Mizushima Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, often likened to a tropical paradise with its pristine white sands and strikingly clear azure waters. It serves as a popular summer retreat for those seeking a natural beach experience away from the mainland.
Visitors consistently praise the island's natural beauty, highlighting the stunning combination of white sand and clear blue sea. Many describe it as an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing. However, a recurring theme in reviews is the challenge of accessibility and the limited operating season. The island is only accessible by boat for approximately one month each year, typically from mid-July to mid-August. During this peak season, especially on weekends, the island can become very crowded, which some visitors feel detracts from the experience. Planning a weekday visit is often recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
Practical advice from visitors emphasizes thorough preparation. Since it's an uninhabited island, there are no facilities, so visitors must bring everything they need for their stay, including food, drinks, and any beach essentials. It's crucial to be aware of the ferry schedule, as the last ferry back to the mainland can depart as early as 4:00 PM. Visitors should also plan to spend a few hours on the island to fully enjoy the experience, perhaps 2-3 hours for swimming and relaxation.
Getting to Mizushima Island requires careful planning. First, you must reach Tsuruga Port. From Tsuruga Station, bus services to the port are infrequent, with some reviewers noting only three buses per day during peak season, with the first bus very early in the morning and the second around noon. Taxis are an alternative but can be expensive, with fares reportedly costing around 5,000-6,000 JPY. Once at the port, a ferry takes you to Mizushima Island. It is imperative to check the ferry schedules in advance, as they operate only for a limited period each summer.
The primary complaint revolves around the limited access window and the potential for overcrowding. To mitigate these issues, aim to visit on a weekday if possible and always verify the exact operating dates and ferry schedules before making your travel plans. Being fully self-sufficient with supplies will also prevent any discomfort on the island.