Himaka Island (Minamichita-cho, Aichi Pref.)

Himaka Island is well known as a treasure chest of fresh fish, with many different varieties, and the fresh fish dishes (Kaisen Ryori in Japanese) are the island's main attraction. Especially, octopus (year-round) and globefish (October through March) dishes are representative of the area.

This temple is one of the reasons Himaka Island is known as the Octopus Island, as it is dedicated to Tako Amida Nyorai. Local tradition has it that the Buddha was protected by a giant octopus when he was caught in a fisherman's net.

The island has a circumference of only 5 km, so even if you take it slowly, you can walk all around Himaka Island in about two hours. There are bicycles for rent in the harbor. There is a Octopus monument, the fishing boat harbor, and some narrow streets to explore, all with the island's unique landscape to enjoy. There are two beaches where the sunrise and sunset are especially fine, and the stars in the night sky are like a carpet. There are also many shrines and temples, as well as historical sites to visit.

Aiming for a change from the ordinary "viewing" type of tourism, we have developed a model of a new fishing industry participation-type of tourism, with programs featuring "cruising on fishing boats," "dragnet fishing," "dried fish preparation," and "octopus catching," etc.