Explore

Kozushima has a lot to offer for an island of its size—beautiful nature, rich culture, fascinating history and tons of places you can go to relax and refresh. Take a look through our recommendations for some of the best places to visit on Kozushima. Some of the island’s secrets are best explored with an experienced local guide as part of a guided tour—make sure to check them out and make a reservation beforehand!

Mt. Tenjo Hiking Course

West Coast Walking Course

Lighthouse Walking Course

Tako Bay Walking Course

Mt. Chichibu Hiking Course

Shrines & Temples Course

Maehama

Kozushima Hot Springs

A) Mt. Tenjo Hiking Course - for those looking to work up a sweat!

One of the many wonders of Kozushima, the Mt. Tenjo hiking course takes you on a beautiful tour where you get to experience the best of the ocean, mountains, and even the desert! That’s right, we said desert! Two in fact, and they await you on your adventure to the summit!

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1) Mountain Path

Most guests start off by ascending Mt. Tenjo from the Kuroshima Mountain Path. Located approximately two kilometers from Maehama off Route 224 (Kobeyama-Takowan Road), you can get there via walking, bicycle (warning: steep roads), bus, or taxi. Directly in front of the mountain is a public restroom which we recommend you use before making your ascent.

The path is a rather steep incline with multiple stops and openings along the way which provide outstanding views of the town, Maehama, and Kozushima Port. It is a slow yet steady climb to the top, but as soon as you make it past this stage your mountaintop adventure officially begins!

2) Front Desert

Now that you made it, you can relax for a bit because from here on out the path is relatively flat and easy to traverse. Once you have rested, continue forward along the path. If you look towards your right, you will notice a pond called Sendai Pond directly below you.

Once you have made your way around some of the curves and turns on the mountain path, you should end up in a rather interesting place called Omote Sabaku, or the Front Desert. Due to its unique natural terrain and location, the sounds of the ocean are nearly inaudible, making this place unusually quiet. The islanders recommend that you lay down and gaze into the sky amidst the silence, and really absorb the atmosphere of the desert.

There is a resting place with benches directly on the path, and many guests often take this as an opportunity to take some photos, drink some water, or have something to eat, before continuing their adventure towards a place called Ura Sabaku, the Rear Desert.

3) Rear Desert

The Rear Desert is located a bit further along the mountain path and is much greater in size. Though this desert isn’t as silent as the former, it is more expansive and has a much better view of the ocean.

Technically, in terms of scientific definition, both the Front and Rear Deserts aren’t actual deserts, but are instead the result of mountain erosion, thus giving them a desert-like look and feel. Continuing towards the back of the desert brings you to the opposite side of Mt. Tenjo and a breathtaking view of the east coast and some of Kozushima’s neighboring islands!

If you felt like having a snack or taking a break, now would be an excellent time to do so! Towards the back of the eastern side, you will find some benches to rest at or take a lunch break, and both can be done while enjoying the immaculate view of the east coast! The cliffs are incredibly steep and there aren’t any fences to prevent one from falling, so be careful not to inch too close to the ledge!

4) Fudo Pond

Once you are ready to move on, turn around and make your way back to the Rear Desert. Keep along the right side of the desert where the sand and vegetation meet and you will eventually come to another path. Following this path will lead you to the backside of the Front Desert. Keep to your right, head up the slight incline, and continuing to walk along the path will bring you to a viewpoint which provides a superb view of Niijima, Shikinejima, and Toshima. Continuing even further on the path will eventually bring you to a place called Fudo Pond.

When the island receives a lot of rain, the pond fills and the small island in the center of the pond becomes more prominent. On the island, there is a small shrine that houses both Fudo Myo’o, a protective deity in Buddhism who gave the name to the lake as well as Ryujin, who is a fishermen’s deity; and due to this, the inner sanctum on the island itself is off limits to visitors.

There are resting places with benches, as well as a public restroom (a composting toilet, actually). For many, this will be their first time using a composting toilet, but don’t fret, for it is very simple to use! Once you are through, simply hop on the bicycle and peddle for a good 40 seconds or so, and you’re done.

After you’re all rested up, continue along the outside of the pond and proceed through a narrow tunnel-like path through the trees for about two minutes. Once you have made it out of the trees and before you continue on your path towards the summit, you ought to climb up one of the nearby hills and take a look at Fudo Pond from above!

