Himakajima is a resort island famed for octopus and fugu that's located about an hour from Nagoya. Fugu – pufferfish – is in season October through March, and on Himakajima you can enjoy fresh fugu dishes at reasonable prices.

We visited the Himaka Kanko Hotel, where along with the tasty cuisine you can also enjoy scenic views of the sea and islands.

Getting there: From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take a Meitetsu line to Kowa Station.
Walk from Kowa Station to Kowa Port (about 5 minutes).
Take the speedboat from Kowa Port to Himakajima (about 20 minutes).