[Western Kochi Prefecture, Otsuki Town] The last resort where you can see a boat floating! Enjoy “Kashiwajima” to the fullest

What kind of place is [Kashiwajima]? How do I get there?

View of Kashiwa Island from the fishing port of Wataba. The boat appears to be floating (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

Kashiwajima is an island connected by two bridges to the tip of the Otsuki Peninsula that juts out to the west, located on the southwest tip of Shikoku, farthest from Tokyo, and just above Cape Ashizuri, which is famous for typhoon broadcasts. This is a small island with a circumference of 4 km, and most of it is flat with only a few people living there.

On such a small island, many people from all over Japan, and indeed from all over the world, seek out the idyllic scenery of rural towns and the beautiful, highly transparent sea that rivals Okinawa and other remote islands, where ships can be seen floating in the air. I'm able to go.
It is also extremely popular as a mecca for marine resorts where you can see over 1,000 types of sea creatures that live in the seas of the north, south, east, and west.

[By airplane/car] From both Kochi Ryoma Airport and Matsuyama Airport, it takes about 3 and a half hours to get to ``Roadside Station Fureai Park Otsuki'' near the center of Otsuki Town. From there it takes about 20 minutes by car to Kashiwajima.

[Public transportation only] (Kochi Ryoma Airport → Bus →) Kochi Station → Connected to JR/Tosa Kuroshio Railway (about 2 hours and 20 minutes) → Sukumo Station → Bus (about 25 minutes, not many) → Roadside Station Fureai Park Otsuki → Bus (about 40 minutes, very few) → Kashiwajima

Check this out! A [stunning] spot that you will never forget once you see it

Spectacular view spot #1 “Kashiwajima Bridge”

Kashiwajima Bridge in summer (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

There are two bridges, a new one and an old one, that connect Kashiwajima and the mainland of Shikoku, but the old Kashiwajima Bridge is used as a filming location for movies. The water is so clear that you can see fish even from the top of the bridge, and the sea is so close that you can see nearby ships as if they were floating due to the strength of the sunlight, the angle, and the lack of waves. Masu.

The area under the bridge is a great spot for water play and snorkeling. There are convenient toilets and a large parking lot nearby. During the summer months, there are many stalls and the area is crowded with people. Cars will also be passing by, so please be careful about your safety.

Spectacular view spot #2 “Shirahama”

Summer Shirahama Beach (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

This is Kashiwajima's private beach. Many customers come here yearning for the white sand beach, which is rare in Otsuki Town and Kashiwajima, and is located under a cliff that cannot be seen from the road.

If you go up the new Kashiwashima Ohashi Bridge a little towards the mainland, you will see a staircase leading down to the beach through a break in the guardrail on the sea side. It is a small beach blocked on both sides by huge rocks, and has been kept beautiful by the efforts of local people. It is a shallow beach that is easy to play in.

Spectacular view spot #3 “Kannon Rock/Omangataki”

Kannon Rock (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

It is a strange rock that looks like a Kannon statue about 30m high that suddenly appears on the cliff of Odo Beach. There is also a legend that this rock once glowed and guided shipwrecks.

On the way to Kashiwajima from the national highway, just beyond the exit to Ryugahama Campsite, there is a large space on the left. Behind that is the entrance to Kannon Rock, and there are signboards and road signs. So I think there will be less confusion.
After climbing about 30 steps from the entrance, Kannon Rock will soon be visible.

If you turn right at the T-junction, you will find Kannon Rock Observation Deck at the end of a steep road. You cannot see Kannon Rock from here, but instead you can enjoy a magnificent view of the wonderful cliffs of Odo Coast.

If you go to the left at the T-junction, you can change the angle and enjoy the spectacular view of Kannon Rock, and if you continue further along, you can continue toward Omanga Falls. ``Omangataki'' is different from a waterfall with flowing water, and you can enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the Kashiwa Island area from a height of about 130 meters. If you are in good shape, you can reach Kannon Rock by climbing a well-maintained promenade for about 20 minutes, but we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes (not sandals) and bring something to drink.

Spectacular view from Omanga Falls (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

Spectacular view spot #4: “Issai Toge Pass Rest Area”

View of Kashiwajima in summer from the Issai Pass rest area. Behind Kashiwajima is the island off the coast of Sukumo City. Part of Billow Island is also visible (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

As you enter the side road of Kashiwajima Tunnel, the shorter of the two tunnels on the way to Kashiwajima from the national highway, your field of vision suddenly opens up and you can see a gazebo with a triangular roof.

