Sponsored by Tourism Oita. Japan boasts thousands of islands so we can really have many talks about 'islands of Japan'. Follow me to discover the northern part of Ohnyujima Island in Oita Prefecture.

About Ohnyujima Island

Located in northeast of Saiki city, it is an island of about 17-kilometer circumference and an area of 5.66 square kilometers. Fishing is its main industry, it is only about ten minute ride by boat to reach the island for only 200 ¥ (~ ＄1.78). Further information of the boats schedule, please check the official site. [caption id="attachment_35084" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Boat terminal for Ohnyujima Island[/caption]

An Island Tour

Meals

There is a restaurant near the boat terminal. If you are hungry, you can have lunch there during 11:30 to 13:30. You can choose your menu on the spot such as udon 550 yen (~＄4.89). The restaurant owner tells me that the food is entirely cooked with local products. In other words, we can eat local fresh ingredients which is very appreciated.

Sea side

You can start your walk to the northern part of the island accompanied with sounds of crickets and birds, and the smell of the sea. Your hiking will start while admiring the sea. Then if you take a closer look, you may be able to see the fish swimming. As I visited there during summer, the walk is very pleasant despite of the strong sunshine. Afterwards, you will see small typical fishermen's houses. Some of them seem that inhabitants are still there, while others are not. [caption id="attachment_40563" align="aligncenter" width="500"] As you walk, you will arrive at a temple.[/caption] You can make a little pray if you are willing to do so, and then go back to the walk. The walk will be more pleasant as you reach hiking trails. If you choose the path on the right in the center of this forest, this path makes you very pleasant especially in summer with fresh breezing.. Hillside or seaside? Sometimes the path will leave the choice with you. I chose the sea though I did not bring sandals. The path is easy to access, and you will pass through the orchards of farmers and inhabitants. The mikan farms seems to be the most popular in this region as you will find them everywhere. While feeling the seaside, you will meet many inhabitants of the island: I wanted to ask them about animals and insects, but I hesitated to do so. You will see few people except in the fishing villages during walk. [caption id="attachment_35096" align="aligncenter" width="500"] A fishing village on Ohnyujima Island[/caption] You will also come across several beautiful beaches occasionally. You can go there to soak your feet or simply sit on the sand and take time to admire the view.

Inland

After walking around the sea side, let's go to the hill side if you feel like it. There is a path which leads you to the highest peaks of the island. But be careful: you need to climb! You do not have to be an experienced hiker, but you have to keep in mind that the path is quite steep and goes on for a certain length of time. It takes between 45 minutes and one hour to reach the summit while taking breaks. [caption id="attachment_35097" align="aligncenter" width="333"] Hiking on Ohnyujima Island[/caption] I advise you to go up to the peak because the view point at the top is so breathtaking. Listening to the sound of crickets as you climb, you will come across some view points before you reach the summit and enjoy the final panorama. There is a real sense of height and escape. The activity was definitely my recommendation! You can sit on a bench and enjoy the view in peace. Views of the village and the sea leaving the spirit to sail extends in your eyes, and gives you only one desire: to escape to distant lands. After enjoying this view as long as you want, you just go down and take a boat at the same place where you landed.

Conclusion

Ohnyujima Island is vast and very easy to access. Its northern part will offer you two assets: sea and land side. Although it is not a popular touristic place yet, you can make the most time discovering this island!

Map

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