It isn’t very noticeable at ground level, but from above, you’ll see that the pond’s shape resembles a heart!

5) Mountain Top

After Fudo Pond, you are merely minutes away from the pinnacle of Mt. Tenjo. Head down from the hill you climbed to take a glimpse of the pond from above and continue to walk along the path for a few more minutes. If you come across a small mountain shrine, then you know you are heading in the correct direction.

Once you pass the shrine, take a right and continue along the path. From this point, you should be able to see the summit! You will notice a small flight of stairs leading towards the top. Proceed up the path with caution, as the grounds can be a bit slippery even on a warm, dry day. And once you make it to the top…

Feast your eyes on the stunning view of the entire island, the gorgeous ocean, and the mesmerizing horizon and clouds reflecting on the ocean’s surface!

6) Hairanaigasawa

Once you have managed to come to your senses after experiencing nature at its finest, head back down the same flight of stairs you came up, and turn right to make your way down the mountain.

Right before you officially make your descent off the mountain, you will pass a wide depression on your right.

This ominous-looking place is called Hairanaigasawa, and is a dried up lake where the gods are said to have convened back in the ancient times to discuss how Kozushima’s abundant water would be divided among the rest of the surrounding islands. Legend says that the god of Toshima overslept and arrived last, as was left with the little water remaining. Throwing a mighty godly temper tantrum, he jumped directly into the water, splashing it all over the entirety of Kozushima, which is why you will find water in every nook and cranny on the island!

7) Heading down the mountain & trailing through the forest

Though this side of the mountain is a bit bare, its view of the town and Kozushima’s west coast line is simply immaculate!

Be sure to stock up on a hundred or so photos of this view before you make your way through the mountain side forest.

Once you have made it to the sixth stage marker of the mountain, continue onward into the ever so luscious mountainside forest.

The forest path is very straightforward with no forks or immense curves, but it becomes quite steep! Be sure to take it slow and easy, and use the support ropes (when available) if needed. Unlike the first half of the descent, you are completely engulfed in beautiful mountside mosses and ferns and will continue to be until you make it to the exit! And be sure to not get too distracted by the glorious nature around you and miss any of the tiny Japanese mountain path shrines along the way!

8) Shiroshima Mountain Path Entrance/Exit

As you make your way closer to the Shiroshima Mountain Path Entrance/Exit, the path gradually grows flatter and easier to traverse. There are still a few steep flights of stairs and inclines on the way, so take care not to slip or fall! The end of the path will lead you to Nawanosawa Road which you can follow back to get to town!

Mt. Tenjo Hiking Course

B) West Coast Walking Course

From the locals’ hangout joints, to glorious oceanfront scenery and Kozushima tradition, the island’s west coast is an outstanding place to enjoy a lot of what the island has to offer. Although a tad longer of an adventure compared to some of the other walking courses on the island, the west coast route is indeed much flatter and easier to traverse. The entire path is about 5.5 kilometers one way, and takes roughly two hours to reach the northern part of the island (or back to town). There are public restrooms available approximately every kilometer along the path, as well as a restaurant located at the island’s natural hot spring (which is also along this path). Unfortunately, there are no shops or places to buy snacks along the way, so it is advised that you stock up in town prior to heading out.

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Walking down (or up) the west coast of the island, you will visit a unique swimming hole called Akasaki Promenade, the island mine cart ruins, Tatamigahana Rock, the Nagahama Shore, Awa-no-mikoto Shrine, and Buttoshi Rock. Of course, there are many other wonderful things to be seen on this route, however, these are the most recommended spots by the locals so we highly encourage you to visit the west coast’s top seven!

1) Akasaki Promenade

Let’s start off with the Akasaki Promenade. This is a very popular swimming hole that the locals often gather and hangout at on hot days (typically throughout the summer). There is a very sturdy 500-meter-long boardwalk all along the coastline where the locals as well as visitors love to jump off into the ocean.

Besides jumping and splashing around, this place is great for snorkeling, scuba diving, and enjoying a stellar view of the ocean. On a very clear day, you can see as far as Shikinejima and Niijima, Shimoda (the southern pinnacle of the Izu Peninsula), and even Mt. Fuji! So, whether it be a cold, windy morning, or a hot and humid summer afternoon, Akasaki Promenade is a place you definitely need to stop by while vacationing in Kozushima!

