Day 601: June 25, 2023
Sunday – Father and Daughter Road Trip 4: Yagishiri and Teuri Island
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| Father and Daughter Road Trip 4 |
Today was a beautiful Sunday, and my prayers for lovely weather were answered as Ella and I went on a Yagishiri Island (焼尻島) and Teuri Island (天売島) hopping adventure. We joined the Tomamae Gang, which includes Mike, Jon, and Matsushita-sensei.
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| Haboro Ferry Terminal |
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| Ella with Kanonzaki Reina, one of Engan Bus Company's mascots |
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| We boarded the Sunrise 2, which is the faster of the Ororon 2, which is shown in the picture |
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| Time to board the ferry. Off to Yagishiri Island |
We left early from Rumoi City at around 6:30 AM and reached Haboro Ferry Terminal just in time for the 8 AM boarding time. We rode the Sunrise 2, which took us only 35 minutes to reach Yagishiri - a stark contrast to the ferry, which would have taken an hour. Ella's ticket cost 1420 yen, and I paid 2830 because it was still the off-season.
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| With the Tomamae Gang |
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| Arrived at Yagishiri Island. Yagishiri Ferry Terminal, as seen from the ferry |
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| Welcome to Yagishiri Island |
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| We rented a bike at Rent-a-Cycle Umehara |
Once we reached Yagishiri Island, we rented bikes at Rent-a-Cycle Umehara and explored the island at our own pace. The bike rental was affordable, costing 1,000 yen for a whole day's use, making it a convenient way to see the island’s scenic spots. Here are the places that we visited on Yagishiri Island:
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| We biked counterclockwise from the ferry terminal |
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| First stop: Engineer Highway Monument |
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| The view from the monument |
The Engineer Highway Monument stands as a tribute to the engineers and laborers who built the island’s roads. Yagishiri is known for its well-maintained routes, and this landmark recognizes the efforts behind them. However, what makes this place worth visiting is the scenic view of Yagishiri's northern coast.
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| Torii gate of Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine |
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| Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine |
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| Saw this cat on our way out of the shrine grounds |
The next stop is the Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine, which is located in a peaceful area surrounded by lush trees. Like other Itsukushima shrines in Japan, it is believed to provide protection for sailors and travelers. The shrine's torii gate and the serene atmosphere made it a nice spot for a quiet stop.
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| Entering the Onkobayashi Picnic Area / Hibarigaoka Park |
From there, we went to the heart of the island, Hibarigaoka Park, which offers an opportunity to enjoy nature and see the Onko Forests of the island.
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| We're deep into the Yew Forest of Yagishiri |
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| Biking along Yew Road |
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| Stopped by to take a picture with Teuri Island as our backdrop |
Yagishiri is famous for its yew trees (Onko), which grow in unique twisted shapes due to the island’s strong sea winds. Yew Road is a path lined with these trees, creating a mystical and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Walking or biking through this road felt like entering a natural tunnel of history, as these trees have been growing for centuries. This road also connects the forested eastern side to the open western side.
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| Hawk's Nest Park |
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| Saw the ferry from Teuri Island heading to Yagishiri Island |
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| This place is probably one of the most scenic places on the island. |
A lookout point with breathtaking ocean views, Hawk's Nest Park is named after the falcons that were said to have built nests in the area a long time ago. It provides a fantastic vantage point over the cliffs and the sea, making it a great place to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery. You can also see Teuri Island from this place.
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| Biking along Route 255 |
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| The view of Yagishiri's southern coast as seen from Route 255 |
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| Shirahama Campground |
From there, we biked along the southern coast of the island through scenic Route 255 unit we reached the area called Shirahama. In this area, visitors can see the Shirahama Campground, which is a peaceful place for campers who want to experience staying on the island overnight.
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| Shirahama Coast |
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| This place has a unique beauty in it. |
Right across from the campground is Shirahama Coast, one of Yagishiri’s most scenic coastal spots. The sand isn’t pure white like tropical beaches, but it has a soft, light-colored texture that contrasts beautifully with the clear blue waters. It’s not a typical swimming beach, but it’s an amazing place for a relaxing stroll or to watch the waves.
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| Yagishiri's Sheep Farm |
We then continued on along Route 255 until we reached the Sheep Farm. Yagishiri is known for its Suffolk sheep, a breed famous for its high-quality meat. The island’s Sheep Farm is home to these black-faced sheep, which graze freely on the island’s rich grasslands. Seeing them up close was a unique experience, especially since they are an important part of Yagishiri’s agricultural identity.
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| Yagishiri Lighthouse as seen from Route 255 |
A classic Japanese coastal lighthouse, the Yagishiri Lighthouse stands tall on a hill overlooking the sea. It serves as a navigational aid for ships passing through the waters near Hokkaido. Although we didn't go near the lighthouse, we were still able to see it while biking along Route 255.
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| Last stop on the island - Yagishiri Local Museum |
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| Inside Yagishiri Local Museum |
To wrap up our island tour, we visited the Yagishiri Local Museum, which showcases the island’s history, culture, and natural environment. The exhibits included information about Yagishiri’s unique flora and fauna, the history of the fishing industry, and the development of sheep farming on the island. It was a great way to learn more about the place we had just explored.
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| Yagishiri Ferry Terminal |
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| We got to rest for a bit, but not like this cute cat inside the ferry terminal |
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| For our trip to Teuri Island, we'd be boarding the faster Sunrise 2 |
We finished our adventure at Yagishiri Island at 12 PM. We were able to rest at Yagishiri Ferry Terminal a bit while waiting for the Sunrise 2, which would bring us to Teuri Island. For this trip, I paid 1340 yen for my ticket and 680 yen. We reached Teuri at 1240 PM.