From here, from a height of about 100m, you can see the entire Kashiwajima area and Sukumo Bay as a whole. Cape Takamo (Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture) is on the right, and on clear winter days you can see as far as Kyushu.

Spectacular view spot #5 “Odoyama Observation Deck”

Kashiwa Island and the tip of Otsuki Peninsula in winter seen from the Odoyama Observation Deck. In the background are Okinoshima and Below Island (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

If you go back towards Sukumo from the above-mentioned Issai Pass rest area, you will see a sign pointing to ``Osaru Park/Observation Deck''. If you follow this and go up the mountain path (there are some places where it is difficult to leave) you will come to a rather large parking space called Odoyama Parking Lot.

You can see the magnificent scenery of the Odo coast from here, but if you go to the left from here you will see Monkey Park. Climb up on the right (if you try to go up by car, you won't be able to separate from the mountain) and you'll reach the Odoyama Observation Deck. The Pacific Ocean and Sukumo Bay can be seen from an altitude of approximately 240m. The beauty of Kashiwajima, floating majestically in the middle, is worth seeing.

There are so many that you get confused! Both sea and land! Various [play] to choose from

How to play #1: Scuba diving

Many people think of scuba diving when they think of Kashiwajima, and it can be said to be the classic activity of Kashiwajima.
There are various other operators in the Kashiwajima area, and you can choose from a variety of divers depending on your preference, from empty-handed trial diving to those who want to get a full-fledged license or take pictures with an underwater camera.

How to play 2 “Snorkeling/SUP”

Customers who saw turtles were lucky (Photo provided by 7me)

Snorkeling is an activity that allows you to enjoy the beautiful sea and creatures of Kashiwa Island with a mask and snorkel (and fins and life jackets if necessary).

In addition to providing your own equipment and enjoying it at the campsite (equipment rentals are also available) or at the beach, there are also activity operators that rent equipment and other equipment and provide a guide.

Two SUP boats are playing in Shirahama (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

This is an activity where you ride a special board like a surfboard and enjoy rowing and floating on the calm sea with few waves.

Everyone has provided their own and is having fun on the no-holds-barred beach. Some businesses also offer rentals.

How to play 3 “Clear canoe”

Clear canoe at Kuroshio Experience Center

This is an activity where you can enjoy underwater activities by rowing a canoe with a transparent bottom.
You can learn about the ocean while listening to a lecture by a fish doctor, making it popular with families and couples.

How to play #4 “Island walking”

Fish can be seen at Kashiwajima Fishing Port (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

The sea of ​​Kashiwajima is an aquarium! Not only that, the town of Kashiwajima, which also functioned as a castle town, is made up of a combination of straight roads on a grid, and there are many nostalgic scenes such as old houses and temples and shrines. There are plenty of things to see. There are also many local cats, so it's a must-see for cat lovers.

The recommended route is to climb the embankment in the back of town and see the majestic ocean, then walk along the embankment to the lighthouse and visit Inari Shrine. Please enjoy the colorfulness and mystery of the town! (About 30 minutes per lap)

How to play #5 “Glass boat/cruise ship”

Glass boat overlooking from Shin-Kashiwajima Bridge (Photo provided by Ichisha Otsuki Town Tourism Association)

Even with your clothes on, you can watch the fish and coral swimming on the ocean floor through the glass at the bottom of the boat. On days when there are no waves, you can go out to the open sea and see Kannon Rock and the magnificent white walls of Odo Beach.
If you're lucky, you might be able to meet a turtle or a family of dolphins.

How to play #6 “Fishing”

Rock fishing on a ferry (photo provided by Ichisha Otsuki Town Tourism Association)

The sea in Otsuki Town is a fishing paradise. You can also enjoy rock fishing using a ferry, fishing from a boat, and casual fishing from the embankment or bridge. Squid fishing is also very popular!

How to play part 7 “Buggy”

Winter buggy tour (photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

This course does not start at Kashiwajima, but from ``Lagoon Racing'' near the roadside station, get on a one-seater four-wheeled buggy and head for Kashiwajima (you can also go to places other than Kashiwajima).
The owner, who is also a guide, will take you to spectacular views and interesting courses that even locals are unaware of.

Beginners can feel safe driving as we will practice thoroughly at the start. We also have great deals for groups. During the buggy tour, you can enjoy sightseeing and lunch at tourist spots, and you will also receive free photos along the way.

How to play #8 “Camping”

Parent and child pitching a tent on the wooden deck (Photo provided by Ichisha Otsuki Town Tourism Association)

How about relaxing in a tent while looking at Kashiwa Island, playing in the sea, or having a barbecue with delicious Otsuki ingredients? We also have tent rentals, so you can enjoy the experience even if you come empty-handed.

