Omi-jima Island, which is connected to Honshu by a bridge, is a small island with a circumference of 40 kilometers. Complex eroded terrain created by the rough waves of the Japan Sea and many islets connected by sandbars can be seen around this island.
This unique scenery is designated as a national natural monument. Tour boats are operated from Senzaki Port, which is known as a kamaboko fish cake production area, and the safest course out of five courses is selected each time according to the wind direction and wave height of the day. By the way, coastal whaling was active in this area until the end of the 19th century. At that time, professional fishermen jumped on the back of a whale, driven into the bay, to kill it with a harpoon. The local fishermen have buried child whales in a nearby temple to mourn. About 70 whales are sleeping under the gravestone and memorial services are still held regularly.
The day I visited here was a rough surf day typical of winter, therefore the tour boats are limited to the relatively calm part of the waves. Still, I was able to see strangely shaped rocks as shown in the photos.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
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