Like a Tropical Paradise! Himakajima, Aichi Prefecture's Resort Island

You can enjoy octopus and fugu here on this isolated Aichi island that's reachable from Nagoya in just an hour. And Himakajima is so small you can circumnavigate the island on foot in only around two hours. Find out what makes the island so appealing as you eat your fill of tasty fare and enjoy unhurried ocean views!

An Island Where You Can Pass the Time Unwinding and Enjoying the Bounty of the Sea

Himakajima is the outlying Aichi Prefecture island that's closest to Nagoya. Reachable in around an hour by train and high-speed boat, it's a world away from the hectic city – a place where time passes slowly. This island is famed as a treasure-trove of marine life, and is especially well-known for its catches of fugu – pufferfish – and octopus. Come visit, and enjoy an excursion of contentment – a journey of leisurely strolls and your fill of fresh seafood bounty!

20 minutes by high-speed craft as you gaze out over vast ocean waters

The expression "isolated island" conjures up the image of someplace remote, but in fact Himakajima is a nearby resort that enjoys convenient access from Nagoya.
After disembarking at Kowa Station, which you can get to from Nagoya Station by Meitetsu without having to change trains, Kowa Port, where you board the high-speed craft, is 8 minutes away on foot. A free shuttle bus going from the station to the port also makes runs.
Right next to the boarding point is a ticket sales area for the high-speed boat. Boats depart once an hour, so checking the times before you head out might is recommended.

Fares: Adult – 1,400 yen for one way or 2,690 yen for round trip; Child – 700 yen for one way or 1,360 yen for round trip

Greeted by a Giant Octopus! And More Octopuses Everywhere You Look!

About 20 minutes after departing from Kowa Port by high-speed boat, you arrive at Himakajima's West Port. As soon as you leave the port, the islands main street immediately comes into view. Here you can see a giant octopus monument. Himakajima is known for its octopus catches, and everywhere on the island you'll find filled with reminders of this! Have fun seeing how many you can find as you explore!

And even if you don't speak the language, if you have a map you'll have no problem!

When you get off the boat, near the boarding site you'll immediately see a walking map of the island. The map is in Japanese, but it contains photos, so you can see at a glance what sights there are to check out on the island! Take a picture of the map with your phone, and you can refer to it as you roam around, and enjoy yourself without worrying about getting lost!

An octopus-shaped sweet manju bun, and an octopus manhole cover

Tako manju – sweet octopus-shaped buns – are a standard souvenir of Himakajima. These are for sale at Kamome Baiten, a souvenir shop you'll spot as soon as you land. Get some of these adorable manju and take them with you as you explore the island for terrific memories of your visit!

This is a four-minute walk from West Port. It's the only police substation in Japan that has the face of an octopus. Many visitors have found it Instagram-worthy, and so it's come to be regarded as a symbol of Himakajima. Do be sure to get a photo of this building's special look.

Himakajima enjoys a flourishing fishing industry, and is home to quite a few fishermen. There are also places that sun-dry the caught octopus one by one in this way, and sell them as souvenirs. On days when the weather is good, the unusual sight of octopus drying in the sun is worth a look.

Octopus ema votive plaques are also worth checking out!

The votive plaques called ema at the temple of Anrakuji, a four-minute walk from East Port, are decorated with pictures of octopuses. The island's oldest statue of the Buddha is at this temple, and has a deep association with octopuses: legend holds that long ago, when the statue got caught and pulled up in a fisherman's net, a giant octopus was protecting it.

Rambling over the Island As You Take in Ocean Views – a Leisurely, Laid-back Interlude

Taking an unhurried stroll across Himakajima from West Port to East Port, climbing the embankments to look out over the sea, walking along the beach.... Here you can experience the relaxed ambience only to be found on an island where you can spend a tranquil and easy interlude.

Himakajima's roads are paved and automotive traffic is light, making it a great place for relaxing bike rides! The island's one and only traffic light is installed right next to the boat landing at East Port, and it's said that it's there not out of practical necessity, but so the islanders can learn how they're used.

From the sunbathing area right next to East Port, you can get to one of Himakajima's popular photo spots: Heidi's Swing. Give the swing a try yourself, and feel the ocean breeze as you look out over the expanse of water below.

Don't Miss the Island's Fresh, Delicious Marine Bounty!

Himakajima's thriving fishing industry produces octopus and a great variety of other source-fresh seafood!
On Himakajima you'll find ryokan inns and dining halls where you can savor the tasty bounty of the sea. Being able to enjoy fresh-caught flavor at bargain prices only to be found at its source is part of Himakajima's appeal.

A Restaurant Devoted to Fresh Seafood Cooking in a Casual Atmosphere

Dining Establishment Keizan

This is a dining establishment located on the first floor of Otohime, a food-serving ryokan found right at West Port. It features a rich menu of selections made with local octopus and other seafood! Here you can also enjoy fugu – pufferfish – a fall and winter favorite that's available here from October through the end of March.

Open: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Website:: http://otohime.net/top.html

A resort island near Nagoya where you can enjoy the sea – come visit Himakajima, where you can enjoy expansive ocean scenery, savor fresh octopus, fugu, and other seafood, refresh your spirit at charming photogenic spots, and experience contentment.

If time permits, pay a visit to the neighboring island of Shinojima.

Shinojima is an island with a flourishing fishing industry that you can get to from Himakajima in ten minutes by high-speed craft.
Here you can see a motley variety of fishing vessels moored at the commercial port as well as a large fishmarket, and experience for yourself an island that enjoys a thriving fishing industry.
The fishing boats set out long before dawn, and return at times ranging from early morning to afternoon. The times when they come back differ according to the type of catch, but if you're lucky, you might be able to observe the rare sight of fishers busily sorting their catch after returning to port.

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