I went on a trip to Shikine-jima (式根島) island in late October. Shikine-jima is an island located 150 km south of Tokyo. It’ famous for beautiful coast and natural seaside hot springs.
Day 1
I boarded the jet-foil of Tokaikisen. The ship departed from Tokyo at 7:30 am and arrived the island at 11 o’clock.
At first I went to a Oura Beach Campsite (大浦海岸キャンプ場) and set up a tent. The campsite is free.
After having lunch at campsite, I went to Tomari Beach (泊海岸) which is very beautiful and popular beach. I snorkeled and found many colorful fish. Despite late October, the seawater was not cold.
After that I went 3 outdoor hot springs : Matsugashita-Miyabiyu (松が下雅湯), Ashitsuke Onsen (足付温泉) and Jinata Onsen (地鉈温泉).
Jinata Onsen is the most characteristic. It’s located at the bottom of steep valley facing the sea. Orange hot water at 80 °C is gushing out from the ground and it gets suitable temperature when mixed with seawater.
In the evening I climbed Kambikiyama the hill about 100 m above sea level to see the sunset.
Day 2
I walked the trail on the west side of the island in the morning.
Most of the trails are in the forest, but sometimes there are good view spots.
Tojinzushiro is one of the view spots. It’s a hill of white rocks. I could see Mt. Fuji there.
I also climbed Kambikiyama where I went yesterday. From the observation deck of Kambikiyama, I saw a beautiful blue coast under my eyes.
After walking trails, I went to Ishijirogawa Beach. The temperature of the seawater was just right, but the wind was cold.
I rode on a ferry at 11:25 to return home. The ferry was slower than jet-foil which I used yesterday. I got to Yokohama at 6 pm. On the ferry, I could see beautiful Mt.Fuji and night view of Yokohama.
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