I really want to keep it a secret! A Trip to the Islands
Many areas in the eastern part of Oita Prefecture face the sea, and the islands floating in the sea are very attractive. Each island has its own unique culture, and you can expect a trip that will tickle your adventurous spirit. Along with the charm of the islands, here are some of the best gourmet foods and events. We invite you to visit these unexplored places that even the most seasoned travelers may not know about!
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Himeshima Island, an island with seven wonders
himeshima is a small island at the tip of Kunisaki Peninsula, a mysterious place mentioned in an old book of Japanese mythology (Kojiki). The topography of himeshima was nurtured by volcanic activity over a long period of time, and the island offers spectacular views of the breath of nature. The island has been recognized as a Japan Geopark as “a mysterious island created by volcanoes. After enjoying the spectacular scenery, take a relaxing dip in the Hyoshimizu Onsen, a hot spring that boils on the island.
If you visit in the spring, keep an eye out for the migratory butterflies called “Asagimadara. These beautiful blue-winged butterflies stop by himeshima every spring (mid-May to early June) to rest their wings.
You can cross to himeshima in about 20 minutes by ferry from Imi Port in Kunisaki City. Since it is a small island, we recommend renting a bicycle or a super-compact electric car charged by solar power from himeshima Village to tour around the island. You can circle the island in about two hours.
Gourmet food to eat in Himeshima
- Himeshima kuruma-ebi (Japanese tiger prawn)
- The kuruma-ebi of Himeshima can be tasted both cultivated and wild, cultivated by reusing land that was once used as a salt field. Because of its sweet taste, it is recommended to eat it raw, but if you are not comfortable with it, you can also enjoy it in a shabu-shabu pot.
- Tai-men (sea bream noodles)
- This is a local dish eaten at weddings on Himeshima. It is a gorgeous and beautiful looking dish consisting of udon noodles topped with a whole fresh salted sea bream. Since the Japanese word for “meeting” is “Taimen,” it is said that it also serves as a meeting of the two families who are to be married.
Events to visit in Himeshima
- Himeshima Bon Odori
- This festival is held over three days from August 14 to 16 every year. Locals and tourists dress up in costumes of foxes and raccoons and dance traditional dances. This festival is designated as a national intangible folk cultural asset. Come and experience the unique culture of Himeshima.
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- Himeshima Osakana Festival
- Held annually around May, this festival allows visitors to enjoy sashimi and boiled fish caught on Himeshima. There is also an appreciation of Himeshima's fox dance and aya dance, and a fun raffle.
- Himeshima Kuruma-ebi Festival
- This festival is held in late October every year to celebrate Himeshima's famous kuruma-ebi (tiger prawn). Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods such as kuruma-ebi sashimi and fried kuruma-ebi, and stores selling Himeshima seafood. You can also watch some of the dancers perform in the Himeshima Bon Odori dance.
Let's enjoy visiting all of them! Seven Wonders of Himeshima
Why not visit seven mysterious spots related to Japanese mythology? You'll love Himeshima even more if you explore the seven spots along with the stories they have to offer, such as an island dedicated to a god that is said to remain unsaturated even during high tides or rough seas, and a spring that bubbled up when an ancient princess clapped her hands.
Hotojima Island, the Island of Tuna
hotojima Island, located in Tsukumi City, is known as a “tuna fishing town. From ancient times to the present, the island has served as a base for pelagic tuna boats, and tuna cuisine is a specialty on the island.
There is little flat land, and the houses built on the slopes of the mountains look like something out of an animated cartoon. This scenery has been selected as one of the “100 Historical and Cultural Properties of Fishing Villages to Leave to the Future. Take a stroll through the traditional and nostalgic streets of a Japanese fishing village, which is different from a castle town.
You can reach Hodo Island by ferry from Tsukumi Port in Tsukumi City in about 30 minutes.