How to play #9 “Night Guide”

Kashiwa Island just after sunset as seen from Odoyama Observation Deck (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

If you are staying in Otsuki or Kashiwajima, we will pick you up at your hotel. A secret night tour limited to one group per night, where you can participate empty-handed even if you don't drink!
Even on cloudy days, you can just listen to the sound of waves and insects, and walk through Kashiwajima's night town to the lighthouse. You can have a romantic night! You can also go to places other than Kashiwajima. Reservations can be made until the evening of the same day.

You can only eat here! Don't miss out on local gourmet food!

Local Gourmet No. 1 “Taidon with Fish Heart”

Fish-filled sea bream bowl (photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

The sea bream is farmed exclusively for Uogokoro in the sea right in front of your eyes, so you can enjoy the fresh, juicy texture of the fish. The sea bream bowl, which is topped with sashimi and mixed with a sweet sauce and an egg, is a delicious dish, but the various set meals that come with sashimi are also very filling and popular.

Local Gourmet Part 2 “Kimisan Tokoroten”

Kimi Shokudo Tokoroten (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

The famous lady ``Kimi-san'' has been making this homemade tokoroten for over 40 years by carefully washing, drying, and boiling ``Amakusa'' harvested from the sea of ​​Kashiwajima during the winter.
Tokoroten is made right in front of you using nostalgic tools, and is served with Kashiwajima's uniquely sweet soup stock, which is not made with Sanbai vinegar or brown sugar syrup, and topped with simple condiments of ginger and green onions. It is light and easy to eat, and is popular as a souvenir at roadside stations and the Kashiwajima Information Center.

Local Gourmet Part 3: Cafe Micchan

In addition to Kashiwajima's local cuisine, you can also enjoy a retro Showa era cafe menu, noodles, and delicious curry. Shaved ice is also recommended in summer.

Local Gourmet #4 “Kashiwajima Village’s Aged Tuna Bowl”

Kashiwajima Village’s aged tuna bowl (Photo provided by Kashiwajima Village)

Local Gourmet No. 5 “Matsumoto Shoten’s Pickled Tuna Bowl” (Takeout)

It's best to eat take-out tuna bowl while looking out at the sea (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

Kashiwajima is also known as a town for bluefin tuna farming, and this is a restaurant where you can easily take out tuna grown right in front of your eyes in a bowl.

You may have to wait about 20 minutes for your order to be picked up, so we recommend calling ahead. Eating tuna bowl with a spectacular view of Kashiwajima is the best.

Recommended lodging with warmth unique to the countryside

B&B

Hotel

camp

Please check this out when you return home.

Recommended as a souvenir

Tokoroten, Ichigoori (shaved ice made by slicing ice containing strawberries), famous Kawachi Bankan related products such as bankan juice and jelly, Tosa Otsuki bincho charcoal, fresh and dried squid and fish, eggplant, etc. Local vegetables, processed coral products, etc.

``Ichigoori,'' shaved ice made by slicing ice containing Otsuki strawberries, is a specialty of Roadside Station Fureai Park Otsuki. Definitely recommended to eat.

Nearby attractions

[Inside Otsuki Town] Kashi West Coast Bentenjima (scenic coastline), Gassan Shrine (outside pilgrimage temple), Ryugasako (terraced field scenery), Roadside Station Fureai Park Otsuki (bicycle rental, etc.) , tourist farm Wahaha (grape picking/summer), coral fruit farm (mandarin orange picking/autumn), squid fishing experience (summer), etc. [Outside town] Sukumo City, Tosashimizu City (Tatsukushi/Cape Ashizuri), Shimanto River, etc. …each within 1 hour by car

``Kashi West Coast'' is characterized by Benten Island, which has a cave created by sea erosion.There are showers nearby, and it is a popular spot for swimming. About 25 minutes from Kashiwajima. (Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

Finally

Kashiwajima is a place with a beautiful sea, but apart from the sea, there are many other important things that we want to protect, such as warm people, delicious food, Kashiwajima's unique topography such as rocks and cliffs, and rare plants as well as fish. . If you are visiting, please feel free to interact with local residents, please behave in an environmentally friendly manner, and please take any trash home with you.

In addition, Kashiwajima and Otsuki Town are places where you can enjoy beautiful scenery, fields, and food that have different expressions not only in summer, but also in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Please feel free to come and visit us whenever you feel like it. You are sure to make new discoveries and encounters!

(Photo provided by Lagoon Racing)

If you want to know more about Otsuki Town, please click here.