Go Deeper with a Local Guide: The Best Tour of Toshi Island
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
By Christopher Douglas
Local in Toba
While Toba’s mainland has plenty to see, some of the most interesting parts of our local culture are tucked away on the nearby islands. I recently joined the Explore Fishermen Island Tour to Toshijima, which is the largest island in the bay. It was a great reminder of how unique island life is, even though it is only a short ferry ride away.
The tour starts around 10:00 a.m. at the Toba Marine Terminal, where I met the guide and hopped on the local liner for the fifteen-minute trip across the water. After arriving at the port and beginning our walk, we stopped at a local stage area that serves as the heart of the island’s Hachiman Festival. My guide gave me a great introduction to what goes on during the festival, which helped me understand the importance of these traditions to the people here before we continued deeper into the village.
Into the Labyrinth
Following our stop at the festival stage, we made our way into a true labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys. Because land is so limited on the island, the houses are built incredibly close together, creating a maze-like atmosphere that is fascinating to walk through. I especially enjoyed seeing the small details of daily life along these paths, like the unique maruhachi markings on the doorways and the racks of fish drying in the sun.
The Energy of the Market
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the local fish market. If the weather is right and the catch is in, you get to see the seafood auction in action. It is a fast-paced and energetic scene where the local buyers gather to bid on the day’s haul. It really gives you a sense of why this place is called a "fishermen’s island." After seeing where the food comes from, the tour ends with a seasonal seafood lunch at a local restaurant, which is as fresh as it gets.
Planning Your Visit
This is a half-day experience, getting you back to the mainland by mid-afternoon. Since you will be spending a lot of time on your feet exploring the village paths, I definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes. If you want to go, you will need to book by 4:00 p.m. the day before. You can check the availability and find more details through the Kaito Yumin Club link.