[Gourmet] Hyuga Donburi
There are many gourmet foods made from fresh seafood on Hodo Island. One of the most representative is hyuga-don, a bowl of rice topped with a bowl of hyuga. The hyuga-don was created by the hard working tuna fishermen. A special sauce made from sweet soy sauce and rubbed sesame seeds is poured over the tuna fillet and served on top of hot rice. The flavor of the sesame seeds makes it easy to eat more and more, and it is also nutritious.
[Event] Hotojima Summer Festival
The Hotojima Summer Festival is a festival held at Kamo Shrine around July. Local residents, from adults to children, gather at this festival, and the highlight is the mikoshi (portable shrine) carried by the men of the island. It is an impressive sight to see them carry the mikoshi into the sea with great vigor. Fireworks are also set off at night, allowing you to fully experience the Japanese summer atmosphere. As befitting a fishing town, the festival is filled with prayers for a good catch and safety at sea.
Oonyuujima Island, easily accessible in about 7 minutes by ferry
Oonyuujima, located in Saiki City, is one of the most accessible islands in Oita Prefecture, and can be reached in just 7 minutes by ferry from Saiki Port.
This is the only island course on the Kyushu Olle tour, where you can learn about life in a Japanese fishing village while walking around the island. The course, which takes you on narrow roads that feel like you're walking on the sea and through mandarin orange orchards, will tickle your sense of adventure. Cycling around the island is also recommended.
Spend some relaxing time in a landscape that will make you feel nostalgic.
[Gourmet] Seasonal Seafood
Many species of fish can be caught on Oonyuujima. Try some delicious seafood for lunch! Oonyuujima Shokusaikan, located near the center of the island, offers dishes made with delicious fish caught around the island.
Chirimen (dried sardines) are recommended as souvenirs. It is made by boiling sardine fry in salt and carefully drying them in the sun. It is rich in calcium and has the aroma of the sea and the flavor of fish.
In addition to Oonyuujima, a variety of fish species can be tasted throughout Oita Prefecture. If you are interested, please read our article on seafood gourmet.
[Event] Oonyuujima Tondo Fire Festival
This festival is held every year in January. It originates from a bonfire to pray for the safety of the emperor's ship in Japanese mythology and to send him off. In the darkness, a 10-meter-high yagura (a tall platform made of wood) blazes up and sparks fly, creating a powerful spectacle.
The burning of New Year's ornaments and other decorations to welcome the New Year is also held to pray for good health and good fortune. According to legend, taking home the burned wood and other items will prevent illness and injury. This is an important local festival that continues every year.
Why kangaroos here?
”Kangaroo Square” is located near the center of Oonyuujima. However, kangaroos are not kept there. In fact, Saiki City, where Oonyuujima is located, and Gladstone City in Australia are sister cities. As a sign of friendship, a statue of a kangaroo created by an artist from Gladstone has been installed in the park. It is a wonderful spot to view the lovely kangaroo statue and the ocean.
Oita has many attractive remote islands!
There are many more remote islands in Oita Prefecture! A trip to the islands will give you a more unique cultural experience. Please check out the other islands as well.
- Fukashima Island
- Fukashima is the southernmost island in Oita Prefecture, where marine sports such as diving and fishing are popular. Diving offers a view of beautiful coral reefs, while fishing offers the opportunity to hang a variety of fish depending on the season.
- Mukujima Island
- This island is located in Tsukumi City. For an island known only to those in the know, the charm of this island is that it retains a rich natural environment and allows visitors to feel the people's lives as they are. You can enjoy marine activities as well as a star-filled night sky at night.
- Oshima Island
- Oshima is an island in Saiki City, where fishing with a single pole (a fishing method in which fish are caught using only a fishing rod, without a net) is very popular. On the island, there is an over 400-year-old akou tree, designated as a natural monument by the prefecture.
- Yakatajima Island
- This island is famous for the colorful shells of the “Hiougigai,” a shellfish for which Oita Prefecture is famous. The scene of beautiful shells in red, purple, yellow, orange, and other colors washing up on the beach is like something out of an animated cartoon. Why not visit this unexplored island with only a dozen or so residents?
