【Mie】An Island That Looks Like a Monster?! Azurihama Provides Miraculous Views

Social media websites are buzzing with reports on how Suzume Island, when seen from the east end of Azurihama, looks like the side of a monster's head. The silhouette of the island can even look like a monster spewing fire depending on the shape of the clouds.

The view is fantastic during the day, but even better at sunset. When the sun sets on the cape to the west, the entire sky and ocean turns orange. The sight of thin clouds coming out of the break in-between trees on Suzume Island, which looks like a monster's mouth, is truly a miraculous scene.

【Best time to see the sight】Suzume Island is to the southwest of Azurihama, so the morning is better for viewing the blue ocean. The sun sets closer to the island as summer approaches.

■Azurihama
Address: Koshika, Shima-cho, Shima-shi, Mie

Daiozaki Lighthouse is located on Daiozaki, which is a peninsula between Kumano Sea and Enshu Sea. Walk down a narrow cobblestone lane to approach the white lighthouse. There is access to the top, from which there is a sweeping view of the horizon that re-confirms that the earth is, indeed, round. The lighthouse is 20m high. There is a fantastic view awaiting you at the top of its spiral staircase!

■Daiozaki Lighthouse
Address: 54 Nakiri, Daio-cho, Shima-shi, Mie
Phone: 0599-46-0570 (Shima City Tourism Association)
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Holidays: None

Don't miss Ama Hut SATOUMIAN, where you can visit a hut for ama (female divers who collects shells, seaweed, and so on). Practicing and retired ama will welcome you with freshly-caught seafood. One of the best things to do there is to sit around the hearth and listen to the ama's stories. It is by reservation only, so be sure to book at least two days in advance.

■Ama Hut SATOUMIAN
Address: 2279 Koshika, Shima-cho, Shima-shi, Mie
Phone: 0599-85-1212
Hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Holidays: None