Oshima — Attraction in Sakai

Oshima Island is located in Mikuni-cho of Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture along the coast of Echizen just off the shore of Tojinbo which is one kilometer long stretch of rugged basalt cliffs. Whole this area is designated as Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park. The island has circumference of 2 kilometers formed with geographical feature of sea cliff of rhyolite. Just as neighboring Tojinbo you can see a rock formation of columnar joints as well as platy joints developed in this island. There is a walking path all around the island and you can see some rare species of plants grow in warm climate.

These are unique features of the island.

Magnet Rock : This island has strong effect of thermo-remanent magnetization for some unknown reason. It is said that this might be caused by strikes of thunder. It is so strong that when you place a compass it will start malfunctioning.

Melon Splitting Water : Despite the position of this spring being right next to the coast, its water contains no salt. Water from rain goes through underground joints and gush out from this point. This is why the water is very cold even during summer time. It is said that this cold water could split water melon.

Oominato Shrine 大湊神社 : It is said that its shrine was listed in Engishiki laws from Hakuchi era around 650 with legend of Shogun Minamoto-no Yoritsune of 12th century who is also known as Ushiwakamaru visited here to dedicate his helmet as well as Akechi Mitsuhide read out Chinese poetry when he was getting support from general Asakura Yoshikage of Echizen. Much of its shrine buildings were destroyed by Oda Nobunaga. It is said that the remaining shrine structure was built in 1621.

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There is a free car park right at the start of the bridge.

The evening views were incredible. I came fairly late (~5pm), which was really nice as there were far fewer people. (A good respite from Tojinbo which was quite crowded - but still worth a visit)

You can see comparable interesting rock formations to those at Tojinbo as well, just not as tall. The landscapes are more varied than Tojinbo however.

You can circle the entire island in roughly an hour, but allocate more if you're staying for the sunset.

It can get dark very quickly inside the forested central area in the evening too - don't lose track of time or make sure you...

visiting Oshima island after Tojinbo cliff by car. it took a few minutes from Tojinbo. seen from the cliff, this island is photogenic because the red bridge is outstanding. when you cross the bridge, you will get in a shrine in the island. then, you can go up stairs to the top of the hill. and we turned right to see the magnetic rocks at the end. it was spectacular and powerful.

you can park your car in front of the bridge for free. if it is full you go to a seaside parking which is a bit far away. it takes us about 10...