Sugashima tourist guide: Introducing day-trip courses to enjoy spectacular views and gourmet food
Sugashima is a remote island that can be reached by a 15-minute boat trip from Toba Port, and is an attractive place where you can enjoy spectacular views and gourmet food for both day trips and overnight stays. In this article, we will introduce how to get to Sugashima and a day trip itinerary.
What is Sugashima?
Sugashima is located about 3 km east of Toba Port, and can be accessed in about 15 minutes by regular boat from Toba Port.
Among Toba's inhabited remote islands, it is the second largest island after Toshijima, with a circumference of approximately 13 kilometers.
The island is home to magnificent natural beauty and historic sites, with Shirongo Beach and Sugashima Lighthouse among the most popular sightseeing spots!
Both can be reached within a 30 minute walk from the pier.
There are also plenty of dining and lodging facilities, so you can enjoy both day trips and overnight stays.
The photo above is Okageya's SHIMA bento, a bento box filled with ingredients from Sugashima.
On days when the weather is nice, we recommend carrying this bento with you and enjoying a picnic ♪
In this article, we will introduce one-day sightseeing courses where you can fully enjoy the charm of Sugashima!
First, take a look at how to get to Sugashima.
How to get to Sugashima
The only means of transportation to Sugashima is by boat, which can be accessed by boarding TobaCity liner bound for Sugashima.
This liner departs from Toba Port, and the one-way fare is 510 yen for adults and 260 yen for children.
*Toba Port has two departure and arrival points: Toba Marine Terminal and Nakanogo.
The boarding time is approximately 15 minutes, and there are more than 8 departures and returns per day, making this remote island easy to visit on a day trip.
Please see the article below for information on how to purchase tickets and the process to board the ship.
Sugashima day trip course
Introducing sightseeing courses where you can enjoy Sugashima's spectacular views and gourmet food on a day trip!
The trip takes approximately 4 hours and includes walking along Shirongo Kaido and the Kinki Nature Trail, visiting famous spots on the island.
There are some slopes along the way, so we recommend wearing shoes that are easy to move in, such as sneakers.
Now, let's take a look at what my partner Chamu and I actually went through.
*The time introduced in this course is just a guideline.
*The ship schedule is as of March 22, 2023.
Sugashima Port (pier) [10:33]
Arrive at Sugashima Port on a 15-minute boat trip from Toba Marine Terminal!
The return boat will also be boarded from here, so try to be back 20 minutes before departure.
With this sightseeing course, the return flight departs at 2:20 p.m., so it's a good idea to be back by 2:00 p.m.
As you exit Sugashima Port, you will see a sign that says ``Welcome to Sugashima, the hometown of Ama.''
Sugashima is a remote island where active Ama divers live, and you can sometimes see Ama fishing on the beach.
There is a liner waiting area near the signboard, where you can purchase your return ticket.
There are separate toilets for men and women, so it's best to finish your business first.
There are also public toilets on the island at Shirongohama and Okinoshima.
As I walked around Sugashima Port, I saw dried wakame seaweed everywhere.
Sugashima receives strong winds from the north in the winter, making it an ideal environment for drying fish, and the island has been a place where a culture of dried fish has flourished since ancient times.
The items that are dried vary depending on the season, and include seaweed, sea bream, spiny lobster, and shark.
Shimako Bridge [10:40]
Our first destination is Okinoshima, which is a 5-minute walk from Sugashima Port.
Okinoshima is also called an artificial island and can be accessed by crossing the Shimako Bridge.
You can go to Shimako Bridge by climbing the pedestrian bridge near the liner waiting area.
The view from the bridge is also spectacular, and the sparkling blue sea is simply beautiful!
This photo is a view looking down on Sugashima Fishing Port from a bridge, and it has a beauty that makes it look like a scene from a movie.
When you look towards the mountains from the bridge, you can see Sugashima Elementary School in front of you, but pay attention to the exterior of the school building!
