Japan Hiroshima | Hotel Ofutei | Accommodation + 'Tomonoura and Kasaoka Islands (Kitagishima)' Sightseeing Tour Package

【Spot Introduction】
・Kitagishima
As the largest island in the Kasaoka Islands with a population of approximately 960 (as of Sept. 2014), it has recently gained recognition as the hometown of Daigo from the comedy duo 'Chidori'.
Prospering through the production and processing of granite, the 'Kitagi Stone' from Okayama Prefecture was celebrated alongside Kagawa Prefecture's 'Aji Stone' and Ehime Prefecture's 'Oshima Stone' as one of the three great stone brands of the Seto Inland Sea.
In an era before inland road networks were developed, the use of maritime transport ensured strict delivery deadlines and the ability to source high-quality large stones, earning it a reputation not only nationwide but also overseas, and it is said to have once reigned as a major production hub.
Its achievements include the use of Kitagishima stone in the stone walls of Osaka Castle rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate, the former Bank of Japan headquarters, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Yasukuni Shrine.
Today, while quarrying has decreased due to competition from cheaper imported stone, the island's stone processing techniques remain highly active in processing those imported materials.
In the current Toyoura and Kanaburo districts, mountains with their surfaces carved away stand as remnants of the era when the stone industry was at its peak.
・Tomonoura
Located almost in the center of the Seto Inland Sea coast, 14km south of Fukuyama Station, lies Tomonoura.
It has long prospered as a port for waiting for the tide and is even mentioned in the Manyoshu.
It is also one of the scenic spots representing the Seto Inland Sea, which was designated as Japan's first national park.
During the Edo period, it flourished as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships, and the Korean Tongsinsa (diplomatic missions) also frequently stopped here for shogunal celebrations.
The 'Taichoro' next to the main hall of Fukuzen-ji Temple was built around 1690 as a guest hall and was used as lodging for distinguished guests.
The room offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, and Li Bang-eon, an official accompanying the Korean Tongsinsa, praised it as the 'Nittou Daiichi Keishou' (meaning the most beautiful scenic spot east of Tsushima).
Tomonoura is a port that thrived on domestic and international trade, and many historical sites and ruins remain. Recently, it has attracted attention as a filming location for movies and a setting for Enka songs.
In May 2018, the story themed around the port town culture of Tomonoura, 'The Finest Early Modern Port Town Wrapped in the Evening Calm of Seto - Tomonoura, Where Daily Life Melts into a Sepia-Colored Port Town', was certified as a Japan Heritage.
Tomonoura is the only place in Japan that has received three designations: Japan Heritage, Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and UNESCO Memory of the World.
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【Schedule (Example)】
・ 9:30 Depart from Hotel Ofutei, Tomonoura
・ 9:40 Board charter boat at Tomonoura Port
・10:10 Arrive at Kanaburo Port, Kitagishima, Kasaoka Islands
・10:15 Introduction to Kitagishima at Hikari Theater
・10:40 Visit one of Japan's leading quarries: Ishikiri Valley Observatory
・11:15 Stone splitting experience
・11:45 Board charter boat at Kanaburo Port
・12:15 Arrive at Tomonoura Port, explore Tomonoura and free time for lunch
・13:40 Town walk with a local guide
・15:40 Arrive at Hotel Ofutei, check-in
Please enjoy the Tomonoura hot springs and seasonal ingredients of the Seto Inland Sea.
・10:00 Next day, check-out and dismiss.