[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 Island" 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, Mount Chokai can be seen from the island, and it can be reached in just under an hour by boat (regular service) from Sakata Port. The island is home to 10 natural monuments, and Tobishima is a remote island that is like a natural paradise where you can enjoy island-specific activities such as walking, bird watching, fishing, and swimming

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Tobishima, the only remote island in Yamagata Prefecture

Tobishima is visited by many migratory birds, a favorite among bird watchersIt is a small island with a circumference of about 10 kilometers, and the entire island is designated as a quasi-national park (Chokai Quasi-National Park)

Tobishima, blessed with both seafood and mountain produce, is full of the charm that only a remote island can offer, and is a highly sought-after tourist spot

Tobishima is about an hour away from Sakata PortAs a result, the number of people moving to the island has been increasing in recent years

Located north of the Sea of ​​Japan, Yamagata is often thought of as a snowy region, but the average annual temperature is over 12 degrees, making it a comfortable place to live, which is also one of its attractions

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Bird watching in the daytime... followed by a stunning sunset

Tobishima has a population of just under 200 people, and the traditional fishing village lifestyle is preserved. There is almost no noise or pollution, the air is clear, and the scenery can be seen far into the distance

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A stopover for migratory birds?

A variety of flowers bloom on Tobishima, including some endemic species that can only be found on the island

Among them, the Tobishima daylily, which blooms in early summer, can only be seen on Tobishima Island, parts of Sakata City, and Sado Island

moreoverAs a stopover point for migratory birds, you can see rare birds, with around 300 speciesIt has also attracted a lot of attention from bird watchers, making it a popular spot with a constant stream of visitors, especially during the spring and autumn migratory bird seasons

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The flow of time can be felt in nature

The greatest attraction of all remote islands is the scenery that unfolds before your eyes. The sunrise and sunset over the sea are both exceptional

Of course, it's fascinating to watch the sun sinking against a clear blue sky, but it's also fascinating to watch the sun peeking out over a rain-stained sea or between the clouds

A holiday spent relaxing on an island and letting time flow is very appealing!

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The mysterious scenery tells us about ancient times

Tobishima also has mysterious caves that would be fun to explore

Tobishima is not only rich in nature, but also in ancient legends and ruins, such as the mysterious cave "Tekiana," where many human bones and pottery from the Heian period have been excavated, "Genjimori and Tairamori," said to be the burial site of warriors who met their end after losing the Battle of Dannoura and where they buried their swords and armor, which they replaced with fishing gear, and "Kisekigaishi," a stone carved with ancient pictographs at Tateiwa, which is said to have been a pirate fort

There is a fee to rent a bicycle to explore the island, but you can easily explore the whole island!

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Tobishima accommodation information

There are a variety of accommodation options on the island, but advance reservations are required

Some of the facilities are run by local fishermen, so you can not only enjoy fresh seafood, but also go fishing or take a pleasure cruise on a boat

・Inn Obako
Phone: 0234-96-3036
Boat fishing and sightseeing boats available (reservations required)

・Our Beach House
Phone: 0234-96-3123
Crossing the rocks, boat fishing, and sightseeing boats available (reservations required)

・Sawaguchi Ryokan
Phone: 080-2805-5686
. Crossing the rocks and sightseeing boats available (reservations required).
Lunch reservations accepted.

・Chuo Ryokan
Telephone: 0234-95-2036

・Minato Ryokan
Phone: 0234-96-3103

・Minori-so
Phone: 0234-95-2153
Crossing the rocks, boat fishing, and sightseeing boats available (reservations required)

・Katsuuraso
Phone: 0234-96-3151.
Crossing the rocks and boat fishing available. (Reservation required)

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

・Mishimaya
Phone: 090-7067-0245

・Ranbu
Phone: 090-1064-8393
Accommodation only. Meals require reservations.
Boat fishing, sightseeing boats, and dike crossings are available. (Reservations required)

*Please contact each accommodation facility for details

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Take a regular flight to another world

The regular Tobishima ferry runs daily to Tobishima, departing Sakata Port at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 3:00 p.m., so it is possible to visit as a day trip

however,Depending on the weather, flights may be cancelled for several days, so it is important to check the weather forecast in advanceis!

There are no convenience stores, supermarkets, or traffic lights on the island, and you won't find any of the everyday scenery you see. A different world awaits you, in a good way

By the way, there are no banks and the only financial institution is the post office, so it might be a good idea to make sure you have some extra money in your wallet before you go

Boarding inquiries

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

Tourism inquiries

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

For other inquiries　
(snorkeling and scuba diving),
the Tobishima Branch of the Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Association
at 0234-95-2014.

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

INFORMATION

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• Address: Tobishima, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 998-0281
• Round-trip fare: Adults (middle school and above) 4,280 yen, Children (elementary school students and infants) 2,140 yen
  *Group discounts available for groups of 15 or more
• Access: Approximately 7 minutes by car from JR Sakata Station to Sakata Port.
  Approximately 17 minutes by car from Sakata IC on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway to Sakata Port.
  75 minutes from Sakata Port to the regular ferry Tobishi.
• Parking: Around Sakata Port, 300 spaces
  . *Please note that regular ferries may be canceled when the waves are high.
• For inquiries, please contact Sakata City Tourism Division at 0234-26-5759
  
  *Please note that regular ferries may be canceled when the waves are high
  
  *Note: Camping is prohibited on Tobishima

GOOGLE MAP

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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. However, it is also home to a mix of people from northern areas such as Aomori and southern areas, suggesting that it has been an important cultural exchange point since ancient times

Experience the wilderness like you've never experienced before, and see flora and fauna you've never seen before... Also, watch the sun sink into the horizon, explore mysterious caves, and savor seafood at a lodging run by the island's fishermen!

Tobishima Island in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a place where you can enjoy a variety of experiences, so be sure to visit

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