Igami Town

I was initially quite worried about joining a tour group, fearing it would be too rushed and too tight, but Jay gave us plenty of time. When the large boat was delayed, he quickly resolved the issue, and we were able to successfully board a small boat to feed the seagulls! Everyone, adults and children alike, had a great time! At the end, he even gave us Ine Town postcards, which was very thoughtful! Jay would send messages at each stop to remind us of the meeting time and place, so we didn't have to worry about forgetting or getting lost!

This short trip was so much fun! We were lucky enough to see rain, snow, and a rainbow! Having Richard, our guide, made the whole trip much smoother and safer. Since the sea train, cable car, and boat tours require tickets (and seats are limited), Richard helped us get tickets and queue early. He even thoughtfully suggested seats with better views when we boarded the train. We saw a rainbow for the first time while the train was passing through the valley – so lucky! When we crossed the small bridge, the shimmering sea outside the window felt like flying over the ocean! It rained and sleet intermittently that day, so Richard adjusted the order of the cable car and boat tours, taking us to Amanohashidate first. Just then, while we were taking pictures of the Tenryu-kan (Tenryu-kan) at Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, another rainbow appeared! The soft rainbow light paired with wisps of mist created a scene reminiscent of a dragon soaring into the sky—I was so lucky to see such an auspicious view on New Year's Day! ♥ During the boat trip, since it didn't rain, we were able to feed the seagulls on the outdoor deck, enjoy the scenery, and witness the spectacular sight of seagulls circling the boat. The seagulls were quite skilled at eating; they could catch treats thrown into the air, and when we fed them by hand, they would come close to eat, looking adorable. They would even perch nearby and watch us wait for our treats. However, the guide warned us to be careful of eagles that might sneak in and steal our food, as their long talons could accidentally injure our hands. If we got hurt, we could ask the staff at the ticket office for bandages. It rained again when we were visiting the boathouses in Egan. Sitting in the café recommended by the guide, watching the rain-soaked bay view through the semi-open space (the pier at the bottom of the boathouse) was very relaxing and poetic. When traveling to unfamiliar places, the biggest fear is getting lost or encountering unexpected situations. This time, we also faced the possibility of being late for the meeting point, but our guide, Mr. Fu, reassured us by first calming us down and then helping us solve the problem. Actually, the work standards for tour guides are all the same, but this thoughtfulness towards tourists gives us a better travel experience!

What impressed me most about this trip was Amanohashidate and the Ine boathouses. Enjoying one of Japan's three most famous scenic spots under a heavy snowfall was truly a unique experience. The boat trip and seagull feeding at the Ine boathouses reminded me of my happy memories of feeding seagulls in Matsushima long ago. Being able to enjoy a delicious abalone meal was also a great value. A special thank you to our guide, Mingming, for his detailed explanations; he must have worked hard to understand the history of the places we visited, which gave me a deep understanding of everything. The driver's smooth driving was also commendable. I will definitely participate again next time.