The Kutsuna archipelago: the island of Gogo-shima 興居島
Visit near Matsuyama: walk and hike in the Kutsuna archipelago
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Gogoshima is part of the Kutsuna archipelago which includes about 30 islands, 9 of which are inhabited. Although Gogoshima is the closest island to Matsuyama, it is tranquil and rural, ideal for swimming or hiking, served by tye ferries all seasons.
In summer, its beaches invite you to swim and relax. From spring to autumn, the cherry trees in blossom but also the fruit trees such as the medlar, the oranges, or the lemon trees... scent and embellish the island.
Hikes and activities between sea and mountains
With an area of 24 km 2, the island can be visited on foot, by bike or even by motorbike or even by car. However, consider renting a motorbike or car in the city of Matsuyama because there is no rental service on the island. You can rent bicycles in the two ports on the island: Yura in the northeast and Tomari in the southeast (be careful, their number is very limited).
The symbol of the island is its small 282-meter high mountain, Kofujiyama, nicknamed "Iyo Kofuji", (the "little Fuji of the Iyo region"). Don't expect a miniature replica of the famous Mount Fuji, but the place is suitable for hiking and offers splendid views of the coast of Ehime Prefecture and the surrounding islands. It only takes about two hours to climb and descend it. Other small mountains and hills dot the island to the delight of hikers.
- Read also: Hiking in Japan, going on an adventure
From April to September, many activities are offered by the locality.
Washigasu to the west and Aikogahama to the southeast are the two main beaches, both lined with white sand. In summer, taverns are set up there and barbecues are available to summer visitors. If you prefer tranquility, there are many small, often deserted beaches all around the island.
Aquatic activities are offered from April to September (but you have to book for September) and you can practice the banana boat, the Flyboard, the jet ski, or even the towed buoy. Fishing is another activity popular with visitors.
If water sports don't appeal to you, you can go hiking (the municipality offers several programs accompanied by a local guide and includes lunch with ingredients grown on Gogoshima).
Several places offer splendid panoramas, such as Koibito Toge (the passage of lovers). Located on top of a hill reached by a country lane behind Aikogahama beach. A bench has been placed there so that visitors – especially lovers – can sit and admire the view of the sea and the city of Matsuyama. The place is particularly photogenic in the spring when the gazanias make a yellow flower bed that stands out against the blue of the sea and is often used for filming.
Places to visit in Gogoshima
In terms of culture, the island is not to be outdone and has an impressive number of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, all of which have the particular charm of the small religious buildings of insular Japan.
There is even a pilgrimage route like the famous Shikoku pilgrimage and its 88 temples on the neighboring island of Shikoku.
Very close to the port of Yura the first temple of this "mini-pilgrimage", Kannonji, dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon, would have been founded at the time of Nara (710 - 794). Nearby, at the end of a path along the sea, hidden behind pine trees, the Benzaiten shrine, dedicated to the goddess of the arts, overlooks the Seto Sea and enchants with its quiet charm.
- Read also: How to make a pilgrimage to Japan
Washigasu Beach
:: Ys [waiz] ::
Funaodori: dancing on a boat
Gogoshima is famous for its unique dance performance, funaodori, performed by young boys. Funaodori means "dancing on a boat".
This show takes place every year on the first Saturday of October in honor of the shrine deity Funakoshi Wakehime. It commemorates the return to the island of the Suigun, the sailors of the army, after a battle. The dancers, magnificently dressed, reenact the battle as it took place on a boat placed on a stage set up for the occasion in the waters of the port of Yura.
This performance has been designated prefectural intangible folk cultural property.
- Read also: The Kamaishi Water Festival
Japanese gastronomy: the local specialties of Gogoshima
The local cuisine is rich in local fish and vegetables. Gogoshima is also famous for its tangerines simply called "Gogoshima Mandarins", which it produces in large quantities. However, there is no restaurant. You can only eat in the two or three guesthouses on the island or at the Shimano table Gogo-shima. A cafe that opened in 2013 in a disused school building. They sell local products and serve Japanese curry made from vegetables grown on the island. The Establishment is only open on weekends and public holidays.
Shops are also very sparse, plan to bring a picnic if you stray from both ports.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
Take the ferry from Takahama Port (Matsuyama) to either port of Gogoshima: Yura (to the northeast) and Tomari (to the southeast).