Surprisingly, part of the school building at Sugashima Elementary School is shaped like a lighthouse.
This lighthouse is modeled after the Sugashima Lighthouse, the symbol of Sugashima, and I think it is an elementary school with a unique exterior, even in Japan.
Okinoshima Beach [10:45]
Cross the Shimako Bridge and arrive at Okinoshima! The Okinoshima Beach here is the first scenic spot.
The transparency of the sea is outstanding, and it is so beautiful that it reminds you of the sea of Okinawa!
Isn't it amazing that you can see this spectacular view within a 10-minute walk after getting off the ship?
The view from the breakwater near the coast is also exceptional, and you can overlook the surrounding islands.
At this time, I encountered a shocking sight, but when I looked down at the sea through the fence...↓
I could see all the swimming fish! Moreover, the fish are large and there are many of them!
I think this fish is probably a mullet, but the scene looked like an aquarium.
On the way back to Shimako Bridge after leaving Okinoshima Beach, I came across a shocking sight at Sugashima Fishing Port.
The shadow of the ship is reflected on the ocean floor, making it look like the ship is floating in the air!
Within 30 minutes of starting our trip to Sugashima, we were so excited to see a series of spectacular views!
After crossing Shimako Bridge, head to your next destination, Shirongo Beach.
There are signboards along the way for the Kinki Nature Trail, so even first-timers will find it easy to explore.
If you go in the direction of "Sugashima Lighthouse" written on the signboard, you can go to Shirongo Beach.
The promenade leading to Shirongo Beach is also called the ``Shirongo Kaido,'' but please note that there are no vending machines from there.
There are several vending machines around the fishing port, so prepare some drinks before entering the Shirongo Kaido.
*The photo above is a vending machine near the Fisheries Cooperative Building.
Purchase a bento at Okageya [11:00]
As you pass the Fisheries Cooperative Association building, you will see the bento shop ``Okage-ya.''
This is a restaurant that is loved by islanders, and you can enjoy bento boxes made with Sugashima ingredients at reasonable prices.
On this day, I had reserved the "SHIMA bento ¥1000 (excluding tax)", so I received my bento as soon as I arrived at the store.
おかげ屋のお弁当は予約制で、受け取りの２日前までにお電話（0599-34-2525）で予約可能です。
It was a nice service that they wrapped it in a carrier bag so that it was easy to carry around.
After leaving Okageya, walk along the fishing port and enter Shirongo Kaido.
There is a lodging facility called Annex Matsumura near the entrance of Shirongo Kaido, so it is a landmark.
Annex Matsumura is the closest accommodation to Shirongo Kaido, so it is recommended for those who want to take a leisurely tour of Sugashima's spectacular scenery.
There are accommodation plans that include dinner and breakfast, and you can enjoy dishes made with Sugashima ingredients.
Shirongo Kaido [11:05]
Immediately after entering the Shirongo Kaido, I discovered a railway line that leads to the sea.
The scene looks like something out of a Ghibli film, and you can't help but snap the shutter.
Here is a photo taken here to commemorate the occasion. It became a sight that is sure to be Instagrammable♪
When I spoke to an island resident who happened to be passing by, I learned that this place used to be a shipyard.
When you look at the starting point of the railway line, you can see an old building that is said to have been used to manufacture ships.
At that time, this track was installed to move ships.
The tracks are fragile, so please refrain from riding directly on them as this is dangerous.
After walking for a few minutes from the site of the shipyard, the beautiful blue sea and sandy beach came into view.
"Have we arrived at Shirongo Beach yet?" I thought, but when I checked the nearby signboard...
The current location on the map was far from "Shirongo Beach", so it seems that it was different.
The signboard said "Municipal ferry terminal ↔ Shirongohama 30 minutes", so I knew we were almost there.
Once you pass the sandy beach from earlier, you will see a gentle uphill slope, and here and there you will see views that look like cut-throughs.
The above photo was taken looking back from the slope, and the blue sea visible between the rock walls was a picturesque sight.