It only takes 15 minutes via the local bus which departs from Maehama four times throughout the day. And if you are anxious to get there, you can always consider taking a taxi as well!

2) Mine Cart Ruins

Heading further south along Kozuhondo Road, you will run into a rather unique site off the coastline. In addition to the spectacular oceanside view, you should notice some rusty old rail tracks that run directly into the ocean.

In fact, between 1942 and 1955 the islanders used to mine for rhyolite (a type of stone) from the top of the island’s Mt. Kobe, which they then sent down to sea level via cable cars, placed in the mine carts, and finally delivered directly out to ships on the coastline! It is a bit of an unusual sight, but the place has some historical importance for the island, so be sure to stop by on your way along the path.

3) Tatamigahana Point

Heading back to and continuing down the road will lead you to a place along the coastline called Tatamigahana Point. Capes are sometimes referred to as hana, which means “nose” in Japanese, and this cape happens to be home to rather wide and expansive flat stones which slightly resemble a Japanese tatami mat.

In fact, if you felt like taking a quick nap on the seashore and enjoying the sound of the waves, you could indeed do so! Tatamigahana is a unique and beautiful spot on Kozushima’s west coast that’s highly recommended by the locals.

4) Nagahama Beach

Once you are finished enjoying Tatamigahana, continue along Kozuhondo Road to reach Nagahama Beach. This 600-meter shoreline is unique in that you will not only find colorful pebbles scattered among the white sand. The beach was first mentioned in the 9th century historical text Shoku Nihon Koki as Goshikihama or “The Beach of Five Hues” due to the gorgeous pink, black, yellow, white and green stones that can be found along the sandbar. But don’t take any of them home! The goddess residing in the shrine, Awanome-no-mikoto, is very fond of her gems and she is said to curse anyone trying to steal them. During the festival dedicated to her held every year on April 15th, the locals would find some flat stones, cover them with wet sand and bring them over to the shrine as an offering.

And if pebbles aren’t your thing, Nagahama is a superb and ideal place to enjoy the sunset in the evening with your friends, family, and loved ones, so make sure you time your adventure right!

5) Awa-no-mikoto Shrine

From the Nagahama Shore, turn around and look inland to find a path lined with a bamboo fence. Keep on walking towards the back, and you will find a Japanese torii gate which leads to another short path engulfed in trees. Continuing up this path will lead you to the Awa-no-mikoto Shrine. This beautiful shrine is completely hidden, surrounded by the coastal forest with a ground covered in fine sand, giving you the sense that this place is harmoniously integrated with nature. While the modern-day festival held at the shrine is rather small in scale, back in the day, the whole area including the beach would be crowded with people eating, drinking, and having fun. They would even hold judo tournaments in the shrine grounds.

The shrine is conveniently located directly next to Nagahama, and is approximately a ten-minute walk round trip. Of course, if you choose to hangout even longer to enjoy the shrine’s peaceful and serene atmosphere, no one will mind.

6) Buttoshi Rock

Returning back to Nagahama and continuing further down Kozuhondo Road will lead you to a place called Buttoshi Rock.

Named after its tunnel-like hole, the locals suggest you pass through and enjoy the glorious ocean scenery from the other side. And most of all, they highly recommend you watch the sunset through the rock tunnel!

7) Meishi Coast & the Viking Chair

Once you are done enjoying the lovely scenery, head back to the road and continue towards town. Just after Buttoshi Rock, the road suddenly becomes quite steep, so if you cyclers aren’t in the mood to work up a bit of a sweat, we suggest you get off and walk the remainder of the incline. Once you reach the top, take a right at the only road in sight, and make your way down the opposite side of the steep incline (it’s easier going down it, trust us). At the base of the incline, you should notice a public restroom to your left, and a blue sign to your right. If you look even further beyond the sign, you will notice a short path leading back towards a place called Meishi Coast.

This coast line isn’t a swimming spot, nor is it a place to play a round of beach volleyball, but instead offers yet another great natural view point. Following the path through the pine trees and up a few sets of stairs will lead you towards the coast line. Approaching the end of the path, you will notice a wooden flight of stairs leading to an elevated platform with an impressive chair fit for royalty from you which you can look down upon the stunning cobalt Kozushima sea. This chair is called the “viking chair”, and is highly recommended that you take a seat and take in the ocean view!

