Himakajima Island, which is famous for the high quality octopus it produces, is known as the “octopus island” where dried octopus is actively produced, and visitors can experience the process of making dried octopus. Visitors can experience the process of removing the slime from the octopus, cutting it with a knife so that it can be easily dried, and then drying it in the sun.
There are three remote islands in Aichi Prefecture: Himakashima, Shinojima, and Sakushima, and they are known as islands that can be reached in a day trip from Nagoya. Himakajima is known as the “octopus island,” where octopus objects can be found throughout the town, and a variety of octopus dishes can be eaten. On the other hand, Shinojima Island is famous for tai and puffer fish, and is closely associated with the Ise Grand Shrine, as goheidai (salted tai) are offered to the shrine every year.
The relationship between the Ise Grand Shrine and Shinojima has continued for a thousand years since Yamatohime-no-mikoto, who is said to have founded the Ise Grand Shrine, visited Shinojima and asked for tai long ago. Because of this relationship, Shinojima was in the territory of Ise Grand Shrine until the Keicho era, when it became a part of the Owari domain. Even today, the hunting continues, and every year a salted tai called “Onbedai” is dedicated to the shrine. Nakatejima, where the salting and processing happens, is still the domain of Ise Grand Shrine, and the promise and tradition between Shinojima and Ise Grand Shrine are upheld as always.
Over a thousand years the Shinojima red snapper has been dedicated to Ise Jingu Shrine. It has a strong taste and you can even taste it’s sweetness. The fresh red snapper is carefully prepared and cooked. In Minamichita, the red snapper is not only enjoyed at special occasions but in various ways, such as sashimi, grilled with salt, cooked with salt crust, boiled, dried, etc.
Due to the mild climate, you can enjoy full blooming “winter sunflowers” until around December.There are 88 places of Sacred Sites in Chita Shikoku on Shinoshima, Himaka Island and Peninsula, and it is popular to visit the unique sacred sites across the sea.
From seafood ‘preparation’ experience, fishing, fruit and vegetable picking, island treks, there are many activities to experience the awe and appreciation for mother nature. We are also focusing on initiatives that contribute to the learnings about the inheritance of tradition, history, and culture, such as providing opportunities to learn and participate in unique regional “festivals” that reflect the activities of agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
