The tako (octopus) tribute island is Himakajima
How we got to the island:
We met at Nagoya Station and then hurried towards Meitetsu. When we arrived at Meitetsu Station, we took the train to Kowa. After arriving at Kowa Station, we walked for about 8 minutes to reach the boat going to Himaka Island. It was only the four of us as passengers -- extra fun for us!
Arriving to Meitetsu Kowa Station |
Taking Meitetsu Ferry to Himakajima |
Feeling the air in the Ferry |
Spots:
Himakajima had a cute little surprise for us: the swing! As we were enjoying our stroll along the sea shore, we found a simple swing, which was basically a piece of trunk tied to a strong branch of a tree by two ropes. Excited like little children, we ran up to ride on it! It was very refreshing to swing while facing towards the sea, and the pleasant wind in our hair and caressing our skin.
Swing Facing Sea at tip of the Island |
Beautiful Island |
We headed to the local temple because we always find peace and quiet at sacred places. We entered through the gate, and on the left we saw a lovely smiling Jizo statue (bodhisattva who looks over children, travellers and the underworld) ~
And then suddenly a new little surprise caught our attention: who would've thought of setting a big Instagram photo frame for people to show their smiles at a temple? I must say it was sort of fun to have our photo taken there by kind local people!
lovely smiling Jizo statue |
Instagram photo frame of Himakajima |
Activities:
It was a cloudy day and at around 3 o'clock it started raining. Therefore, we thought it might be a good idea to relax a bit indoors. While Returning we saw some dried octopus and could not resist to click some photos with them.
Dried octopus pose |
Dried octopus pose 2 |
Then, we went back to the same hotel where we had lunch and asked if there's an indoor public bath where we could let hot water wash away the tiredness from our bodies and souls. A few minutes later, onsen. I could enjoy the added bonus of having the whole pool to myself as no one else was there! When I got out, I could feel the gentleness which the minerals had given to my skin. I wish I could go there every day! Before leaving we took a photo with crew members of hotel.
Picture with the members of the hotel |
Shopping:
The souvenir shops on the island are right in front of the high-speed ferry boarding port so you can buy mementos right before leaving the island with ease of mind. Since octopus has a major role in the livelihood of the locals, the main motif of the souvenirs was octopus, as well as dolphins: varying from colourful keychains to cute hand towels, pens, t-shirts etc., not to mention all the snacks shaped like dolphins and octopuses. I couldn't resist the cuteness and happily bought some omiyage for myself and of course friends to keep the sweet memory of this trip! And then there we concluded our trip with lots and lots of beautiful memories.
Takoman keychain to remember Himakajima |