Summary
Kasaoka Islands in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, form a cluster of 31 islands in the Seto Inland Sea. This time, I visited two of them: Manabe-shima Island and Shiraishi-jima Island, alone! I was blessed with the weather that only the Seto Inland Sea can offer, and the sound of the waves soothed me throughout the two-day journey✨
The island hopping trip, filled with opportunities to indulge in delicious local food and simply enjoy the experience of being there, was amazing and has become a treasure in my life!
I also happened to be lucky enough to see fireworks during my stay, and I was very happy!
*Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change.
Travel Itinerary (Day1)
10:50am Kasaoka Station（笠岡駅）
The trip starts at Kasaoka Station! Walking to Kasaoka Port.
Spot Outline
Kasaoka Station is a station on the West Japan Railway Sanyo Main Line in Kasaoka City. It is a short walk to Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Port). There are many restaurants and souvenir shops in the area, making it a convenient place for tourists.
11:20am Kasaoka Port Passenger Ship Terminal “Minato Kobanashi”（笠岡港旅客船ターミナル みなと・こばなし）
The gateway to the Kasaoka Islands!
The first floor had ticket gate and a waiting area, and the second floor had ocean view seating and a piano!
There is a third floor where you can sit and spend time waiting for your boat.
Exterior
entrance
Kasaoka Islands
timetable
I will board the 11:20 ship bound for Manabe-shima Island!
Ticket machine
1,040 yen to Manabe-shima Island by regular boat
Piano on the second floor
Ocean view seating on second floor
Island of Stone
Japanese Heritage Cultural Properties
Buildings made of Kitagi stone
Boat to Manabe-shima Island!
Spot Outline
Kasaoka Port Passenger Ship Terminal “Minato Kobanashi” in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, is the gateway to the Kasaoka Islands.There is a waiting area on the first floor and a gallery on the second floor. According to reviews, the facility is rated as a comfortable place to spend waiting time.
12:20pm Manabe-shima Island（真鍋島）
After an hour-long boat ride from Kasaoka Port(Sumiyoshi Port), I arrived at Manabe-shima Island!
It is an island where you can meet atmospheric alleys and cute cats!
Also, it is a film location!
Spot Outline
Manabe-shima Island, located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, belongs to the Kasaoka Islands. It has rows of houses that retain the appearance of an old fishing village, and has been designated as a hometown village by Okayama Prefecture. It is also used as a film location, and can be reached by boat from Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Port) in about an hour.
12:30pm Ryōka（漁火）
First, let’s have lunch!
A restaurant where you can enjoy fresh fish!
The most surprising thing was the large portion of the food! The dishes kept coming out one after the other, with great hospitality from the local people✨
All of the fish were very fresh, having been alive just a few minutes ago. The taste is amazing!
By appointment only
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Spacious tatami room seating
sashimi of sea bream
Sashimi of Octopus
Raw oysters and shrimp
Fried Fish with sweet vinegar sauce
steamed oysters
grilled sea bream with salt
Flatfish tempura
Simmered flatfish
Tempura of sweet potato
Arajiru (soup)
rice
dessert (Hassaku orange and strawberry)
Got a cup of tea.
Kamikokoro (嘉美心)
Spot Outline
Located on Manabe-shima Island in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Ryōka is a restaurant known for its fresh fish and exceptional hospitality. All of the fish served are incredibly fresh, resulting in delicious flavors. Reservations are required in advance.
2:50pm Motoe Cafe（モトエカフェ）
After lunch, I strolled around the island until the time for the next boat!
I decided to take a break at a cafe recommended by a local!
This is the place where you can enjoy special coffee and curry. I regret that I ate too much lunch and didn’t get to try the curry.
signboard
Exterior
entrance
Menu
Coffee 420 yen
Spot Outline
Motoe Cafe is located on Manabe-shima Island in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture. It is perfect for a break from exploring the island, serving coffee and curry with a special flavor loved by the locals. According to the reviews, the curry is delicious, so be sure to give it a try.
4:05pm Shiraishi-jima Island（白石島）
A 20-minute high-speed boat ride from Manabe-shima Island brings you to Shiraishi-jima Island!
I was happy to meet a cute cat on Shiraishi-jima Island too✨
Spot Outline
Shiraishi-jima Island, located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, is part of the Kasaoka Islands. It has been a famous scenic spot since ancient times and is designated as a national scenic spot. It takes about 20 minutes from Manabe-shima Island by high-speed boat.