To top this walking course off, you might want to consider stopping by the island’s one and only natural hot springs, which is ever so conveniently located right on the west coast shortly after the Meishi Coast.

Of course, there are many other great and beautiful places to see along the entire west coast of Kozushima, but the islanders encourage you to try out their top seven picks before anything else.

This walking course can be enjoyed either going up or down the coastline at any time of the day or year, but is especially enchanting while the sun is setting!

West Coast Walking Course

C) Lighthouse Walking Course

This walking course will take you down into the southwestern section of the island and give you a taste of both the natural beauty of Kozushima and its historical heritage. You will see some stunning vistas and get a good dose of exercise while climbing down to Senryo Pond and back. Be careful though, the first two stages of the trip will require you to walk along a narrow road with no sidewalk, so watch out for cars! Also, the trek down to Senryo Pond, while short, is in fact quite dangerous and there is no reception in that area in the case that you have an accident, so approach this course at your own risk. It is very crucial that you inform the owner of the place you’re staying at where and when you’re headed before you go. If at any time you feel that it is a bit too dangerous, please head back and consider making this trip a different day and make arrangements to go with one of the islanders or local tour guides instead. With all that out of the way, let’s begin!

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Walk south from Maehama Beach down the Kozuhondo Road. Follow the main road and then start climbing the twisting road uphill. Be sure to take a short break during your ascent to appreciate the stunning view of Maehama Beach and the bay! With Google Maps (download the area map to be able use it offline beforehand!) as your guide, continue south until you see a huge white cross visible in the direction of the coast. That’s the Arima Observation Deck, our first stop.

1) Arima Observation Deck and Julia Cross

Arima Observation Deck offers a stunning 90-degree view of the Kozushima Port and the ocean to the west of the island. This observation deck is not only popular with tourists, young people on the island go there after work to take in the sunset or to enjoy a drink or two in this lovely and tranquil spot.

The huge white cross standing next to the observation deck dominates the landscape. It was erected to commemorate Julia Ota, a lady-in-waiting who served Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was banished to Kozushima after she refused to recant her Christian faith and helped the islanders a great deal during her exile.

After you’re done enjoying the sights, head back to the main road and continue in the same direction. Eventually, you will reach a point where you take a sharp right turn and go uphill to reach the Senryoike Parking Lot (the ike in Senryoike means “pond”) and a public toilet should you need it. From there, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the Kozushima Lighthouse.

2) Kozushima Lighthouse

A short walk up the hill from the parking lot will take you right below the Kozushima Lighthouse. Erected in 1951, the lighthouse sits 120 meters above sea level and is 12 meters high. While unfortunately you can’t go inside the lighthouse, there is a small observation deck right below it, which offers a great view of the surrounding area. The locals recommend the lighthouse as one of the most romantic spots on the island.

Once you’re done enjoying the sights, head back to the parking lot and onto the route leading all the way down the cliff to Senryo Pond. The route is very steep, and occasionally you need to hold onto a rope to safely climb down, which makes it quite dangerous (again, no cellphone reception, so there is no one coming if you fall!) but also tremendously fun. This short, little adventure course offers a great view of the sea and the neighboring cliffs, as well as small glimpses of your final destination. Don’t miss the stunning view of the inlet visible to the south midway down the route!

Once you reach the bottom, take note of the fantastic volcanic formation that makes up the wall of the cliff and the ground: the flowing, undulating shape of the orange and bronze-tinted rock makes it easy to imagine how the whole coast was shaped by flowing lava!

3) Senryo Pond

At the bottom of the cliff, walk a short way north and you’ll find yourself facing Senryo Pond. Famous for its emerald water, Senryo Pond is actually an inlet, and the water flowing directly in from the sea brings in all sorts of marine life like fish and squid which you can easily spot through the translucent surface. Senryo Pond is formed atop a crater, which makes it surprisingly deep—however swimming and diving are strictly prohibited.

