition to boiled and grilled fish, the side dishes included a small bowl of octopus, nyumen noodles, and steamed egg custard, all of which were carefully seasoned and delicious.

At Sankaiso, we adhere to the founder's philosophy of ``We will only serve food that is caught in the waters around Kamishima to our customers,'' and you can enjoy the charm of Kamishima through our cuisine.

The menu changes depending on the purchasing situation, so you can enjoy different dishes every time you visit.

Breakfast is as filling as dinner, with many small side dishes that are perfect to accompany rice, including simmered dishes, grilled fish, and miso soup with spiny lobster.

All of the dishes were mildly seasoned and easy to eat, and I was able to enjoy the deliciousness of the ingredients.

Reservations are required for lunch, and you can enjoy ``Shiosai Makunouchi,'' packed with seafood, at the restaurant.

Even non-guests can make reservations and order bento boxes to take home.

The photo above shows the contents of the bento box, which is full of volume, including octopus rice, grilled fish, dashimaki eggs, and several side dishes!

The price varies depending on the content of the day, but I was very satisfied with the quantity and deliciousness that exceeded the price.

Kamishima tourist attractions and landmarks

Here we will introduce sightseeing spots and famous places that you should definitely visit when you come to Kamishima.

landing place

The dock is also known as the filming location for the movie "Shiosai," and the atmosphere from the time of filming still remains.

This is a place where you can enjoy the scenery unique to a fishing town and feel the slow flow of island time.

*A landing site is a place where boats come back from fishing to land.

Old Orca Hill

Old Oka Hill is a hill with a great view overlooking the Irago Channel and the Atsumi Peninsula.

Suzuno Beach spreads out below, and it is an observation spot where you can be moved by the beautiful color of the sea.

This is a few minutes walk from the ferry port, so it is easily accessible.

Clock tower ruins

The Clock Tower Ruins is the only clock tower on this island, and is located in the village's alley.

The current watch is the third generation, but its unique shape still remains.

Yashiro Shrine

Yatsushiro Shrine is a shrine located on a hill in the village, with a white torii gate at the entrance to the shrine.

Beyond the torii gate are over 200 stone steps, and the shrine building is beyond this.

If you climb a few stone steps and look back, you can see the village and fishing port through the torii gate, giving you a sense of the unique atmosphere of Kamishima.

This is what the shrine building looks like. It is surrounded by forest and has a quiet and solemn atmosphere.

The enshrined deity is Wadatsumi no Mikoto, the god of the sea, and prayers are made for a bountiful catch and maritime safety.

The year of its founding is unknown, but it is said to have existed before the Heian period.

Kamishima lighthouse

Kamishima Lighthouse is a lighthouse that has been watching over the Irago Channel, which has been known as a difficult place at sea.

It has been selected as one of Japan's top 50 lighthouses, and is also known as a sacred place for lovers.

Although it is not possible to climb the lighthouse, the surrounding area is an observation spot overlooking Cape Irago.

supervisory patrol

The observation post was built during the war to observe the impact points of cannons fired from Irago.

It is also the location where famous scenes from the movie "Shiosai" were filmed, making it a must-see spot for Shiosai fans.

The building has two floors, and you can access the rooftop by climbing the stairs.

The rooftop is one of the most scenic spots on the island, offering a spectacular view of Cape Irago and the Shima Peninsula.

The view from the windows on the 1st and 2nd floors is also a highlight, and it is as beautiful as a framed painting.

Terada family residence

The Terada residence is a private house where Yukio Mishima stayed for reporting, and is currently vacant.

At that time, there were three inns on Kamishima, but he wanted to stay in a private house rather than an inn, so he stayed at the house of Soichi Terada, who was also the head of the fishing cooperative, and filmed the sound of the waves. I was there.

On the second floor of this house, the room where Yukio Mishima stayed remains, and the desk he used to work and his belongings are on display, as well as posters for the movie ``Shiosai.''

If you would like to take a tour, please contact Sankaiso in advance and we will be happy to guide you.

