Across the sea to Goto Islands

For Tuesday October 4th

We had an early start today as we had a ferry to catch at 8.00am.  The very first thing we did was to take a ‘yoidome’ (seasickness pill).  We left the comfort of the Toyoko Inn to head for the unknown on the Goto Islands.  However it works out, I’m sure it will be a week to remember!

The ferry had an interesting method of loading - the pointy end lifted up to allow the ramp to fold out, then it was lowered back into place.  Never seen that before!!

The ‘seating’ areas on the ferry.

Many of the Japanese passengers headed straight for these areas, grabbed a blanket and pillow from a pile and promptly fell asleep.  John and I followed our usual safe course of sitting outside to ward off the evil sea sickness.

Farewell to Nagasaki

As before, the yoidome proved to be unnecessary as the sea was as calm as could be.  We arrived on Fukue Island (Foo koo eh) earlier than scheduled and rode around to see what shops and facilities are available.  The result of our investigation was … “not very much”.  Not a 7-11, Lawsons or Daily Yamazaki convenience store to be seen!  We settled on a Mos Burger for lunch.

After lunch we headed off to Tamanoura, our first stop for the Goto adventure.  We saw some wonderful scenery along the way.  Although Goto means ‘five islands’, there are in fact a great number of islands in the chain, from Fukue (the biggest) to some tiny little dots that are just poking their dear little heads out of the sea.

We stopped off at Koura Beach, which would be an ideal place on a hot day.  It is in a very sheltered inlet, with beautifully clear water. 

Koura Beach

The only movement we saw in the water was a gentle lapping at the shore a few minutes after a boat had passed by.  Unfortunately the weather is just a little too cool for swimming, so the locals have been spared the sight of me in my bathers.

We then went to visit the Osezaki Lighthouse, which is the westernmost point of Japan.  We didn’t actually visit it as that would involve a long walk down a big hill (and back again) but we did take some photos from the nearby viewing area. 

Ozesaki Lighthouse

We then went to check into to our accommodation.  This is the place that refused us at first, but then relented when Mr Yamaguchi told the proprietor that I can speak Japanese, so I was feeling under a bit of pressure to perform.  Fortunately, I managed well enough to get checked in and to understand the basics of the conversation.  We got ourselves unpacked and settled in and then went for a walk around the village.  Tamanoura is a fishing village arranged around a harbour.  We had a bit of a stilted chat with a local and said ‘konbanwa’ (good evening) to a few others. 

Tamanoura waterfront

Boats everywhere!

The backstreets of Tamanoura

We are certainly being noticed!  Today might go down in history as ‘that day when the Australians came to visit’.

  

After our walk it was time for dinner.  We walked into the room and were treated to a feast for the eyes!  Being a fishing village, we expected fish for dinner, but we had just about every kind of seafood that ever swam in the sea or crawled on a rock.  Some of it was raw, which John was not brave enough to eat.  He also passed up the shellfish with little bits sticking out of them.  I decided to be brave and pulled on the little bit until the rest of the slithery creature popped out of the shell, dipped it in soy sauce, shut my eyes and thought of England, and ate it.  It was actually very nice, so I ate the other three of them!

Where to start??!!

We finished off the day with a soak in the bath, wandering around the establishment in our yukatas (light cotton kimono-type garments).  John’s already konked out on the futon and I’m watching the baseball.  A very Japanese experience all round!