While walking along the Shirongo Kaido and looking at the sea, I spotted a small boat moored on a rocky shore!
I was curious, so I zoomed in with a super telephoto lens and took a picture...it was a scene of seaweed fishing.
Sugashima is also known as a place where you can harvest wild seaweed, and fishing can be seen all over the island.
I was told this by an island resident I met at the former shipyard site earlier, and I was so happy to see it right away♪
Shirongo Beach [11:20]
After about 15 minutes of walking along the Shirongo Kaido, I saw a passage that split into two.
This is the junction between "Shirongo Beach" and "Sugashima Lighthouse", and the passage on the left will lead to "Shirongo Beach".
As soon as you walk towards Shirongo Beach, you will see Shirongo Beach with its beautiful white sand and blue sea!
At this time, it was noon, so I decided to eat my lunch here.
First, we took a walk on the sandy beach and came across a breathtaking sight.
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Here is the scene. It is a spectacular sea that shines in emerald green and cobalt blue.
My partner and I were so excited to see the beautiful colors of the ocean, just like at an overseas resort!
I have been photographing Mie Prefecture's beautiful sea for about seven years now, and I think this clarity is among the best in the prefecture.
We look for a place to eat lunch while soaking in the afterglow of the spectacular view.
What I found was a rocky area a little far from the beach.
It was a great time to eat here while looking out at the ocean.
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When I checked the contents of my lunch box, I found a variety of side dishes, including boiled and fried foods!
Okageya's bento boxes use fresh, seasonal ingredients, so the contents may change depending on the day's purchasing status.
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On this day, what was in the SHIMA bento was:
・Sugashima octopus tempura
・Seared Sawara from Sugashima
・Simmered seaweed stems from Sugashima
・Okageya's special seaweed tsukudani
・Iga rice rice
・Dashi roll with seaweed from Sugashima
・Homemade boiled abalone
・Fried flounder caught in nearby waters
・Fly fish caught in nearby waters
・Dried fish from Ise region's famous "Same no Tare"
・Deli dishes made with vegetables grown in the fields of Sugashima
・Skewer-grilled turban shells from Sugashima
It was a locally produced and locally consumed bento packed with plenty of ingredients from Sugashima and Mie Prefecture.
Everything was carefully seasoned and delicious, and I was able to enjoy the deliciousness of the ingredients.
"Try this hassaku. It's the one I just picked."
Surprisingly, I received some freshly harvested hassaku from an island resident who was walking on the sandy beach♪
From what I heard, it seems that there are many Hassaku trees all over the island, and that Hassaku is useful as a source of hydration during agricultural work.
I received it with the skin peeled off, but when I tasted the large one, it was full of juice and juicy!
It had just the right amount of sourness and was addictive, making it the perfect after-dinner dessert.
Until I came here, I was warmly welcomed many times by the warm kindness of the islanders, as they greeted me and told me about things they were curious about.
Once we have had our fill, we head towards our next destination, the Sugashima Lighthouse.
Return to the previous fork and proceed in the direction of Sugashima Lighthouse.
Trivia: About ShirongoFestival
At Shirongo Beach, ShirongoFestival is held every year in early July, where divers from all over the island compete to catch the first pair of abalone at the sound of a conch shell.
The "pair of abalone" caught is dedicated to Shirahige Shrine on the island to pray for a bountiful catch and safety at sea.
*The above photo is of the grounds of Shirahige Shrine.
There is a torii gate near the entrance to Shirongo Beach, and you can go to Shirahige Shrine by climbing the stairs at the end of the torii gate.
Shirahige Shrine is only a few minutes walk from the torii gate, so please stop by.
Sugashima Lighthouse [11:50]
After walking for about 5 minutes from the junction between Shirongo Beach and Sugashima Lighthouse, you will arrive at another junction.
This is the turning point for Sugashima Lighthouse, Onma Beach, and Shirahige Shrine, and it is about a 2-minute walk from here to Sugashima Lighthouse.