*Normally locked with a key

karst landform

Karst topography is a topography created by weathering and erosion of limestone, and is designated as a designated natural monument by TobaCity.

The quay wall that rises like a white tower and the blue sea that spreads behind it is so beautiful that it can be called the beauty of nature!

There is a promenade that takes you closer to the quay, and you can go down to the sandy beach.

Niwahama Beach

Niwa-no-hama is a sandy beach where you can see the karst topography up close, and the scene where the ama divers appear in the movie "Shiosai" was filmed here.

Limestone stones are scattered along the beach, creating a space that looks like a piece of art created by nature.

Furusatohama/Hachitaiwa

At Gorinohama Beach in the western part of the island, there is a huge rock called ``Hachijoiwa''.

When you get close to the rock, you will be overwhelmed by its scale.

The sea around the rock is highly transparent, giving you the feel of a tropical country.

Kamishima sightseeing model course

Here, we introduce a model course that takes you to sightseeing spots and famous places in Kamishima!

The trip will take about 4 hours, and the plan is to board a regular boat departing from Toba Marine Terminal at 10:45 AM to head to Kamishima.

*The ship schedule is as of February 2023. For the latest timetable, please visit the official website of TobaCity Liner​

[10:00] Sadahama Parking Lot 1

Park your car at Sadahama Parking Lot 1 in TobaCity and start your trip!

From here, Toba Marine Terminal is just a few minutes walk away and has good access.

If you stay at Sankaiso in Kamishima, you will receive a 24-hour service ticket for Sadahama Parking Lot 1, which will save you money on parking fees.

*If you are staying at a remote island member inn, you will receive a parking ticket when you stay.

[10:10] Purchase boarding ticket

When you arrive at Toba Marine Terminal, purchase a boarding ticket for the TobaCity liner.

The fare to Kamishima is 740 yen one-way, and please note that round-trip tickets are not sold.

You can purchase a return ticket at the liner waiting area in Kamishima.

The waiting time before boarding was spent in the 2nd floor social lounge.

The window seat was in a great location overlooking Toba Bay, and I was captivated by the beautiful sea view.

[10:30] Move to the regular boat terminal ~ Board the boat

When the ship's arrival announcement was made, we headed to the ferry terminal.

There are several types of ships that go to Kamishima, and you can't wait until you board to see which ship you can board.

On this day, we boarded the barrier-free "Kirameki".

The view from the boat was amazing, and I was able to enjoy the cruise while feeling the sea breeze from the deck seats on the 2nd floor.

Although the roof protects you from the sun, please be careful of sea spray while on board.

The seats on the 1st floor are completely indoors, so there is no wind or sea spray.

[11:25] Arrive at Kamishima

Depart from Toba Marine Terminal and arrive at Kamishima on a 40-minute boat trip!

When we got off the boat, the sparkling sea spread out in front of us, and it was so clear that we could see all the way to the bottom of the ocean.

When you leave the pier, you will see countless octopus pots lined up tightly together.

Kamishima is a popular place for octopus fishing, and Shiosai Octopus, made from processed octopus from Kamishima is popular as a hidden specialty of the island.

[11:30] Kinki Nature Trail sign

If you leave the pier and go straight ahead, you will see a signboard for the Kinki Nature Trail.

Starting from here, walk along the course guide written on the signboard.

The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, so if you're going on a day trip, be sure to plan accordingly so you can catch the return flight.

There is a restroom near the Kinki Nature Trail sign, and there are several drink vending machines in the area.

There are no other public restrooms for men and women, so it's best to go there first.

Also, there are vending machines only in this area, so you can also buy drinks here.

First, head into the alley of the village, aiming for Yashiro Shrine on a hill. At that time, proceed in the direction indicated by the "Kamishima Lighthouse" information sign.

[11:32] Clock tower ruins

After entering the alley and walking for a few minutes, you will arrive at the ruins of the clock tower.

There was a time when this uniquely shaped clock tower was the only clock on the island that kept time.

There is a restaurant "Yamaumi" behind the clock tower ruins, so let's have lunch here first♪

[11:35~] Lunch at Yamaumi

Yamaumi is a restaurant that is open during lunch hours and is loved by local islanders.

