Situated on the magnificent coast of the Japanese Chita Peninsula and home to only 2,000 inhabitants, Himakajima is an island with a small population but a rapidly rising popularity. Located in Mikawa Bay, locals consider it a paradisiac getaway, removed from the stress and noise of the city. Himakajima is adjacent to the other small islands of Shinojima and Sakushima, and visitors go here to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Himakajima is especially popular for its sea life and the local delicacies of octopus and fugu, which draw people from nearby cities to enjoy in small, local restaurants, and invite anglers to fish for in the ocean. The waves entice windsurfers, and the peaceful island trails attract cyclists, and activities for tourists include fishing lessons and dolphin boat tours. There are many small temples on the island and a free museum exhibiting its local history of octopus and shark fishing. Visitors can also just relax on the quiet beaches, take in the mesmerising views and enjoy the life of calm, island living.
Meitetsu ferries travel to Himakajima from the ports of Kowa, Irago, Shinojima and Morozaki. If travelling from Nagoya, visitors can take the train to Kowa, or, from Toyohashi, they can take a bus to Irago, and then get to ferry to the island. A shuttle bus runs from Kowa Station to Kowa Port, and from here, fast boats reach the island in ten minutes.
The history of Himakajima orientates primarily around its fishing industry and has links to the story of the 47 Ronin, a collection of samurais who avenged the death of their master in the 18th century. On the island, there is a memorial dedicated to one of the soldiers who was born in Himakajima. The nameless samurai participated in the famous vendetta against Lord Kira, the man that dictated the death sentence of their leader and who they massacred as a result.