Nambari Seaside Park-Yadorijima Trail

A short coastal walking course at the mouth of Ago Bay, especially atmospheric in the evening

From its starting point at Nambari Seaside Park, this gentle trail follows the coast east along Ago Bay to the small island of Yadorijima. Both ends of the trail are easily accessible by bus or car.

To the east of Nambari Beach is Cape Isobue, which offers sweeping views of the Kumanonada Sea. You can either follow the winding coastal road to the Cape Isobue Observatory or take the left turn about 300 meters earlier. This will lead you to a quieter vantage point further up the mountain.

After the observatory, you'll come to Shoshika Beach. A popular spot with surfers, this beach is also excellent for beachcombing, and frequented by the ama freedivers.

After about a half-hour on the trail, you'll reach Hamajima Village. The approach is especially atmospheric in the evening when the street is aglow with lights inside traditional glass buoys called bindama. You may want to stray from the route to see the magnificent shrines of Ebisu-jinja and Ukehi-jinja in the village.

As you exit the village you'll pass the Umihozuki Beach Experience Center, before coming to the small, uninhabited island of Yadorijima, and the end of the trail.

Highlights

Surveying land and sea from Cape Isobue Observatory

Cape Isobue Observatory

This remarkable viewpoint looks out over the vast expanse of the Kumanonada Sea, and onto Shoshika Beach below. In the summer months you'll see surfers on the water, and perhaps ama divers ducking under the waves in the afternoon, emerging with a sharp, clear whistle. The sunsets at Cape Isobue are famously colorful, spread out across the wide sky and reflecting in the sea.

The coastal illuminations along Bindama Road

Bindama Road

Bindama Road is lined with traditional glass fishing floats, converted into lights that illuminate the road each evening. Although the buoys used for fishing and aquaculture are now generally made of plastic, the glass ones are still produced.

Yadorijima—small but full of wildlife

Yadorijima

The uninhabited island of Yadorijima, east of Hamajima Village, is connected to the mainland by a breakwater. Favorable tidal flows, rocky beaches and trees have made this little island home to a surprising variety of wildlife. Come during a spring tide to see more tidal rock pools exposed, sheltering interesting sea creatures. The rocks and shells make the footing on Yadorijima a bit tricky, so wear sturdy footwear if you visit.

Route Map

Nambari Seaside Park-Yadorijima Trail

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