The beautiful blue ocean extends endlessly around the Izu Islands. Only a little under three hours from the heart of Tokyo, time flows slowly on the Tokyo islands, where you'll be
greeted by friendly people whenever you visit.
The travel enthusiasts Yukako Kawano and Haruka Komagata take an island-hopping tour of Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima islands.
They took a jet ferry from Shikinejima Island to Kozushima Island. There are legends that this is where the gods gathered long ago, so the island is full of folktales. Kozushima Island is particularly famous for the clear water of the abundant springs. There are tons of things to see, from the beaches where beautifully colored fish swim, to the 572-meter high Mt. Tenjo and heart-shaped Fudo Pond. Your dreams of enjoying both mountains and beaches can be fulfilled on this island.
Along the 800 meters of white Maehama Beach, and off the diving platforms on the wooden Akasaki Promenade, the incredibly clear ocean waters are there to greet you. As you gaze into the beautiful, clear water, you're sure to feel as if your soul has been purified.
Their last stop was the brewery and pub Hyuga Brewery, opened in March 2017. For 700 yen you can enjoy one of four craft beers that make the most of island ingredients and spring water in a stylish atmosphere. According to the owner, Ms. Miyagawa, "I give the beers women's names that are both familiar and convey the image of the beer." For example, their light ale with a fresh hop flavor is called "Sawa," while their Ashitaba beer gets its name "Angie" from the scientific name, "Angelica keiskei." A good match for the most popular Angie is a baguette topped with island-made shiokara fermented seafood for 450 yen. She wants to communicate the charms of the island by using as many island ingredients as she can in her beer and food.
"We made a lot of new discoveries, didn't we?" Ms. Kawano responds, "All the islanders had lovely smiles and their hearts are filled with wonderful feelings." The two ladies' spirits were moved by the scenery and the people's feelings. It seems they discovered the allure of the islands, and an unknown side of themselves.
【DATA】
Hyuga Brewery
Phone: 04992-7-5335
Address: 142 Kozushima-mura, Tokyo
Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (last order for food at 10:30 p.m., last order for drinks at 11:00 p.m.)
*Take-out lunches available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in summer and on holiday weekends.
Closed: Mondays *Except in summer
Endless blue skies, beautiful, clear ocean water, and friendly islanders. I feel like the memories of these small islands are always at my side, helping me out.
*Information as of August 2018
