【Sakushima】A Charming Island of Healing and Art Floating in Mikawa Bay

Numerous Artworks Spread Throughout the Island

Since 1996, Sakushima has been actively involved in island revitalization through art, with various art events held regularly. During the “Sakushima Art Picnic,” you can explore the island with a map and stamp sheet in hand, discovering art pieces scattered throughout, from the seaside to the forests. These artworks blend harmoniously with nature. There are over 20 permanent installations, including photo panels where you can take commemorative photos and artworks that utilize entire vacant traditional houses.

Particularly noteworthy is the seascape viewed from “Napping House,” an artwork inspired by the black walls of the western village by the sea. It’s also recommended to visit the island’s idol, a goat named “Billy,” who inspired one of the art pieces.

Additionally, the “Artistic Kobo Pilgrimage” involves 88 small Kobo shrines built around 1916, renovated through the power of art. You can experience a mini pilgrimage visiting these 88 locations. There’s a stamp rally for this too, allowing you to learn about the island’s history as well as its art. There are also temporary art installations, ensuring enjoyment throughout the year. Through art, immerse yourself in the nature and history of Sakushima.

Be Soothed in Body and Soul on an Island Abundant in Nature

On the naturally rich Sakushima, you can enjoy a variety of wildflowers, plants, creatures living in the satoyama (village forests), and marine flora and fauna all at once. Highly recommended are the “Shirayama Shrine” located on the left side of the island and the “Kurokabe Settlement” in the west area, known as the “Black Pearl of Mikawa Bay.”

Around December each year, the path to “Shirayama Shrine” transforms into a beautiful camellia road, resembling a pink carpet, creating a fantastical landscape in combination with the camellias blooming in the mountains.

The “Kurokabe Settlement” is said to be one of the most striking landscapes on Sakushima. The village itself is labyrinthine, with narrow alleys flanked by black-painted houses, offering a sense of elegance and nostalgia. You might even encounter some of the cats that live on the island!

Additionally, throughout the year, the island is adorned with beautiful flowers like camellias, beach radishes, wild cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and spider lilies. Whether you choose to leisurely walk and explore nature, forgetting the time, or feel the island breeze on a rental bicycle, Sakushima is the perfect place to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Delicious Cuisine Made with Unique Ingredients from Mikawa Bay

Sakushima is not only about art and nature, but also boasts a plethora of culinary delights. Tasting the local cuisine of Sakushima is a must-do. Not only can you enjoy fresh seafood from Mikawa Bay, such as clams and octopus, but the island’s climate and fertile soil also produce delicious, fresh vegetables. Whether you want to indulge in these unique island ingredients with a hearty meal at a lodging or enjoy a casual meal at a diner or café, Sakushima offers a variety of ways to enjoy its gourmet offerings.

Among them, the specialty “Octopus Shabu” is an exquisite dish that lets you enjoy both the bounty of the sea and island vegetables, and is a must-try when visiting Sakushima (reservation required at lodgings).

There are also traditional diners serving dishes like “Giant Clam Donburi” and fresh seafood tempura, as well as original hamburgers and Japanese sweets made with locally caught seafood, and stylish café lunches perfect for Instagram. Thus, people of all ages can enjoy the culinary offerings of Sakushima. Of course, there are also island stations selling unique delicious ingredients and souvenirs like wakame, hijiki, and dried fish. When visiting the food-rich island of Sakushima, it’s best to come hungry!

An Island to Enjoy on a Day Trip or Overnight Stay!

For those who want to enjoy Sakushima from morning till night, there are inns and guesthouses available. At “Yukiya,” an inn known for its cuisine featuring fresh seafood and boasting the freshest breakfast in Japan, you can enjoy a morning barbecue with a limited to two groups per day fixed net fishing experience.

There are various inns and guesthouses where you can enjoy a range of seafood dishes and unique leisure experiences of Sakushima, so it’s recommended to stay at a place that suits your preference.

Of course, Sakushima can also be enjoyed on a day trip. Ferries depart from Isshiki Port in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, with adult one-way tickets at 830 yen and children (elementary school age) at 420 yen, arriving in about 20 minutes.

Sakushima has two ports, the West Port and the East Port, allowing visitors to disembark at the port closest to their destination. Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, why not visit the charming island of Sakushima?