It was a cold winter day, so I ordered udon noodles with fried egg sauce.

The gentle flavor of the soup stock and the creamy eggs were very delicious♪

[12:00] Laundry area

If you leave Yamaumi and go straight the way you came, you will see a place called ``Laundry Area''.

This is the site of a laundry that was used before the water system was built, and it was even featured in the movie "Shiosai."

Although it is now a waterway with a small amount of water flowing through it, it still retains some of its original appearance.

[12:05] View from the hill

Climb the stairs in the alley and pass through the hill to reach Yatsushiro Shrine.

This hill is an observation spot overlooking the townscape, and offers a unique view of Kamishima.

There are benches along the way, so we recommend sitting and watching.

[12:10] Yashiro Shrine

A white torii gate stands at the entrance to Yatsushiro Shrine, and the shrine building is located at the end of stone steps.

There are about 200 stone steps, so be sure to climb slowly to conserve your stamina.

[12:15] Mountain path

Beyond Yatsushiro Shrine, it becomes a hiking course that resembles a mountain path.

There are parts of the trail that involve hills and stairs, so don't forget to drink plenty of water.

We recommend walking in comfortable shoes such as sneakers.

[12:30] Kamishima Lighthouse

After walking along the mountain path for about 10 minutes, we arrived at Kamishima Lighthouse.

Although it is not a sightseeing lighthouse and you cannot climb it, it is kachiji that has been selected as one of Japan's top 50 lighthouses.

The area around the lighthouse overlooks the Irago Channel, so why not take a short break while looking out at the ocean?

[12:50] Supervisory patrol

After walking for about 15 minutes from Kamishima Lighthouse, we arrived at the Kanka Sento.

This is the site of a former military facility, and you can freely tour the inside of the building.

The rooftop is a spectacular spot where you can see the entire Shima Peninsula from Cape Irago.

[13:20] Karst terrain

Beyond the supervisory post, the mountain path continues downhill, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the karst terrain.

The huge limestone cliffs and the blue sea stretching out to the horizon are a spectacular sight.

If you go straight the way you came, you will see a sign for the Kinki Nature Trail, so walk there.

The next point, Furusato no Hama, can be reached through the narrow road beyond this signboard.

By the way, the karst terrain is a great location from which to view the sunrise.

It's about a 30-minute walk from Sankaiso, where we're staying, but you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

This photo was taken on February 11, 2023 at around 7 o'clock.

[13:40] Furusato Beach

After walking for about 10 minutes from the karst terrain along the Kinki Nature Trail, you will see Gorinohama.

There is a gigantic stone called Hachitaiwa here, and its scale is overwhelming.

It's a sandy beach with calm waves, so you can relax while listening to the soothing sound of waves.

For those staying overnight, we also recommend watching the sunset here.

The last regular boat departs at 3:30 pm, so it's a spectacular view that can only be seen if you stay overnight.

It's about a 20 minute walk from Sankaiso, so why not stop by before dinner?

【14:00】High ground of the village

I returned to the village after walking for about 20 minutes from Furusato-no-hama.

This is a hill located behind Sankaiso, and is a spectacular view point overlooking the townscape!

From here, go down the alley and head toward the pier to reach the first point.

By the way, this hill is also a beautiful spot for night views.

This view can only be seen if you stay overnight, so don't miss it if you stay overnight♪

What did you think?

The charm of Kamishima is that you can feel the magnificent nature and ancient history up close.

Although you can fully enjoy it on a day trip, we also recommend staying overnight and spending some time there.

Please come to Kamishima, where you can escape from everyday life and refresh your mind and body while experiencing nature.

Fugamaru-chan (photography/article production)

He is a member of Mie Tourism's Mie Travel Camera Club and is active mainly on Twitter and Instagram as a photographer who takes pictures of Mie. We operate the Mie Photo Gallery, which distributes Mie's scenery for free, and the Mie Eetoko Tour, which disseminates Mie's latest information.