The Japanese name for the inlet, Senryoike, literally means “a pond of a thousand ryo”, ryo being a type of coin used in Japan up until the early Edo period (17th century). There are two theories why it got its name. One suggests that because many fish would swim into the inlet at night, two villagers would be sent to spend the whole night at the mouth of the inlet to be on the lookout for the fish. Once enough fish entered the inlet, they would shut the mouth off with a net. Doing so would allow them to score a huge catch, hence the name suggesting that the lake would allow you to get rich almost overnight. Another theory suggests a huge ship with 1000 koku (old Japanese unit of volume) of tonnage was drawn into the inlet and sank there, giving it its current name.

And that is the end of this walking course! Make sure to be just as careful when climbing back up from Senryoike Pond.

Lighthouse Walking Course

D) Tako Bay Walking Course

The eastern coastline of Kozushima is just as mesmerizing as the west side!

The starting point for this course is Tako Bay. You can get there via bus from Maehama. There are five buses that go to Tako Bay, but only four buses go back; make sure to check the local bus information prior to heading out.

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1) Tako Bay

Tako Bay is one of the two major ports on the island. Here you will see ferries coming and going to and from the surrounding islands and the mainland, as well as the local fishermen going about their day. The sand is very fine and a pristine white, and the ocean water is a gorgeous azure and turquoise mix. This beach is a great spot for diving and a mecca for surfing, and provides the first of many outstanding views of Mt. Tenjo along this walking course!

One thing to take note of here at Tako Bay is the island’s sole source of natural spring water, which happens to be located directly on the beachfront. It’s incredibly delicious, and what’s more, it’s completely free of cost! This very water is one of the most unique characteristics of Kozushima. Whether it be your morning coffee or tea, or simply the water used in cooking, this water makes anything and everything much tastier. Regardless of the season, stopping by and drinking Kozushima’s natural spring water is an absolute must when visiting Tako Bay.

2) Matsuyama Trail

Returning to the bus stop and walking south along Kozuhondo Road will lead you to Matsuyama Trail, one of the islanders’ most highly recommended oceanside paths on the east coast. The path is a very short and easy hike, leading you through a seaside pine forest atop one of Kozushima’s many breathtaking cliffs. At first sight, it appears to be just a bunch of pine trees, albeit very beautiful ones of course. But the further you head along the path, the more you can see of Mt. Tenjo and the ocean, and finally you’ll arrive at Matsuyama Viewpoint! This natural viewpoint provides guests with an exquisite view of not only the eastern coastline, but also Tako Bay, and the ships and ferries heading in and out of the port. On clear days, even Miyakejima and Mikurajima, two of Kozushima’s neighboring islands, can be seen in the distance!

3) Buzaemo Viewpoint

Returning back to Kozuhondo Road via the Matsuyama Trail and continuing south will lead you to the Nagassaki Trail. Much like the Matsuyama Trail, you will traverse a very narrow path heading towards the ocean surrounded by beautiful and lush oceanside pine trees. Once you have reached the end of the path, you will be standing atop another one of the islanders’ favorite natural viewpoints, Buzaemo Viewpoint. You can enjoy the same beautiful view of Miyakejima and Mikurajima, as well as the rough, steep cliffs that face Miura Bay. This is by far the most divine sight to see along the east coast walking course, so make sure to save your camera battery for the eight, nine, or maybe 89 photos you’ll be taking!

Tako Bay Walking Course

E) Mt. Chichibu Hiking Course

In this Hiking course, we will hike across the ridge of Mt. Chichibu and discover some of the picturesque and mysterious spots along the way. The whole route should take you about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

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To get to the beginning of Mt. Chichibu Trail on foot, follow the route below. It should take you about 30 minutes, assuming you walk from Maehama Beach.

https://goo.gl/maps/rJKjuyaPQsr6H6jc9

You can also go by car, but since there is no parking available at the start of the route, you will need to stop your car at Miura Bay Observatory and follow this course in reverse.

There are chemical toilets on the opposite side of the road from the entrance—keep in mind that there aren’t any toilets along the trail.

Just a few steps into the hiking route, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a lush forest with slivers of light shining through the canopy. The trail winds up and down the hills, but overall isn’t very steep. If you’re visiting between late January and March, you might see some Japanese camellias blooming along the path. About halfway up one section of the path, there is a small ravine which can easily become slippery if it rains, so be careful. Soon after, the forest gives way to smaller shrubs allowing you to enjoy the spectacular view of Miura Bay and the rolling hills encircling Tako Bay. Further up, you will again walk into the forest up a shady, narrow path. Walk past the charming little wayside shrine and up some small stone steps built into the path—the trail does get a bit steep at this point.

