Hiroshima, Japan | Hotel Okinawa Tei | Accommodation + "Tomonoura and Kasaoka Islands (Kitagijima)" sightseeing tour plan

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[Spot introduction]
・Kitagi Island The largest island in the Kasaoka Islands, with a population of approximately 960 (September 2016), it has recently been recognized as the birthplace of Daigo, the comedian from Chidori.
It prospered for the production and processing of granite, and ``Kitagi stone'' from Okayama Prefecture was known as one of the three major stone production areas in Setouchi, along with ``Aji stone'' from Kagawa prefecture and ``Oshima stone'' from Ehime prefecture.
At a time when inland road networks were underdeveloped, the city gained fame not only throughout the country but also overseas due to its on-time delivery and high-quality lumber harvested through marine transportation, and was once a major producing area. It is said that he reigned supreme.
As a result, stones from Kitagijima were used in the stone walls of Osaka Castle, which was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate, the former Bank of Japan headquarters, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yasukuni Shrine, etc.
Although stone quarrying has decreased due to cheaper imported stone, there are techniques for processing imported stone, so the processing of imported stone is popular.
In today's Toyoura and Kanafuro districts, mountains whose surfaces have been scraped away stand out, leaving traces of a once thriving stone industry.
・Tomonoura Tomonoura is located approximately in the center of the Seto Inland Sea coast, 14km south of Fukuyama Station.
It has flourished as a port for waiting for the tide since ancient times, and is even mentioned in the Manyoshu.
It is also one of the scenic spots representing the Seto Inland Sea, designated as Japan's first national park.
During the Edo period, it prospered as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships, and Korean envoys often visited the port for celebrations of the shogunate.
The Taichoro building next to the main hall of Fukuzenji Temple was built around 1690 as a reception hall and was used as accommodation for distinguished guests.
From the parlor, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea, and Lee Kunihiko, an official on the Korean mission, praised it as ``the first victory in Japan'' (meaning it is the most beautiful scenic spot east of Tsushima).
Tomonoura was a prosperous port for trade with both Japan and other countries, and there are many historic sites and ruins that remain. Recently, it has been attracting attention as a filming location for movies and the stage for enka performances.
In May 2018, a story based on the port town culture of Tomonoura, ``Japan's premier early modern port town surrounded by the evening calm of Seto - Tomonoura, where daily life blends into the sepia-colored port town'', was certified as a Japan Heritage site.
Tomonoura is the only area in Japan that has received three evaluations, including the national ``Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings'' and UNESCO ``Memory of the World.''
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[Schedule (example)]
・ 9:30 Departure from Hotel Kofuutei in Tomonoura ・ 9:40 Board charter boat at Tomonoura Port ・ 10:10 Arrive at Kanafuro Port, Kitagi Island, Kasaoka Islands ・ 10:15 Introduction of Kitagi Island at Hikari Theater ・ 10: 40 Visit one of Japan's best quarries Ishikiri Valley Observation Deck - 11:15 Stone cutting experience - 11:45 Board charter boat at Kanafuro Port - 12:15 Arrive at Tomonoura Port Stroll around Tomonoura - Free lunch - 13:40 Local guide 3:40pm Arrive at Hotel Ofuutei Check-in Enjoy seasonal ingredients from Tomonoura Onsen and the Setouchi Inland Sea.
・Disband after check-out at 10:00 the next day