Suo-Oshima (周防大島町, Suō-Ōshima-chō) is a town and island in Yamaguchi Prefecture on the Seto Inland Sea. It is well known for its mandarin oranges and ties to Hawaii.
Although it is an emerging tourist destination, historically Suo-Oshima’s main industries are farming mikans (similar to mandarin oranges) and fishing. At one time mikan farming was a prosperous industry but in the 1990s the price of the mikan dropped dramatically making mikan farming not as lucrative as it used to be. In addition, like most of rural Japan, Suo-Oshima is suffering a population decrease and Suo-Oshima now has the oldest population per capita in Yamaguchi Prefecture. However, things are changing as Suo-Oshima is trying to make itself a tourist destination. Due to its beaches and historical ties to Hawaii (some of the first Japanese emigrants to Hawaii came from Suo-Oshima), Suo-Oshima has branded itself as “the Hawaii of Japan” and many restaurants and shops catering to tourists have popped up in an effort to keep the local economy stable. As a result, Suo-Oshima has become a popular summer day trip destination for people from the bigger cities of Iwakuni, Tokuyama, and Hiroshima. In addition, it is not uncommon to see American families vacationing here as Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station is only one hour away.
While there are buses in Suo-Oshima, they are infrequent so getting around by car is definitely the best option. Cabs are available but are expensive.
Oshima has many unique restaurants offering quality local cuisine. In addition, do not leave Suo-Oshima without trying a mikan, a fruit similar to a mandarin orange that is grown throughout the island. Many restaurants incorporate mikans into their dishes but you can also find them at any supermarket or roadside stand on the island.
Power Beach (パワービーチ), 663-1 Kuka, +81820722170. W-Sa 11:00-16:00; Su 11:30-16:00, closed Mondays and Tuesday. Casual beach side cafe serving American inspired food (think nachos, burgers, ice cream etc.). It has a great view of the Seto Inland Sea, indoor and outdoor seating, English menus, and a very friendly English speaking staff. 2022-05-19
Kasahara Honey, 町東三蒲４７３−１, +81820745283. W-M 10:00-17:00, closed Tuesdays. Modern cafe specializing in locally-made honey and serving pastries, coffee, tea, and sweets among other things. English menu available 2022-05-19
Cafe Misaki (カフェ ミサキ), 469-7 Kuka, +81820721795. W-F 11:00-17:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:30, closed Mondays and Tuesday. Cafe with a nice view serving delicious pancakes, Japanese curry, and pizza among other things. Has an English menu and English speaking staff. Can get busy during the weekends. 2022-05-19
Setouchi Jams Garden (瀬戸内ジャムズガーデン), 331-8 Hikuma, +81820730002. F-Tu 10:00-16:00, Closed Wednesdays and Thursday. Quaint cafe specializing in locally made jam but also serving drinks and sweets. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 2022-05-19
Tachibana-ya (たちばなや), Nishiagenosho, 真宮１−1, +81820770132. Old school ramen restaurant run by the same husband and wife for decades. It is legendary among ramen connoisseurs in Yamaguchi Prefecture due to its unique take on ramen, they use iriko-dashi (dried infant sardines) in the base of the broth. There is no English menu, it is cash only, and smoking inside is allowed so it may seem intimidating to the average Western traveler. However, if you can bring a Japanese speaker with you it is well worth it as you will never taste anything like it. 2022-05-19
Osamuraijaya Hikoemon Oshima-honten (お侍茶屋 彦右衛門 大島本店), 1094-1 Doi, +81820731511. F-Su 11:00-21:30. Restaurant with a large menu serving good quality Japanese food. One of the few places open for dinner on the island. 2022-05-19
Kawai Sushi (かわい寿し), 1958-22 Nishigata, +81820780011. Good sushi restaurant with friendly service, although no English menu. Open for lunch and dinner most nights. 2022-05-19
Crest of the Wave Tateishi (クレスト・オブ・ザ・ウェイヴ 立岩), 577-1 Higashiagenosho, +81820770300. Kaiseki restaurant for a good price considering the high quality of the food. The chef was trained in top of the line restaurants in Kyoto and is very friendly. 2022-05-19
Sunshine Sazansento Hotel (ホテル&リゾート サンシャインサザンセト), 1347-1 Hirano, +81820782121. Beachside hotel with a restaurant, gift shop, onsen, indoor pool, and western style beds. Has a free shuttle to and from Obatake Station. 2022-05-19
Matsuyama - City in Shikoku that's an hour ferry ride from Ihota Port in Suo-Oshima.
Yanai - Town with well preserved Edo-era streets
Iwakuni - City known for the wooden Kintai Bridge