Eventually, you should reach a viewpoint where you can sit down on a bench and take a break while taking in the vista of the western coast along with the town center and Kozushima Port. After the break, head further up the path. Soon you’ll be able to see the modest-looking Chichibu Temple. Right behind the temple, you can find a place known as 34 Kannon’s Sacred Sites of Chichibu—a mysterious-looking rectangular area surrounded by a total of 34 stone monuments on three sides.

Proceed further up and in about five minutes you will reach the top of Mt. Chichibu. After a short break, continue down the path. Once you reach the NTT radio tower, the woods will again give way to low shrubs so you can enjoy the view of Tako Bay and the southeastern shore of the island. There’s even a bench where you can sit down and take in the sights. After the break, make your way down the winding path.

Your final stop is Miura Bay Observatory which offers a fantastic view of the Miura and Tako bays and an almost 180-degree view of the ocean—you can even see neighboring Miyakejima Island to the southeast!

Mt. Chichibu Hiking Course

F) Shrines & Temples Course

In this course, we will take you through Kozushima’s main Buddhist temple, major shrines, and other places of historical and religious importance along the western coast of the island.

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1) Exiles’ Cemetery

Our first stop is the Exiles’ Cemetery. As the name suggests, this cemetery served as a burial ground for people exiled to Kozushima as a punishment. The exiles on Kozushima were not allowed to be buried together with the locals. Instead, their bodies were interred in this tiny cemetery. While the cemetery is no longer in use, the locals still take care of it and you will often find fresh flowers adorning the centuries-old graves when visiting. Similarly to the cemetery adjacent to Tohibiki Temple, the Exiles’ Cemetery is covered with white sand brought over from Maehama Beach.

Exiles buried in the cemetery include the members of the Fujufuse Buddhist sect (who refused any interactions with other sects and often ran afoul of the government) and purportedly Julia Ota, a Korean Christian living in Japan in the early 17th century who was banished here after she refused to renounce her faith (although there are records of her leaving the island and going to Nagasaki).

2) Tohibiki Temple

Next, we head over to the Tohibiki Temple. Step inside the temple grounds and you will see the understated wooden building of the temple right in front of you along with the surrounding cemetery. The cemetery ground is covered with fine white sand brought over from the beach, adding to the serene atmosphere of the place of rest for Kozushima’s residents. The graves are well-tended by the locals, the most devout of whom would visit the cemetery every day to clean the graves and leave fresh flowers for their ancestors.

Tohibiki Temple was first constructed in 1639 as a branch temple of the Pure Land Sect’s Kaizenji Temple in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The temple originally stood near the present-day elementary school and was moved to its current location in 1804. The temple serves as the only cemetery for Kozushima’s inhabitants.

We recommend you visit the temple to appreciate the tranquility of the beautifully decorated graves standing in a sea of white sand. However, remember that it is a cemetery, so please be respectful.

Learn more about Kozushima’s religion and funerary traditions

3) The Legend of Water Sharing Monument

The monument is situated right next to Maehama Beach. It celebrates the most famous legend related to Kozushima—the Legend of Water Sharing (Jap.: Mizukubari Shinwa). The legend tells the story of how the gods of Izu Archipelago held a meeting on Kozushima to decide how the water should be distributed between the islands. They decided to give out the water on a first-come, first-served basis. The god of Toshima overslept—you can see him lying on the front side of the monument—and arrived last only to learn that there was very little water left. Infuriated, he jumped straight into the water and started splashing it all over Kozushima, which is why water can be found in every corner of the island.

Read up more about this legend and Kozushima’s water

4) Ryujin Port Shrine

Photo by the courtesy of Kozushima Tourism Association

The Ryujin Shrine sits on the small jetty protruding into the Kozushima Port. The shrine itself sits behind a small torii gate and houses Ryujin, a deity that the fishermen turn to for protection and a good catch. According to one legend related to the shrine, a fisherman was possessed by an evil spirit while at sea. He rushed back to the port, and as soon as he passed by the shrine, the spirit left him. Ryujin is also venerated in a shrine atop Mt. Tenjo.

