Exploring Toshi Island: The ultimate one-day itinerary
By: Maxence Bouchet
French Intern in Toba
A typical day exploring Tōshi Island in summer is one that makes the most of everything the island has to offer. That is why I want to share with you what I think is the best one-day itinerary, based on my experience.
My recommended tour:
To start the day, you can rent fishing gear at the convenience store called Yamaya, which is just a 3-minute walk from Wagu Port. I heard from the locals that the port along Sunshine Beach is a great spot for fishing, though you’re free to find your favorite spot. Once you’re done with fishing, the best way to discover the island is by bike.
There are two different ways to rent a bicycle on Toshijima: HELLO CYCLING and Yashima Rent-a-Cycle. Both provide electric assistance bicycles, which help you tackle the hills easily.
Start your tour in Wagu at Sunshine Beach: go for a refreshing swim, jump off the sea platform, and cool down with a Japanese kakigori (shaved ice) from the beach restaurant “Ken-chan ya umi no ie” (けんちゃん屋 海の家). Learn more about Wagu Sunshine Beach here.
From Sunshine Beach, continue your journey by bike through the pretty district of Wagu until you reach Oma Beach. If you’re a snorkeling lover or a nature enthusiast, this spot is tailor-made for you. With its crystal-clear water, scattered rocks, and rich marine life, this place looks so unreal. My favorite part overall is the hidden small sea cave that is only accessible at low tide. I can easily say that this is my favorite place on the island.
After this nature break, you can continue your tour by heading to Toshijima Blue Field and making a quick stop at Mitarashi Shrine along the way. With its wooden deck facing the sea and the pebble beach of Ootoshi Shirahama, Toshijima Blue Field is the ideal place to relax.
Before leaving the district of Toshi, you shouldn’t miss Hachiman Shrine, located on a small island accessible by crossing a scenic bridge. This shrine is the origin of the MaruHachi symbol painted on the island’s houses and boats, acting as a charm for safety at sea and bountiful fishing.
Leaving Toshi behind, the next stop is Ray Field: The “Sky Deck." This wooden deck, built on the top of a mountain, offers a unique view of the islands and the surrounding sea. Learn more about the Ray Field by clicking here.
Before going back to Wagu and returning the bikes, I recommend going to Sun Beach Motori. To get there, you have to cross the mountain along a road shaded by the surrounding trees before making your way through the narrow streets of Momotori. The journey itself is well worth it.
Finally, after a long day of exploring, resting seems to be the best option so far. When it comes to relaxation in Japan, one word inevitably comes to mind: "onsen."
We can find multiple onsen on the island, but one particularly caught my attention: the Suzunami hotel’s onsen. What I found so fascinating with this onsen is the breathtaking panoramic view of the sea from the bath. I recommend going there during the daytime to fully enjoy the experience.
