Toshijima Skyline Hike
A ridge trail crossing from Momozato to Wagu with simultaneous views of both the Pacific Ocean and Ise Bay. Allow 2–3 hours. Moderate to challenging.
🏝️ The 4 Islands
Each with its own distinct character
~10 min
Sakatejima
Edogawa Ranpo connection · Iris blooms May–Jun
The closest island to Toba. Associated with novelist Edogawa Ranpo and painter Jinen Shimatani. In May–June, irises cover the island's pond in vivid purple. Narrow alleyways wind between fishing houses — a place where time moves slowly.
~13 min
Sugashima
Japan's oldest brick lighthouse · Shirongo Festival
Home to Japan's oldest brick lighthouse. In early summer, the sacred ama diver festival "Shirongo Matsuri" is held here. In winter, red box trees carpet the hillside. Sea turtles come to nest on the quiet shores.
~20 min
Toshijima
Skyline hiking · Rental bikes · Best accommodation
The largest of the four islands, home to about 1,850 residents. The "Toshijima Skyline" trail from Momozato to Wagu offers panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Rent a bicycle to explore the island, and end the day with a drink at the fishing harbor. The best island for accommodation.
~30 min
Kamijima
"The Sound of Waves" by Mishima · Edge-of-world feeling
The remote island that inspired Yukio Mishima's novel "The Sound of Waves." Fishermen have long believed gods reside here. A small lighthouse and a tightly-packed fishing village coexist at the gateway to Ise Bay. For travelers who seek the feeling of the edge of the world.
🎣 Activities
Experiences you can only find here
Rental Bicycle (Toshijima)
Rental bikes available at island guesthouses. Explore the fishing harbor, swimming spots, and viewpoints at your own pace.
Ama Hut Experience (Shima-tabi)
Grill fresh seafood over an irori (sunken hearth) surrounded by local fishermen and ama divers. Special plans with lobster and abalone available. A one-of-a-kind experience. Book at Shima-tabi.
Sea Glass Accessory Craft
Craft your own strap, earrings, or necklace using sea glass smoothed by the waves. An indoor activity — perfect for rainy days too. Book at Shima-tabi.
Uninhabited Island & Fishing
From the Momozato area of Toshijima, arrange trips to nearby uninhabited islands or join local fishermen on the water. Often bookable through your guesthouse.
🍣 Food & Dining
Limited options. Unforgettable flavors.
Minshuku dinner
Some minshuku owners hold fishing market licenses, sourcing morning-caught seafood directly. The menu depends on what the sea offers that day — eat what exists only today.
Sugashima Ryokan "Nakora"
Prides itself on carefully selected seafood raised in Sugashima's rugged coastal waters. Comes with a private bath. A ryokan where time slows down with the sea breeze.
Local eateries on Sakatejima & Toshijima
Only a handful of eateries exist on each island. That's precisely why you end up sitting at the same counter as local fishermen, eating the same food. Nothing is "tourist-oriented" here.
🏠 Accommodation
Wake up to island mornings
Toshijima and Sugashima offer several traditional minshuku and ryokan. Dinners feature morning-caught seafood sourced directly from local fishermen — an experience unique to island life.
Find island accommodation (Yadojiman)⛴️ Ferry Access
Departing from Toba Marine Terminal
Toba Marine Terminal (7-min walk from Toba Station) is the departure point for all island ferries. From ARASHIMA INN, the terminal is about 15 minutes on foot.
Value Day Pass
The 1-Day Free Pass (¥1,480) covers unlimited rides to Toshijima, Sugashima, and Kamijima for 4 days — great value for island hopping.