5) Monoimina-no-mikoto Shrine

Next, we head over to Monoimina-no-mikoto Shrine. As you climb the steps, imagine a group of fishermen valiantly carrying a portable shrine (mikoshi) down these stairs on a palanquin. It might sound impossible, but that’s exactly what they used to do for years during the Katsuo Tsuri (Bonito Catching) Festival. Sadly, the main portable shrine is no longer carried around, but you can still see a smaller mikoshi carried around by the students from the local middle school if you visit Kozushima on August 1st and 2nd.

At the top of the stairs stretches the sando, the path leading up to the shrine. The first structure within the shrine premises is the zuishinmon, a gate housing two deities guarding the shrine. Once you walk past the gate you can stop by the chozuya, a small pavillon containing a water basin where you can do a ritual ablution (left hand, right hand, mouth, the handle of the water ladle) before you proceed to the honden, or the main building where the chief deity of the shrine is enshrined guarded by two statues of lion-like creatures known as komainu.

Monoimina-no-mikoto Shrine is home to its eponymous deity: Monoimina-no-mikoto. He is believed to be the eldest son of Kotoshiro-no-mikoto, the deity who travelled from Izumo to the Izu Peninsula and created Kozushima along with the whole Izu Archipelago (Kotoshiro-no-mikoto is enshrined in Mishima Taisha Shrine in Mishima, Shizuoka).

Additional Stop – Awa-no-mikoto Shrine

This additional recommended stop is Awa-no-mikoto Shrine. Since it’s a bit far from the town center and the course itself, we recommend using a car or taking a bus to Nagahama Beach and enjoying it while exploring the west coast. For more information, please refer to Awa-no-mikoto Shrine in the West Course Walking Course above.

Shrines & Temples Course

G) Maehama, the White Sand Beach of Kozushima

White sand beaches on the islands of Tokyo?! You betcha folks! In fact, you won’t find many beaches on most of these islands, which is another characteristic that makes Kozushima unique. Maehama is the island’s main beach, located directly in front of downtown and can be easily accessed on foot no matter where you plan to stay!

Home to crystalline cobalt blue ocean water and gorgeous white sand (sand which was used to create some of the artificial beaches in Tokyo Bay even), and from north to south, Maehama is approximately one kilometer in length. Since the beach is located on the west side of the island, the islanders highly suggest you pay a visit to the beach around the early evening and at night to catch a glimpse of Kozushima’s glorious sunset and beautiful starry sky!

From surfing to sun tanning, there’s a lot you can enjoy at Maehama! Though Maehama can be enjoyed all throughout the year, the best time to enjoy it is anytime between July and September.　Maehama is open to the public, and　restrooms and showers are available near and along the beach.

Please note that although surfing is permitted year-round, you need to take caution when swimming as there is no lifeguard on duty after August.

H) Oceanfront Natural Hot Springs with Their Very Own Planetarium!

Photo by the courtesy of Kozushima Tourism Association

What is better than a natural hot spring situated directly along the coastline? One with a planetarium, of course! Kozushima Hot Springs Recreation Center is one of the largest open-air hot springs in Japan made from nothing but natural rocks quarried from the coast. The hot springs covers an area of 275 square meters, and have a completely unobstructed view of the sky overhead, providing an exquisite view of Kozushima’s breathtaking starry sky and giving the atmosphere of a natural planetarium at night!

In addition to the open-air baths, there is a selection of baths you can enjoy inside as well. Though swimwear is not mandatory when using the indoor baths, you will be required to wear a swimsuit when using the ones outside.

This is a sodium chloride hot spring, dishing out 420 liters of water per minute with an average heat of 57 degrees Celsius (approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit). It possesses medicinal properties that are good for helping with a stiff neck, back pain, neurological pain, frozen shoulder, poor blood circulation, and common problems experienced by women due to hormonal imbalances.

Kozushima Hot Springs Recreation Center is located approximately a 35-to-40-minute walk away from town and is easily accessible via the local bus. Hours of operation are from 10:00 am till 9:00 pm every day except Wednesday, and it is even open throughout major Japanese holiday seasons such as Obon, the New Year, and Golden Week.

The price is 800 JPY for adults, and 400 JPY for kids, and towels are available for purchase at 150 JPY a piece.

Please note that customers with tattoos will not be able to enter.