When planning this trip we debated between taking the Car Ferry or getting on a faster boat and renting a car on the island. We love our public transit and taking advantage of it as much as possible! But landed on the idea that if we bring our car across we won't have to lug anything between a train and boat and rental car. Plus with our our own car we could bring all the beach things!
We set off to explore the Northern half of the island. Following roadtrip rule #1, stopping often for scenic views! Roads in Japan are often a bit narrow, coupled with skirting the coast of the island the roads get even narrower. With hairpin turns and tunnels that claim to allow for 2 way traffic. Luckily we were one of only a handful of cars we saw on this road.
We did however see a giant truck that just stopped when encountering oncoming traffic. Definitely relying on his size being much greater than the tiny car. We watched the standoff for a moment (from a safe distance) before the car gave in and backed down the narrow twisty road until there was space for the truck (and his giant truck friends) to pass.
A friend suggested we make our way to the most Northern Point at Futatsugame Beach. We heard this would be a good space for a hike and a snorkel.
We did however see a giant truck that just stopped when encountering oncoming traffic. Definitely relying on his size being much greater than the tiny car. We watched the standoff for a moment (from a safe distance) before the car gave in and backed down the narrow twisty road until there was space for the truck (and his giant truck friends) to pass.
A friend suggested we make our way to the most Northern Point at Futatsugame Beach. We heard this would be a good space for a hike and a snorkel.
And Wow were we impressed! We tightened the straps on our Keens and head down the trail. Commenting all the way that this is gonna be rough going back up. But that's a future problem. For now we bask in the sunshine and admire these gorgeous views.
At low tide these islands are connected, but for now we hike up our shorts and gingerly step into the water. Gingerly balancing on the uneven rocks under the surface as the currents swirl around our legs we make our way to the other side. A private little beach on our own little rock in the middle of the sea.
Before leaving our Ryokan that morning we borrowed some snorkel masks. And by borrow, I picked them up from the display in the lobby and brought them to the front desk. A big smile, Onegashimas (please!) and a few I'm sorry but I don't understand your responses later and we were off! With our probably mostly likely legitimately rented snorkels.
We frolic in the sea, exploring both sides of our private little nook of water. Amazed at the temperature differences between the slower moving water to the West and the slightly churning but not actually churning Easterly waves. We watched the fishies swirling around our legs and floated in this most perfect place.
A couple hours and sunscreen reapplications later our tummies begin grumbling and we gather our things to start the long climb back up to our car. When staying at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon circa 2015 we were given great advice. "It's a long hike up, amid amazing scenery. Stop often. Catch your breath and take lots of photos."
Now this hike was much much much much shorter, but remembering that good advice, we stopped often. Grateful for the chance to catch our breath and admire the views.
After taking 3 tries to find an open restaurant for lunch yesterday we plan better today. Stocking up on snacks and a relative plan to wrap around the Northern part of the island and return to the main port city where of course we'll find a plethora of open restaurants waiting for us.
Now this hike was much much much much shorter, but remembering that good advice, we stopped often. Grateful for the chance to catch our breath and admire the views.
After taking 3 tries to find an open restaurant for lunch yesterday we plan better today. Stocking up on snacks and a relative plan to wrap around the Northern part of the island and return to the main port city where of course we'll find a plethora of open restaurants waiting for us.
Google researching and we pick our destination, google says it's open until 3. We pull in just after 2. Navigate confusing one way roads and downtown parking situations and finally we're ready to walk to the restaurant. That no longer has a Banner in front of the doorway. This banner often represents that yes in fact an establishment is open. Still determined, we walk all the way to the door. Then Google Translate the sign. And discover that due to Coronavirus they closed early at 2 pm.
Back to the car, more google researching and we pick our second restaurant. A short drive but now we're super hungry. Park in the back of the (hotel) building and wonder if this restaurant is gonna be as good as the pictures look. Cause it is a hotel restaurant, but at this point our growling tummies are just excited for food. Walk through the lobby to the restaurant, google translate the sign. They're closed too. Apparently they close in between lunch service and dinner service. While that isn't too surprising, it's super annoying cause GOOGLE SAID THEY WERE OPEN.
Back in the car and we've given up looking for interesting food. MosBurger for the win (much better tasting Japanese version of fast food) We scarf down our food, slightly noting that we'll be served dinner in just a few hours. Dinner that last night was incredibly tasty and filled up our empty stomach to the brim. Will now be filling up our still halfway full from lunch stomachs.
Back to the car, more google researching and we pick our second restaurant. A short drive but now we're super hungry. Park in the back of the (hotel) building and wonder if this restaurant is gonna be as good as the pictures look. Cause it is a hotel restaurant, but at this point our growling tummies are just excited for food. Walk through the lobby to the restaurant, google translate the sign. They're closed too. Apparently they close in between lunch service and dinner service. While that isn't too surprising, it's super annoying cause GOOGLE SAID THEY WERE OPEN.
Back in the car and we've given up looking for interesting food. MosBurger for the win (much better tasting Japanese version of fast food) We scarf down our food, slightly noting that we'll be served dinner in just a few hours. Dinner that last night was incredibly tasty and filled up our empty stomach to the brim. Will now be filling up our still halfway full from lunch stomachs.
Fast forward to dinner a meer few hours later and we managed to eat quite a bit of the beautiful yummy foods! But not the eyeballs. Never eating the eyeballs. On the left? The most amazingly carmalized squash I've ever tasted.
Basking in sunset views from our room! Watching the clouds roll through and settle in at the horizon. Most of the folks in the garden below left before the magic happened. As a self proclaimed sunset expert I predicted that the sun would pop back out through a cloud gap near the horizon.
And while we didn't get to see the Green Flash, we thoroughly enjoyed the ever changing colors in the clouds as the sun danced its way to the horizon. Of course, popping back out for a final goodbye just like I predicted!
Sado, one of our top 5 places in Japan. A perfect mix of relaxation, amazing food and off the beaten path adventures.