A Remote Island Resort Just One Hour from Nagoya! 7 Must-Visit Spots on Himakajima

Himakajima is a highly rated resort island just a little over an hour from Nagoya, making it a popular tourist destination. In summer, it's perfect for swimming in the sea, while in winter, visitors come for the fugu (pufferfish) dishes—there are plenty of different reasons to visit throughout the year. The most convenient way to get there is by using the Nagoya Railroad and a high-speed boat.
There are many highlights when enjoying a Himakajima resort experience, but first and foremost is its specialty: octopus. Sashimi and boiled octopus are especially popular. In summer, you can also experience dolphins at the "Dolphin Beach" event. The torafugu (tiger pufferfish) served in winter is a delicacy. Additionally, Gyogyozan Daikoin Temple, also known as "Kobo-san," is a sacred site and the 37th temple of the Chita Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. While enjoying the serene seaside views, you can also indulge in fresh seafood. We've selected 7 recommended things to do in Himakajima!

1. Specialty of Himakajima - Octopus at Otohime

When visiting Himakajima, octopus is a must-try! The octopus here is known for its incredible firmness and delightfully chewy texture, making it a local favorite. There are many ways to enjoy it: deep-fried tempura, karaage (Japanese-style fried), refreshing vinegar-marinated dishes, or savoring the texture itself through sashimi or simple salt-boiled octopus.
“Otohime” is one of the most popular restaurants, located right by the west port. Inside the restaurant, a large aquarium is filled with seasonal fish. Their whole-boiled octopus dish is a must-try delicacy. The menu also features a wide variety of seafood, with the seafood kakiage rice bowl being another top recommendation. Because it's a well-known restaurant, it's best to go before 11:30 AM right after it opens to avoid the wait. Why not take a trip to Himakajima and enjoy its delicious ocean offerings, starting with octopus?

2. Play with Dolphins at Himakajima - Dolphin Beach

Every summer, Himakajima hosts events where you can interact with dolphins! From mid-May to September—about four and a half months—you can meet dolphins at Nishihama Beach. Activities include dolphin watching (viewing dolphins swimming in an enclosure), dolphin touch (feeding and touching them), and the hands-on “Fureai Beach” experience where you can swim with them in the sea. These events are highly popular with families.
Note: “Dolphin Touch” operates on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event, while “Fureai Beach” requires a reservation. The age requirements for each are: 3 years and up for dolphin watching, and 5 years and up for both dolphin touch and Fureai Beach. Getting up close to these adorable creatures and interacting with them is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Make plans during the summer season and create unforgettable memories with dolphins at Himakajima!

3. Exquisite Pufferfish Cuisine! A Day-Trip Friendly Inn with Relaxing Hot Springs – Suzuya Kaiyutei

“Suzuya Kaiyutei” is an inn located next to the west port of Himakajima. It offers fresh seafood dishes made from local fish of Mikawa Bay and a scenic bath with a view that can be enjoyed even on a day trip. Highly recommended are seasonal seafood dishes unique to Himakajima, such as octopus, abalone, and especially pufferfish. After a delightful seafood meal, you can unwind in the scenic bath overlooking Mikawa Bay and the Chita Peninsula—pure bliss!
With the day-trip lunch plan that includes hot spring bathing, towels are available for rent or purchase for a fee, so you can enjoy the hot springs even if you come empty-handed.
The best season for tora-fugu (tiger pufferfish) is from October to March. While Shimonoseki is well known for it, Aichi actually has the highest catch of tora-fugu in Japan. Among them, the tora-fugu of Himakajima is a popular winter delicacy. In addition to the classic fugu sashimi, you can enjoy other dishes like fugu hotpot (fugu-chiri) and grilled fugu at affordable prices—a luxurious treat.
Opening hours are from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with final check-in at 12:30 PM, so it's best to arrive early and enjoy at a relaxed pace.

