How to get Shark island in Japan and Where to Stay, Super Thrilling! -Tobishima island, Yamagata, Japan

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Tobishima island Source: Wikipedia
Tobishima island Source: Wikipedia
Lazy shark ( real name: Banded houndshark) Source: Wikipedia
Lazy shark ( real name: Banded houndshark) Source: Wikipedia

How to get Shark island in Japan and Where to Stay

You already conquered two cat islands in Japan? Looking for some unknown island full of cute animals in Japan?

 

How about gentle sharks? There are many types of sharks in the ocean and dangerous ones like you see in Jaws to the cute ones.

 

You can meet a lot of cute sharks in Tobishima island, Yamagata.

 

You can scuba dive in the ocean around the island and around 10 meter depth in the water there are so many gentle sharks( Banded houndshark 1.5 meter) living in that area (April-June). The sharks are lazing around (as it appears sorry, sharks!) at the bottom and in some caves of the sea. It is just incredible. It is said that these sharks in that area are all females.

 

NOTE: In Sakata area, recently we have seen also "not-lazy/not-so-cute-type of sharks like 3 meter one", so please seek for the professional diving guide who knows the area quite well.

 

If you are scared of sharks, in addition to the sharks, you can also enjoy bird watching and enjoy some sightseeing.

 

The island size is 2.7km2, 10.2km diameter with 226 residents.  It is located 39km from Sakata city. There are in total 21 inns and guesthouses.

You can see the sharks in Tobishima in below video starting around 2:50. 

Please noted that you need an experienced professional guide support for the shark dive.

Not only sharks but also dolphins!

Some may find the island with shark is not the most attractive place but do not worry. The island has also many dolphins visiting.

More people move to the island

Recent years we see more young people move to Tobishima island. Now you see some cafes ( Shimacahe and  Cafe Beyond Tobishima ) open.

 

The local also tries to revive the economy with more local things to sell. You can check the online shop of this island. 

How to get this island

By ship

 

From Sakata port to Tobishima island

 

75mins by Ferry Tobishima from Sakata port to Tobishima island

Frequency: 1-3 times a day depending on season (please make sure you have the return ship if you plan not to stay on the island)

Price:

Adult 4200JPY round trip ticket for Adult

Kid 2100JPY round trip ticket

 

NOTE: In the winter time it is not strange the ship is stranded and canceled due to the weather for a week or so.

 

Contact: Sakata city travel bureau (only PDF file for English info)

Tel: +81 234-26-5759

 

From JR Sakata station to the Sakata port

To get the Sakata port, it is 7 mins by car from JR Sakata station

 

From Tokyo to JR Sakata station

To get JR Sakata station, it is around 4 hours and 30mins from Tokyo station by Joetsu Shinkansen( bullet train ) to Niigata station and then Sakata station by Inaho express train.

Where to stay

Always great to stay on the island

On the Tobishima island, there are inns and guesthouses but as always not much online info available.

 

We put several examples as below:

 

Sawaguchi inn 

Price: 8640JPY or higher depending on the plan with two meals (adult)

Contact: +81 234-95-2246

 

Inn Obako 

Price: 8400JPY with two meals (adult)

Contact: +81 234-96-3036

Reservation form from here 

 

NOTE: no camping allowed on the island unlike some islands in Japan.

Alternatively, you can stay in Sakata City, the big city nearby

In Sakata city, the biggest city nearby the island. You have more options for meals etc. in the city and more convenient for the trip next day as it connects to other major cities by trains. 

 

Suggested hotels based on the reputation:

Hotel Route Inn Sakata

Source: the hotel's official site

Click here to book Hotel Route-Inn Sakata 

Contact: +81 234-21-3301

Hotel inn Sakta Ekimae

Source: the hotel's official site

Click here to book Hotel Inn Sakata Ekimae 

Contact: +81 234-26-8800 

 

Hotel Inn Sakata

Source: the hotel's official site

Click here to book Hotel inn Sakata

Contact: +81 234-22-5000

 

Hotel Rich & Garden Sakata

Source: the hotel's official site

Click here to book Hotel Rich & Garden Sakata 

Contact: +81 234-26-1111

 

 

If you come across nice place to stay, please let us know!

If visiting Sakata city, do not miss...

Tamasudare water fall, Sakata Source: Sakata city office
Tamasudare water fall, Sakata Source: Sakata city office

Shonai Movie village

You can visit the movie set

 

Tamasudare water fall

Light decoration for some holiday seasons

Clearer than Okinawa water?

Several friends of ours who often travel to remote islands of Okinawa tipped that the sea water of Tobishima island can be clearer than in Okinawa.  Even though the island is in Yamagata, the average temperature is 12 degree or higher all year around.

 

What do you think? 

Onegai Kaeru wants you to enjoy Japan trip.

 

If you are looking for more traveler"s info and can not find one, please let us know. We will try to help you with Japan Traveler Help Service (we help you make the travel plan, arrange, book, find info you need). Feel free to contact us!

 

Interested in knowing more photogenic places in Japan? Click here!

 

Have you heard of "Cat islands" and want to know how to get there, please check here!

 

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Source: Sakata city travel office website, Wikipedia

 

Disclaimer: Even though we try to make the info as updated and accurate but the accuracy of the information herein is not guaranteed by us. If you have any uncertainty, please contact the information source.

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