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| Teuri Ferry Terminal |
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| Meshidokoro Fisherman’s Shop Kaiyumaru |
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| Lunch at Meshidokoro Fisherman’s Shop Kaiyumaru |
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| Ella ordered the kaisendon curry |
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| I ordered the Kaisen Ramen |
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| Kaisen Ramen |
When we reached Teuri Island, we decided to change our plans since we were tired and hungry. Instead of jumping straight into exploring, we first had a delicious meal at Meshidokoro Fisherman’s Shop Kaiyumaru. This small eatery is known for serving fresh seafood, which is no surprise given Teuri’s reputation as a fishing island. The seafood dishes were simple but packed with flavor, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients. It was a great way to fuel up before heading out to explore.
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| Before leaving the ferry area, I didn't miss having my picture taken at the Welcome to Teuri sign board |
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| Since we were all tired from biking, we rented a car at the Ororon Rental |
Rather than renting bikes, we opted for a rental car from Ororon Rental, which turned out to be a more convenient and efficient way to explore the island. The rental cost 3,700 yen per hour, with an additional gas fee, but it was a good deal considering that renting a bike would have cost 1,000 yen for just two hours. Given our fatigue, the car rental was the better choice, allowing us to cover more ground comfortably.
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| Torii gate of Teuri Itsukushima Shrine |
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| Matsushita-sensei talked about the shrine culture of Japan |
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| Teuri Itsukushima Shrine |
Our first stop was Teuri Itsukushima Shrine, a small but culturally significant shrine located along Route 548 on the eastern side of the island. Much like other Itsukushima shrines across Japan, it is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten and is believed to protect fishermen and travelers. The traditional torii gate at the entrance set a serene and sacred tone, and the quiet atmosphere made it a nice place for a short break before continuing our journey.
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| Teuri High School |
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| Kurosaki Coast |
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| The view from Kurosaki Coast |
After paying respects and offering prayers, we visited Teuri High School. It was a brief visit as the school was closed to visitors when we arrived, so we weren't able to go inside. We then continued on our way, driving along the southern coast of the island. We made another brief stop at Kurosaki Coast. This time to admire the area, which is home to hundreds of seagulls.
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| Akaiwa Observatory Parking Area |
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| Cape Akaiwa Lighthouse |
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| Cake Akaiwa Observation Deck |
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| Akaiwa |
Next, we headed to the highlight of our trip to Teuri Island - Akaiwa Observatory, one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints. The observatory is perched on a cliffside, offering panoramic views of the sea and rugged coastal rock formations. The highlight here is the Red Rock (Akaiwa), a strikingly red-hued rock formation jutting out from the sea. The dramatic contrast between the deep blue ocean and the reddish-brown rock made for a breathtaking sight. The area is also known as a nesting ground for seabirds, adding to the unique charm of the location.
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| There were plenty of orange daylilies near the parking or the Seabird Observation House |
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| Seabird Observation House |
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| Inside the Seabird Observation House |
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| You can see hundreds of seabirds down the cliff using the binoculars in the observation house |
We then made our way to the Seabird Observation House, a scenic coastal spot perfect for relaxing and taking in the island’s natural beauty. The landscape featured rocky shorelines and clear waters, making it an excellent place to enjoy the fresh sea breeze. The observation house has free-to-use binoculars, which is perfect for viewing the seabirds that live on the cliffside.
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| Teuri Lighthouse as seen from Kannonzaki Observatory |
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| You can also see Yagishri Island from the observatory |
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| Teuri's northern coast as seen from Kannonzaki Observatory |
Our final destination was the Kannonzaki Observatory. It has a magnificent view of the northern coast of the island, Yagishiri Island, and also the Teuri Lighthouse, an iconic landmark of the island. Sitting atop a hill, the lighthouse offers unobstructed views of the Sea of Japan, making it a fantastic spot for photography and reflection.
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| Teuri Ferry Terminal |
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| Ella with Orobo (R) - Haboro's mascot |
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| Ororon 2 |
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| Time to say goodbye to Teuri Island |
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| Ororon 2 is slower than the Sunrise 2. This meant that we had more time to rest during the ferry ride |
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| Finally, we could see Haboro Port |
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| Haboro Ferry Terminal |
Afterwards, we headed back to Teuri Ferry Terminal and then boarded the Ororon 2 ferry back to Haboro. The ferry ride was smooth, offering a relaxing way to reflect on our time in Teuri and Yagishiri. I paid 4,050 yen for my ticket, while Ella’s fare was 2,030 yen. We arrived back in Haboro at 5:25 PM, just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the port town.
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| Crossing one of the bridges from the roadside station to the Minami 3 Jo area of Haboro |
Our day didn’t end there, as we decided to have dinner together at Haboro Sunset Plaza Hotel. The hotel is well-known for its scenic views and comfortable accommodations, so we were looking forward to dining there. Unfortunately, the restaurant wasn’t open yet, leaving us with no choice but to look for another place to eat.
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| Izumi’s Restaurant |
Luckily, we found Izumi’s Restaurant just a few blocks away. This small, local eatery turned out to be a hidden gem. The owner, a kind old lady, welcomed us warmly, making us feel at home right away. The food was simple yet incredibly delicious, clearly made with care and fresh ingredients. It was the perfect way to end our adventure, enjoying a satisfying meal in a cozy, homey atmosphere.
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| Ella tried the spaghetti set |
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| I tried the pork bowl set |
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 86
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