4. Heidi’s Swing That Brings Happiness to Couples Who Shout Their Love

A hidden gem on Himakajima is the swing known as Heidi’s Swing. While food tends to be the main attraction on the island, this swing is a favorite among children and couples. If you climb the stairs from “Kids Adventure” at Sunrise Beach toward the hilltop, you'll find a large swing. Beneath the swing lies nothing but the ocean—no obstacles, just a breathtaking open view!
The swing is set right above a cliff, so there’s an added thrill. It’s one of the island’s top scenic spots, but there’s more to its charm! According to local legend, couples who take turns swinging and shouting “I love you” toward the sea will find happiness. Swinging together while shouting your heartfelt feelings might just bring real happiness.

5. Enjoy Swimming in the Summer! Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach

When it comes to summer on Himakajima Island, swimming in the beautiful sea is a must! Floating in Mikawa Bay, where you can view the opposite Chita Peninsula, Himakajima is a resort island with recommended beaches for sightseeing. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from the ferry terminal.
At Sunrise Beach (Higashihama), you can witness beautiful sunrises, while Sunset Beach (Nishihama) offers stunning sunsets. You can enjoy both swimming and romantic views in the morning and evening. Although the beaches are not very large, they are not crowded with swimmers, so you can enjoy a relaxing time. The waves are gentle, making it safe for small children. Showers are available for rent at nearby inns and shops.
Although it's only about a 10-minute ride on a high-speed boat from Morozaki Port in Minamichita Town, it’s a very clean and quiet remote island. Time passes slowly here, just like in a tropical resort. It’s a lovely swimming spot that attracts many repeat visitors.

6. The 37th Sacred Site of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage - Gyogyozan Daikō-in

Daikō-in is one of the sacred sites on the Chita New Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It is the 37th temple on the route and belongs to the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is conveniently located within walking distance from the East Port.
The Chita Peninsula is considered a sacred place where Kōbō-Daishi (Kūkai) is believed to have landed during his travels to the eastern regions of Japan. As referenced in the poem, “Nishiura, Higashiura, Himakajima and Shinojima – they must be part of Shikoku,” it is said that Kōbō-Daishi was amazed at how similar the Chita landscape was to that of Shikoku. In Chita, visiting pilgrims are affectionately referred to as “Kōbō-san.”
On the historic island of Himakajima, you’ll find not only ancient burial mounds scattered across the island, but also large mounds and the “Tako Amida” (Octopus Amida) hall within the temple grounds. When visiting Himakajima for sightseeing, be sure to also stop by and offer prayers at Gyogyozan Daikō-in.

7. Octopus Monuments “Nisshii” and “Gasshii”

The octopus monuments placed at Himekawa Island's west and east ports are important tourist attractions. These charming octopus characters sit on top of jars labeled “Welcome,” warmly greeting visitors with their bright red color.
In the fall of 2016, these octopus monuments were given names. Through a public contest, the names “Nisshii” and “Gasshii” were selected. Among their eight legs, one is raised and holds a fan, as if greeting visitors. Going forward, Nisshii and Gasshii are expected to play a more active role in boosting tourism on Himekawa Island. If you're taking commemorative photos at the port, why not include Nisshii and Gasshii?
Since the mid-1980s, Himekawa Island has promoted itself as “The Island of Octopuses.” In addition to the monuments, you’ll find octopus-themed features throughout the island, such as manhole covers. Exploring and discovering these designs is a fun activity.

◎ Summary

Himekawa Island is a popular tourist destination known as the closest remote island resort from Nagoya. It’s famous in winter for its blowfish cuisine and in summer for sea bathing. It’s a must-visit not only for Aichi residents but for any traveler. The island offers an easy and delightful seaside resort experience. The two specialties are octopus and blowfish. Local fishermen and chefs are ready to serve you fresh octopus sashimi, boiled octopus, and premium winter torafugu (tiger pufferfish).
In summer, you can also enjoy dolphin encounters at Dolphin Beach. Additionally, we recommend visiting Daikō-in Temple at Mount Gyouyouzan, the 37th sacred site in the Chita New Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. That concludes our top 7 recommendations for Himekawa Island, where you can enjoy delicious seafood with peaceful ocean views.