Shima Kashikojima and Ago Bay Scenic Cruise Course

With its beautiful jagged ria coastline, Ago Bay is a calm inland sea dotted with the rafts of pearl farms. Its gateway is Kashikojima, the final stop of the Kintetsu limited express. Using this island, a former summit venue, as your base, this scenic course cruises the bay by sightseeing boat.

Course Route

10:00 Arrive at Kashikojima Kintetsu Kashikojima Station is a convenient terminus served directly by limited express trains from the Osaka and Nagoya directions. Start here as your base for touring Shima.

10:30 Board the Ago Bay Sightseeing Boat Set off on a bay cruise from Kashikojima Port. Wind among islands large and small and floating pearl rafts across the calm ria sea. The sailing-ship-style boat is itself a sight to see.

11:30 Visit a Pearl Farm Some plans offer commentary and a look at pearl cultivation partway through the cruise, an experience unique to the bay.

12:30 Seafood Lunch at Kashikojima Enjoy the rich seafood of Shima, such as spiny lobster and abalone, for lunch. Eateries on the island and hotel restaurants are good choices.

14:00 Tour the Summit Sites Walk the island that hosted the major leaders summit and explore commemorative spots and exhibits.

15:30 Sweeping Views from Yokoyama Observatory If time allows, venture a little farther to Yokoyama Observatory. The scattered islands of Ago Bay spread out below in one of Shima most famous views.

Highlights

The greatest draw of this course is the scattered-island beauty of Ago Bay. The scene of more than sixty islands large and small can be enjoyed both from the boat and from the observatory. At dusk the inlets glow orange in breathtaking beauty. The rows of pearl-farm rafts are also a sight unique to Shima.

Access and Tips

Kintetsu limited express trains run directly to Kashikojima, giving good access from Nagoya and Osaka. Sightseeing boats depart on a set timetable, so check the times right after you arrive. Yokoyama Observatory is a little way from Kashikojima, so a car or taxi is convenient.

A Quick Tip

The Ago Bay sunset is exceptional, so planning to stay into the evening is recommended. The sea air can be chilly, so bringing a jacket is reassuring.