4:20pm Guest House Shiraishi（ゲストハウス しらいし）
The accommodation I will be staying tonight is Guest House Shiraishi, where all rooms have ocean views!
There is a large beach right in front of the house and the sunset is beautiful✨
You can also get a breakfast plate for an additional charge!
Exterior
room
breakfast plate
A wake-up drink
Spot Outline
Located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Guest House Shiraishi is the closest accommodation to the beach from the port. The beautiful beach spreads out in front of you and you can watch the sunset. Breakfast plates can also be enjoyed for an additional charge. According to reviews, all rooms have ocean views, which is attractive and makes for a comfortable stay.
4:40pm Shiraishi-jima Beach（白石島海水浴場）
After checking in at the inn, head to the beach that spreads in front!
Shiraishi-jima Beach
Listening to the sound of the waves
Watching the sunset
What a luxurious view✨
Spot Outline
Shiraishi-jima Beach, located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, is one of the three major beaches in Okayama Prefecture. It is close to lodging facilities, and visitors can listen to the sound of the waves as they watch the sunset.
6:30pm Shiraishi Junior High School（白石中学校）
I didn’t expect it, but I happened to see the fireworks!
The fireworks are for the memorial day of the school closure of Shiraishi Junior High School.
Local people also gathered here.
The sound of fireworks is kind of soothing!
Impressive fireworks✨
Spot Outline
Shiraishi Junior High School is a public junior high school in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, that closed at the end of March 2022.
7:00pm Sanchan（さんちゃん）
After watching the fireworks, I head to a restaurant next to the inn for dinner!
I could have tried something more special to the island, but I was kind of in the mood for fried rice this day… lol
Toast with draft beer!
Menu
draft beer
Spot Outline
Located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Sanchan is the restaurant. Yakisoba, ramen, fried rice, curry rice, french fries, and seafood are available. Advance reservations are recommended.
Travel Itinerary (Day2)
10:30am Kairyuji Temple（開龍寺）
Start of the day 2! First, I head to Kairyuji Temple.
In the spacious precincts of the temple, there is a main hall, an inner sanctuary, and so on.
Torii (gate)
Map
Kairyuji Temple
Main Hall
Buddha’s ashes
Rock
This rock is located in the precincts of Kairyuji Temple!
Place your forehead in the hollow of the rock and make a wish three times.
I heard it is a rock with mysterious spiritual power!
Spot Outline
Kairyuji Temple is located in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture. In the spacious precincts of the temple, there is a main hall, an inner sanctuary and so on where visitors can feel the history of the temple.
11:00am Yoroi-iwa Stone Dike （鎧岩）
For next, I head to Yoroi-iwa Stone Dike!
It’s a rock atop a mountain with a unique pattern, designated as a national natural monument. But unfortunately, I had no idea how to get there and ended up giving up…
Spot Outline
Yoroi-iwa Stone Dike is a rock on Shiraishi-jima Island in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture. It is located at the top of Onigajo Mountain in the center of Shiraishi-jima Island and is designated as a national natural monument.
12:00pm KUa（菜食茶店KUa）
Next, I head to the restaurant, which serves vegan cuisine!
The curry I ordered was spicy but not too spicy, and the texture of the beans was exquisite and delicious!✨
It was a delicious and enjoyable meal, with some foods that were new to me, such as okara (soy pulp) konnyaku (konjac) and sweet potato salad!
The mulberry leaf cake I ordered for dessert was delightfully sweet and light, making it easy to enjoy!
Exterior
signboard
Menu
Curry plate 1,000 yen
Vegan Sweets: Mulberry leaf cake 300 yen
Spot Outline
Vegetarian Restaurant KUa, located on Shiraishi-jima Island in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, is a cafe where you can enjoy vegan cuisine. You can enjoy tasty food such as curry with spices, okara konnyaku, and sweet potato salad. Also recommended is the mulberry leaf cake, which is gently sweet and light.
1:45pm Shiraishi-jima Island（白石島）
Buy a ticket to return to Kasaoka Port! 670 yen for a regular boat.
2:15pm Kasaoka Port Passenger Ship Terminal “Minato Kobanashi”（笠岡港旅客船ターミナル みなと・こばなし）
It takes about 30 minutes from Shiraishi-jima Island to Kasaoka. Finally, the trip is over.
I enjoyed the two day and one night tour of the Kasaoka Islands!!!
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