Tourist information from GUESTHOUSE KUSUSHIʼs STAFF.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Mitarai Port (Mitarai Port Bus Stop)
This is the Mitarai Port Bus Stop - the entrance to Mitarai. GUESTHOUSE KUSUSHI is a 1-minute walk from this bus stop.
Miharashi Shokudo Canteen
The Showa-era retro Miharashi Shokudo Canteen is loved by locals and situated next to the Mitarai Port Bus Stop.
Ebisu Shrine
The gangi pier in front of Ebisu Shrine with its stone steps leading down to the water was the original entrance to Mitarai from the sea. The Ebisu Shrine is dedicated to the god of commerce, worshipped by the traders and shop owners who turned Mitarai into one of the main ports in the region.
Ebisu Shrineʼs Torii Gate
The view across the water from this torii gate is breathtaking, especially at sunset. It is said that if you shout the name of someone you love from this stone gate, your wish to be with them will come true!
Edo Era Red Light District Rankings
During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), there was a trend to create different lists in the style of a sumo rankings sheet. In the list for Japanʼs biggest and best red-light districts, Mitarai occupies one of the highest spots.
The Shichikyokan Residence
If you take a right turn straight after Ebisu Shrine, you will see the former Shichikyokan Residence where feudal lords are said to have stayed after fleeing Kyoto during the Meiji Restoration. Continue walking and youʼll come to the GUESTHOUSE KUSUSHI. The guesthouse is easy to spot with its distinctive blue walls.
Kannonzaki Peninsula
Walk along the seafront from the Shichikyokan and you will see the Kannonzaki Peninsula across the water. The view across the water is beautiful during the day, but magnificent at night and at dawn when the moon and the morning sun rise above the rocky promontory.
The Seafront
The stone lighthouse you can see along the seafront was constructed in 1832 and originally positioned at the end of the breakwater before being moved to its current position in front of the Sumiyoshi Shrine. Its replacement at the end of the pier has long been a popular dating spot for islanders for generations.
The Camphor Tree at Daitoji Temple
Walk along the seafront towards the lighthouse and youʼll come across Daitoji Temple on your right. Inside the temple grounds, you will see an enormous camphor tree that is thought to be over 300 years old.
The Back Streets
Along the back street that runs parallel to the seafront, youʼll find the former grounds of Mitaraiʼs old primary school.
The Former Location of Mitaraiʼs Primary School
The local community regularly uses the grounds of the old primary school for gateball practice, bon-odori festivals and sports days. Mitaraiʼs sports day is still enjoyed by the whole town and it is considered one of the biggest events in the calendar year.
The Path Leading up to the Rekishi-no-Mieru Oka Park
You can find the path leading up to the panoramic Rekishi-no-Mieru Oka Park from the old grounds of the primary school. You can also find a monument to the famous samurai Bunpei Hoshino who was born in Mitarai.
Oiran Park
Midway up the path to the Rekishi-no-Mieru Oka Park, you will come to Oiran Park. This site contains the graves of over a hundred oiran (geisha) who were central to Mitaraiʼs fame as a popular entertainment district.
Rekishi-no-Mieru Oka Park
The park is located on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mitarai area, Kurushima Straits, Shikoku Island, and the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
INFORMATION
Welcome to GUESTHOUSE KUSUSHI
This is the Website for Guesthouse KUSUSHI in the historical harbor town of Mitarai on Osaki Shimojima Island. The name “KUSUSHI” comes from the Read more…
Jul 4, 2024
