It's off to the seemingly auspicious Tako Bay. "Tokyo sea is polluted" – now I wonder who said that?! Because what we have here is still Greater Tokyo.

Spring water that suddenly greets beach comers in the form of the Euphoria Spring. 57 Tokyo spring varieties included. "Why not try?" is a natural reaction when seeing the handily placed mug there; calming you. Indulging in the Euphoria Spring while also enjoying the scenery, delicious and cold. A go-to place for locals by all accounts.

Well, today's inn is called "Daijinko". It boasts a large room with a sea view, a cafe, a table set by the window – sure to make me productive. Having Wi-Fi makes it even more appealing.

Rooms at Daijinko offer more than just an ocean view – here you get an "ocean front" room for 8500 yen per night.

Evening brought us to the island's only onsen, the "Hot Spring Resort Center". Winter saw a mini open-air bath open (but actually generously sized! superb!), but come summer and you have this super-sized version. Incidentally, it is mixed bathing – a swimsuit is required – please note. Entry is 800 yen.

Dinner is served. At the end of the day, this was a private house so I was a bit worried about how it would turn out, but this was just what the doctor ordered. When I passed through the private room and was told "Take the middle room", I immediately started worrying – "Gonna cost a bomb?! I don't have money!!" – but the reasonable price was reassuring. There were so many things I wanted to eat, but in the end I went for sashimi. The meager catch meant a lack of variety but it was still delicious.

Shrimp are also edible – right up to the shell. A perfect match for Japanese sake and this concludes the Day 1 report. I find it hard to believe it is not yet 8.30pm. Kozushima is just what this battle-hardened urban OL needed. Romance hitting the rocks, work constraints, learning that my ex got married through Facebook, if it's a weekend snuggled in your futon that you're after, Kozushima is the place!

It was so gusty, I could hardly snap any pictures ......! But even so, check out this amazing view. And asking a local about the best way to the top is a definite must. It's in great shape.

The Akasaki promenade runs through steep and rocky ground, with scaffolding installed throughout. It covers a good distance for walkers and in summer, there are even platforms from which you can dive! The waves were ferocious and it seems to be packed with bathers in summer, but this was winter and it was deserted. Strolling along while listening to music brings a guaranteed smile.

O at "Yochare Center", it was time to order the daily boiled red snapper set (1000 yen). Despite the lack of competition for tourist custom, this venue is pleasant and won't break the bank. The first-floor shop at the Yochare Center also sells cheap salted and dried fish which makes a great island souvenir.

Sushi. They said stock was low because the strong winds made the fishing trip impossible, but I still enjoyed red snapper and amberjack. The fish caught in this season have that extra winter fat, which makes them super-tasty.

A drink I enjoyed at Shiomi Sushi and the island specialty – "Moriwaka" sake is a recommended drink sold throughout the area. And the name itself is one of the best parts. And the name itself is one of the best parts. A guaranteed booster. So everyone! Glasses filled! Feeling young! Photo processing app to brighten up the skin a bit and wipe those smile lines, Mori! Waka! 2.

If you gather up some sand from "Tako Bay" and take it home, it will bring you good luck! Or so someone said. So many side by side – nice isn't it?

"Gyosan" was the souvenir shop I most enjoyed – named after its famous "fishing harbor sandal" products (gyoko sanduru). Available in a fun range of colors and at just 600 yen. For fishers only. Honest......!

The ship arrived, despite my reluctance to part – this was my ticket back to home. Leaving with advice from the Daijinko staff – lying down leaves you less prone to seasickness than a chair – whereupon I paid to change my ticket to a lie-down spot instead of taking a seat (indeed great advice!). We left Kozushima at 10:30 and were due in at Takeshiba at 19:45.