[Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture] Yamagata Prefecture's only inhabited remote island "Tobishima" has a soothing daily life with migratory birds and sunsets!

A small island floating in the Sea of ​​JapanTobishima” is the only inhabited remote island in Yamagata Prefecture, located in the Sea of ​​Japan 39 km northwest of Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture.

On a clear day, you can see Mt. Chokai from the island, which can be reached in less than an hour by boat (regular service) from Sakata Port, and there are 10 natural monuments on the island, making it like a natural paradise. Tobishima is a remote island where you can enjoy walking, bird watching, fishing, and swimming in the sea.

Yamagata Prefecture's only remote island "Tobishima"

``Tobishima'' is visited by many migratory birds that bird watchers admire.It is a small island with a circumference of approximately 10 km and the entire island is designated as a quasi-national park (Chokai Quasi-National Park).

Blessed with both seafood and mountain delicacies, Tobishima is packed with the charm of a remote island, and is attracting a lot of attention as a tourist spot.

"Tobishima" can be reached in about 1 hour from Sakata PortIn recent years, the number of people immigrating to the island has been increasing.

Located in the north of the Sea of ​​Japan, it may give the image of a snowy country, Yamagata, but one of its charms is that the average annual temperature is over 12 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable place to spend time.

Bird watching during the day...to a stunning sunset

The population of Tobishima is less than 200 people, and the traditional fishing village lifestyle has been preserved, with almost no noise or pollution, the air is clear, and the scenery can be seen far into the distance.

A stopover point for migratory birds?

A variety of flowers bloom on Tobishima, and there are even endemic species that can only be seen on the island.

Among them, "Tobishima Daylily", which blooms in early summer, can only be observed on Tobishima, parts of Sakata City, and Sado Island.

moreoverAs a stopover point for migratory birds, you can also see rare birds, and there are about 300 species.It has attracted a lot of attention from bird watchers, and has become a popular spot with a steady stream of visitors, especially during the spring and autumn migratory bird seasons.

The flow of time can be felt from nature.

The most appealing thing that all remote islands have in common is the scenery that spreads out before your eyes. The sunrise and the sunset over the sea are especially special.

Of course, you can see the sun setting against a clear sky, but it's also fascinating to watch the sun disappear behind the rain-covered sea and the clouds.

A holiday on an island where you can surrender to the slow flow of time is very attractive!

Mysterious scenery tells us about ancient times

There is also a mysterious cave on Tobishima, which looks fun to explore and walk around.

The mysterious cave ``Tekiana'', where many human bones and pottery from the Heian period were unearthed, and ``Genji'', where it is said that the samurai who died in the Battle of Dan-no-ura were buried, and the swords and armor they replaced as fishing gear were buried. ``Mori and Ujimori Taira,'' and ``Horijima Stone,'' which is said to have ancient pictographs engraved on Tate Rock, which is said to have been a pirate's fortress.``Tobishima'' is not only a natural phenomenon, but also an ancient folklore. There are also many ruins.

There is a fee to explore the island, but bicycles are available for rent, so you can easily explore the island! That's true, isn't it?

Tobishima accommodation information

There are various accommodation options on the island, although advance reservations are required.

Some of the facilities are run by local fishermen, so you can not only enjoy fresh seafood, but also enjoy boat fishing and sightseeing cruises.

・Ryokan Obako
Telephone: 0234-96-3036
Boat fishing and excursion boats available. (Reservation required)

・Oraga Beach House
Telephone: 0234-96-3123
Boat crossing, boat fishing, and sightseeing boats available. (Reservation required)

・Sawaguchi Ryokan
Phone: 080-2805-5686
Iso-watari and excursion boats available.
(Reservation required) Lunch reservations available.

・Chuo Ryokan
Telephone: 0234-95-2036

・Minato Ryokan
Phone: 0234-96-3103

・Minori-so
Telephone: 0234-95-2153
Boat crossing, boat fishing, and sightseeing boats available. (Reservation required)

・Katsuurasou
Telephone: 0234-96-3151
Boat fishing available. (Reservation required)

・Hatobaso
Phone: 0234-96-3178
Boat fishing available. (Reservation required)

・Mishimaya
Phone: 090-7067-0245

・Ranbu
Telephone: 090-1064-8393
Only for overnight stays.
Reservations are required for meals. Boat fishing, pleasure boats, and embankment crossings available. (Reservation required)

*Please contact each accommodation facility for details.

Take a regular flight to another world

The regular flight to Tobishima is the regular flight Tobishima, which departs from Sakata Port at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m., making it possible to visit on a day trip.

however,Flights may be canceled for several days depending on the weather, so it is important to check the weather forecast in advance.is!

There are no convenience stores, supermarkets, or traffic lights on the island, and you won't see the scenery you see every day. A different world, in a good way, is waiting for you.

By the way, there are no banks and the only financial institution seems to be the post office, so it might be a good idea to leave some room in your wallet.

Boarding inquiries

• Regular route office
• 2-5-6 Senbacho, Sakata 998-0036
• Phone: 0234-22-3911
• Fax: 0234-22-3912

Tourism inquiries

• Sakata City Exchange and Tourism Division
• 2-2-45 Honmachi, Sakata 998-8540
• Phone: 0234-26-5759
• Fax: 0234-22-3910

Other inquiries　
(snorkeling and scuba diving)
Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Tobishima Branch
TEL 0234-95-2014

(Regarding recreational fishing boats)
Tobishima Recreational Fishing Boat Business Council (Inn Obako)
TEL 0234-96-3036

INFORMATION

• Address: 998-0281 Tobishima, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Round-trip fare: Adults (junior high school and older) 4,280 yen, Children (elementary school students and infants) 2,140 yen
  *Group discounts available for 15 or more people.
• Access: Approximately 7 minutes by car from JR Sakata Station to Sakata Port
  Approximately 17 minutes by car from Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway Sakata IC to Sakata Port
  75 minutes from Sakata Port to liner Tobishi
• Parking lot: 300 spaces around Sakata Port
  *Please note that regular ships may be canceled when the waves are high.
• Inquiries: Sakata City Exchange and Tourism Division Phone number 0234-26-5759
  
  *Please note that the regular boat may be canceled when the waves are high.
  
  *Note: Camping is prohibited on Tobishima.

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summary

Tobishima, the only inhabited remote island in Yamagata Prefecture, is a beautiful and peaceful island where you can enjoy a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It can be seen that it was a point of cultural exchange.

Animals and plants that I have never seen before in the great outdoors that I have never experienced before... Then, watch the sun set on the horizon, explore mysterious caves, and enjoy seafood at an accommodation run by the island's fishermen!

Be sure to visit Tobishima in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, where you can enjoy a variety of experiences.