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Hop the Isles of an Island Nation |
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People talk about Japan's 5 main islands - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa. But what about the countless small gems dotting the Japanese archipelago?
While we can't cover all
thousands of them,
here are 3 perfect day-trip island getaways to slip into your itinerary,
all a stone's throw away from some of Japan's hottest destinations. |
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Take a Break From the Tokyo Bustle at
Enoshima
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The grand metropolitan city of Tokyo and its many sights is highly likely to be on the bucket list of any tourist hoping to visit Japan. Better yet, a treat also lies in wait nearby that can enrich any Tokyo trip experience even further, regardless if you’re a first-timer or a loyal repeater: and it's called Enoshima.
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Although officially a part of the neighboring Kanagawa prefecture, Enoshima is a small island reachable from Tokyo within just over an hour by train. For pop culture lovers, you might have encountered this well-loved island in many Japanese anime and movies, notably recognizable from afar by the protruding top of its lighthouse, the Enoshima Sea Candle.
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One of Enoshima’s most recommended itineraries is straightforward, starting with a short walk from the island’s main bridge to where the Bronze Torii Gate is located. From here, you can munch on famous local street foods like tako senbei (octopus crackers) and ice cream monaka (ice cream with red bean paste sandwiched between crisp wafers) as you walk along Nakamise Street up to the Outer Shrine of Enoshima Shrine, a key landmark.
At that point, you can choose to climb up to all 3 parts of the shrine, or take the ESCAR, a paid escalator that takes you up to the Middle Shrine.
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But if you’re in the area with a loved one, it might be worth making your way up to the Ryuren Bell of Love near the highest Inner Shrine. Here, you can leave a padlock as a symbol of everlasting love, ala Pont des Arts bridge in Paris!
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See a Sea of Flowers at
Nokonoshima Island Park
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Fukuoka City in Kyushu has a sit-back-and-relax atmosphere that is charmingly contradictory to the speed at which the port city itself is growing. This extends even past its waters, all the way over to the peaceful island of Nokonoshima in Hakata Bay.
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© Fukuoka Prefecture Tourist (福岡県観光連盟) |
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Only a 10-minute ferry ride from Fukuoka’s Meinohama Port, this island of just 12 km in circumference is well-worth a day trip. Its small size means you can move around however you like: stroll, jog, cycle, or even zip around on the island’s local bus!
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Despite its compact size, there is much to see on Nokonoshima.
An outdoor paradise, there are adventure parks, workshops, and even a mini zoo to be explored. To add to that, all of it comes with a stunning backdrop of the surrounding sea vistas.
If the azure Fukuoka waterline views and its cool sea breezes isn’t quite enough to impress you, then head to the north of the island for year-long views of sprawling flower blooms.
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Nokonoshima’s flower bloom calendar is packed across all seasons: spring alone brings vibrant seas of yellows with rapeseed blossoms and marigolds, with paint-like canvases of pink Livingstone daisies and rhododendrons.
As for the summer months, you can expect to see red tufts of scarlet sages and plumed cocksbomb. Even the colder days of Nokonoshima have something to show: bright magenta cosmoses say hi in autumn, and a faux blanket of “snow”- or rather, fields of white oxalis - coats winter!
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A Key Geopark, the Treasure that Is
Sado Island
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© Sado Tourism Association (佐渡観光PHOTO) |
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Sado is an island off the coast of Niigata, accessible by car ferry from either Naoetsu Port or Niigata Port (Niigata City). Wholly a designated Geopark, this hidden gem of an island has it all; beautiful rocky landscapes, abundant nature, and traditions tied with deep historical roots. |
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Tarai-bune (tub-boat) rides are one of Sado's most recommended activities.
Get up close to the island’s stunning turquoise waters on a relaxing float in these peculiarly shaped traditional boats, steered by skilled locals donning authentic period costumes.
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You can try the “night cruise” version under the stars come summer, where the setting sun and surrounding warm lit torches set a different mood to the already unique experience. |
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No introduction to Sado will leave out its rich culture. Banished nobles from its days as a former island of exile, samurais during the Gold Rush, and visiting shipmen all contributed in some part to Sado’s melting pot of traditions: the most well-known of which is Noh theatre.
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Sado’s Noh performances are said to be more laid-back than others from other parts of Japan. Performed outdoors to the crackle of glowing bonfires, the entrancing atmosphere is enjoyable for any curious visitor even when arts isn’t their forte.
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Sado is also home to Kodo, the world’s leading Japanese taiko drum performers. Kodo and Sado City are the main hosts of Earth Celebration, the island’s grandest cultural festival. The festival is set for a physical comeback this August 2022, after a 2-year break.
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