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Sightseeing on Kozushima Island

July 31 through August 2 - Monoimina-no-Mikoto Shrine Annual Festival

The Monoimina-no-Mikoto Shrine Annual Festival is an energetic festival. People carry mikoshi (portable shrines) into the sea from the Maehama boat yards to purify the mikoshi. During the Yoimiya (a vigil held on the eve of the festival) on July 31, stalls are erected on the shrine grounds. At these stalls, people can attempt to catch goldfish, and can enjoy shaved ice, grilled squid, and other food and activities. On August 1 and 2, three mikoshi carried by elementary school children and floats decorated with marlins are paraded around the village for two days.

Monoimina-no-Mikoto Shrine Annual Festival

August 2 - Ritual Bonito Fishing

In this event, fishermen and their bosses pray to the gods for good fishing. Using model boats made from bamboo, bonito made from papier-mache, auction tools, and carrying baskets, the entire bonito fishing process—from the boarding of the boat to the fishing, the auction, and the carrying off of the fish—is reenacted in a rousing, comical manner. To pray for a large catch, the fishermen toss sweets to the gathered children, who symbolize a school of bonito. This event is unusual even in Japan and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The ritual bonito fishing begins at around 4 p.m. on August 2, on the grounds of the Monoimina-no-Mikoto Shrine.

Ritual Bonito Fishing

The highest peak of the island – Mt. Tenjyosan

In the center of Kozushima Island is its lofty symbol:Mt. Tenjyosan. At 572 meters (1877 feet), the dynamics of the ridgeline is reminiscent of the Japan Alps. It is a place abundant with nature, including shrubs, bushes, grasslands, and as you approach the summit there are white deserts-like areas and ponds. The view is excellent, and on sunny days you can see Mt. Fuji. It has been selected as one of 100 New Famous Mountains in Japan, 100 New Landscapes of Tokyo, and included in 100 famous flowers. There is a journey from The Kuroshima Trailhead to the summit, a walk to The Shiratori Trailhead (about 2 hours), a trip from The Shiratori Trailhead to the 6th station in the mountain by car, and one from the 6th station to the summit on foot (about 30 minutes).

Mt. Tenjo

Akasaki Promenade - A Place to Practice Diving on Kozushima Island

The Akasaki promenade is situated along the cove of a popular beach that is safe for swimming. You can find orange and cobalt blue fish in the crystal clear sea waters, and the smell of the sea breeze will refresh your body and mind. There is also a place to practice diving on the Akasaki promenade, with a 3 meter (9.8 foot) diving board. You can also jump into the sea from the middle of the suspension bridge. This is a great experience.
Access: Take the bus to the Akasaki Yuhodo (Akasaki promenade) bus stop

Akasaki Promenade

Takowan Park, A Place to Enjoy Many Activities

Tokyo Metropolitan Takowan Park is located at the foot of Mt. Tenjo on Kozushima Island, which is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Takowan Park is close to the beaches of Takowan Bay, which is blessed with a magnificent landscape consisting of sandy beaches and the cliffs of Mt. Tenjo. There are also family campsites in Takowan Park, making it an ideal camping destination for multiple generations.
Access: Three minutes on foot from the Camp-jo Iriguchi bus stop

Takowan Park

Buttoshi Iwa - Art Created by Nature

Buttoshi Iwa is a strangely shaped rock with a large tunnel in the middle carved by the waves and wind. The tunnel is big enough for a person to walk through. The tunnel is airy and cool, like a natural air conditioner. Pine trees growing on the large rock add to its appeal.
Access: 30 minutes on foot from Kozushima Port

Buttoshi Iwa

Prosperous Fisheries - Japanese Rock Lobster, Splendid Alfonsino, Flying Fish, Neon Flying Squid, and Yellow Striped Butterfish

Fishing in Kozushima Island is has been particularly popular for a long time, and fishermen bring home large catches of a variety of fish and crustaceans such as Japanese rock lobster, splendid alfonsino, flying fish, neon flying squid, and yellow striped butterfish. You can enjoy fresh fish all year. In addition, shellfish including several kinds of abalone are caught, and seaweed such as Gelidiaceae and Ceramiaceae are collected each season. Of course, kusaya, the dried and fermented fish that is a specialty of the Izu Islands, is frequently eaten on Kozushima Island as well. Kusaya is usually made by dipping blue amberstripe scad or flying fish in a salt-based marinade and then drying it in the sun. It is rich in vitamin B1, B2, calcium and proteins, and is popular for its long shelf life.

Japanese Rock Lobster

Kozushima Island’s Wheat Shochu - Made at a Sake Brewery Founded in 1894

Moriwaka is a type of shochu (distilled liquor) unique to Kozushima Island. It is locally brewed with pride by using unique production and storage methods and carefully selected materials, including the pure natural water of Kozushima Island. This shochu has a unique, mild flavor, and was awarded high honors at the Authentic Shochu Contest.

Shochu

Miyako Zushi - A Restaurant Serving Traditional Kozushima Island Sushi

Miyako Zushi is a popular sushi restaurant offering shiokara, a traditional dish made from the meat and innards of the neon flying squid, and sushi made from fresh fish caught around Kozushima Island. Fresh sushi, rice bowls topped with local fish or nori (dried seaweed), roll sushi made with ashitaba, and seafood rice bowls are all quite delicious. You can also enjoy jumbo sushi made with thick-sliced local fish. This cozy restaurant is also popular with the locals.
Access: Near Tokoji Temple

Kozushima Island Sushi

Yochare Center - A Restaurant with a Seafood Shop on the First Floor

Yochare Center is a shop and restaurant operated with pride by the Women`s Department of the Fisheries Cooperative Association. On the first floor, the shop sells processed products including dried fresh fish caught by pole-and-line fishing, fixed shore nets, and other methods. On the second floor, a seafood restaurant offering authentic dishes, such as sashimi and tempura made by using very fresh ingredients. The sashimi, consisting of three kinds of fresh local fish caught near Kozushima Island, and the boiled red snapper are recommended. Both meals include side dishes and Japanese-style dashi soup.

Yochare Center

Diving, Swimming, and Fishing

Kozushima Island is one of the greatest spots for scuba diving in Japan. Many divers are attracted to the spectacular rock reefs, white sandy bottom, and cave diving on the island. In addition, there are many swimming beaches, including Tako Bay with its stunning views, the circular Sawajiri Bay, and Nagahama Beach, where you can play on the rocky shores. The fantastic white sandy beach is also perfect for swimming. Kozushima Island is also a popular destination for fishing. Anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, can enjoy both boat fishing and shore fishing from the rocky shore.

Diving

Cycling, Camping, and Mountain Climbing

Mt. Tenjo, which has an altitude of 572 meters (1,877 feet) and is located in the heart of Kozushima Island, is referred to as the observatory on the Black Current and is well known as a symbol of Kozushima Island. The breathtaking view from Mt. Tenjo, overlooking the Izu Islands all the way to Mt. Fuji, is a must-see. You can enjoy walking, trekking, and cycling (bicycle rentals are available), as well as three campsites. The family campsite at Tokyo Metropolitan Takowan Park is highly recommended. With management staff on duty 24 hours a day, and various rental tents available, it is a very comfortable place to stay.

Camping

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