Sunset at Jogashima park
In addition to its immense and ancient history, Japan is also a land of great natural beauty. A bit more than a year ago, I had the privilege of experiencing some of that beauty at a place called Jogashima. Since I haven’t posted in a bit, and since the large story I’ve been working on isn’t finished yet, I thought I would post a short piece on this beautiful place and the small adventure I had there one day.
Jogashima park from the lookout point, looking toward the mainland.
I remember it was a dull day, in a rather dull week. Since the weather was decent for mid-December, I decided to grab my old camera and find something to shoot. I hopped the train to the end of the Miura peninsula, which forms the western side of Tokyo bay, where there is a small island called Jogashima. The island is connected to the mainland by a large, modern bridge and is served by the local bus services. From Misakiguchi station at the end of the Keikyu line, it is about 20 minutes or so by bus to the small village on the island. However, if you are crazy like me and decide to walk, it is at least an hour. It can take even longer if you are prone to unplanned detours like I am. However, many of the more interesting and unknown things I find on my adventures come from those unplanned detours.
The walking trail through Kaojiro national forest.
When I set off, I knew about Jogashima and the park it has on it, as I had visited once a couple years before. I didn’t know that, between the station and the island, if you take a small side road, you will find Koajiro forest, a large national forest and nature area. This expansive park has a couple very well-groomed walking trails, some of which are actually raised walkways, and a surprising diversity in the types of terrain as the trail winds down the side of a hill, through the valley, and across some lovely marsh land. It is a very pleasant place to walk and just enjoy the quiet, and the nature of the place. It takes about an hour to walk from one end to the other, and the detour doesn’t take you too far out of the way if the walking to Jogashima is your end goal. In fact, if you live in or near Miura, the forest by its self might be worth a visit.
The raised walking path through marsh land in Kaojiro forest.
As pleasant as it was, however, Koajiro forest wasn’t my objective for the day. So, I made my way back up to the main road and continued onward, arriving at Jogashima Park shortly before sunset. If I were to suggest one time as the best time to visit the island and the wonderful park there on, I would have to say that it is sunset. The rocky coast faces south and west, so the sunsets here can be spectacular, with the sun sinking slowly behind the mountains of the Ito peninsula far in the distance and the Sagami bay bathed in gold between. It really is a sight to behold.
A fishing boat crosses Sagami bay at sunset, with Izu in the far distance. taken from Jogashima park.
So, if you are in the area, and you are looking for a way to spend a nice spring or summer day, take a trip down to Jogashima. Leave early, pack a lunch, and hike in the Koajiro as well. There are also several shops and cafes around the bus stop. It really is a great way to spend the day.