I am following the warm and natural route, not the unique style, and of course I don’t expect luxury. The owner of the B&B I stayed in, "Yamaju", is two young girls. One of them has worked in Australia, so I am new to snorkeling. Even those who don’t speak Japanese can communicate in English.

There's no need to worry if you don’t have your own equipment. Almost every homestay hostel provides various equipment for rent, which makes it very convenient for foreigners like me to go snorkeling easily.

At the island's tourist information center, besides offering various tourism services, there are also detailed explanations with rich illustrations on three major aspects of the island: the ocean, the forest, and island life. Additionally, there is a local heritage museum attached, allowing people like me, who have little information before departure, to better understand this natural island.

The items here are small and exquisite. Asuha Oolong Tea, cold brew coffee, and ice cream in the store are all very popular. Even though it's not yet 11 o'clock, you have to wait a while before you can get a table.

Passing by the small "Sanbo (Inokone) Shrine" and reading the information, I learned that this is the local guardian deity. During the Bakumatsu period, the anchor of the American ship "Viking" that encountered a maritime disaster near Japan is also enshrined here.

Entering the forest afterwards, even though there's a paved asphalt road, the dense foliage provides shade, forming what looks like a green tunnel.

After changing into our diving gear, the group boarded the guesthouse's vehicle and arrived at the harbor, where we transferred to a small boat and set off. In the waters around Miyazaki Island, wild dolphins can be spotted everywhere.

In this area, about 200 wild dolphins are known to frequent the waters around the islands all year. However, to protect them, there are daily tourist limits. The dolphin-watching boat trip lasts around 2 hours, and it's common to see groups of dolphins leaping out of the water. Going further out, you can closely observe as dolphins swim by, seemingly oblivious to human presence, showcasing their freedom and charm.

Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures with a spiritual nature. According to the instructor, as long as they don't feel threatened or attacked, they tend to be gentle and clever most of the time. Moreover, they are not afraid of humans, making it easy to approach them at close range.

Reflecting on yesterday’s conversation with the staff, who mentioned there used to be only one boat a month, it's impressive that there are now daily services. This increased frequency has enhanced the locals' sense of connection to metropolitan Tokyo. The island's unspoiled forests and seas have nurtured them their entire lives, fostering a deep, emotional bond.

Though it's an industrial road, which makes getting lost unlikely, the steep and challenging terrain tested my fitness. I found myself repeatedly verifying directions with the few residents I met along the way.

Upon arriving at the destination, "Isana no Daijin," I glanced at the informational sign and realized that I had actually walked a distance of 5 kilometers. Returning is another 10 kilometers, and considering the challenging terrain, I couldn't help but laugh and question myself, "Was it worth it, just for one giant tree?"

To be honest, traveling to a small island is inconvenient, and it requires favorable timing and conditions. Therefore, the mindset I hold is that each trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This journey deepened my appreciation for Miyazaki Island's natural beauty. The refreshing breeze, clear skies, expansive views of the ocean and sky, and the untouched forests, along with warm interactions with the locals, made this a truly unforgettable experience. Hearing I was from Taiwan often led to widened eyes, followed by heartfelt concern and gratitude for my visit, creating cherished memories for a lifetime.