There is a flower bed of daffodils near the lighthouse, and the flowers bloom from mid-February to late February. Although I visited in early March, there were still beautiful blooming daffodils.
This flower bed used to be the official residence of the lighthouse staff, but in October 2020, children from Sugashima Elementary School prepared it as a flower bed and planted daffodil bulbs.
It is said that you can see the pure white carpet during the peak viewing season, so I would like to take advantage of that opportunity to visit again.
Although you cannot climb the Sugashima Lighthouse, the surrounding area is a scenic spot overlooking the ocean.
It has a long history, and the Sugashima Lighthouse, built in 1873, is the oldest brick lighthouse in Japan.
Supervisor [12:10]
If you leave Sugashima Lighthouse and proceed towards Onmahama Beach, you will arrive at the fork in the road for Kankabo.
The observation post was a building built during the war to check the firing and landing points of cannons, but now it is one of the most scenic spots on the island and is a popular place for tourists to visit.
After two minutes of climbing the stairs towards the supervisory post from the fork, you will see the concrete supervisory post.
This watchtower is one story high and has a staircase that leads to the roof.
The view from this "rooftop" is spectacular. Here is the scene ↓
The horizon spreads out across your field of vision, and you will be moved by the beautiful blue sky and sea!
Toshijima is in the back left, Kamishima is in the back right, and Cape Irago can be seen faintly behind Kamishima.
I thought the view was perfect for the phrase "stunning ocean view."
*The roof of the watchtower is a high place with good ventilation, so it can be dangerous in strong winds or stormy weather.
After leaving the supervisory post, we headed to our final destination, Onma Beach.
At that time, walk in the direction of ``Sugashima Fishing Port'' from the Kankanbo branch, but be careful as there is no sign for ``Onmahama'', so first-timers may easily get lost.
After a few minutes of walking in the direction of Sugashima Fishing Port, you will arrive at the turning point for Onmahama Beach.
If you go down the slope for about 5 minutes from here, you will arrive at Onma Beach.
The walk to Onma Beach is relatively easy, but be careful of the stones that may fall under your feet.
I used a tree branch that had fallen along the way as a walking stick and slowly descended.
Onmahama [12:20]
We started our journey from Sugashima Port and arrived at our final destination, Onma Beach, about 2 hours later.
The ocean that spreads out in front of you and the clear blue sea are so beautiful that you will fall in love with them!
This magnificent view was a spectacular sight that made you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While strolling along Onma Beach, I found a spot where I could see the Sugashima Lighthouse on top of the mountain!
Part of the lighthouse is visible in the upper left of the photo above.
I was moved by the art-like scenery that combines Sugashima's rich nature and human art.
This photo shows my partner Chamu sitting on the rocky area of Onma Beach.
I tried to imagine a scene like enjoying a vacation in a tropical country♪
Onmahama Beach was a place where beautiful scenery spread out no matter where you looked.
On the way back, go back the way you came and head to the Sugashima liner waiting area and buy your ticket there.
If you don't take a detour, it's about a 50 minute walk from Onma Beach to the ferry waiting area.
I headed back home soaking in the afterglow of the spectacular scenery, and Sugashima was such an attractive place that I thought, ``Next time, I want to stay overnight!''
What did you think?
We have introduced one-day sightseeing courses where you can fully enjoy the charms of Sugashima.
Sugashima, where you can enjoy many spectacular views on foot, is a perfect place for those who are new to remote island touring.
There are plenty of gourmet foods and accommodations, so there are many ways to enjoy the area.
Please come to Sugashima, where you can enjoy spectacular views of nature and delicious gourmet food.
Fugamaru-chan (photography/article production)
He is a member of Mie Tourism's Mie Travel Camera Club and is active mainly on Twitter and Instagram as a photographer who takes pictures of Mie. We operate the Mie Photo Gallery, which distributes Mie's scenery for free, and the Mie Eetoko Tour, which disseminates Mie's latest information.
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