The excursion which had been canceled due to COVID-19 was held for the first time in four years.One bus with 44 people from 9 countries set off on a trip touring the Tobishima Kaido.
Passing through the city of Kure, with cheers for beautiful views of the clear sky and the sparkling sea from the Akinada Ohashi Bridge, we crossed the Kamagari Ohashi Bridge and made our first stop at “Deai no Yakata” in Kamikamagari Island. While enjoying the first break and shopping, everyone was impressed seeing the beautiful scenery and they were taking pictures.
Next, we crossed Toyoshima Ohashi Bridge and Toyohama Ohashi Bridge and headed out for mandarin orange picking. While riding on the bus, we enjoyed giving names to uninhabited islands and seeing the beautiful scenery of the Seto.
When we arrived at “Ogame Tourist Farm”, we first listened to the explanation, received a bag and scissors, then started mandarin orange picking. Everyone was looking for delicious mandarin oranges and eating them saying, “That one was sweet” and “That one was sour.” We also picked mandarins to take home which was 330 yen per kg, so the trunk of the bus was filled with mandarin oranges.
After that, we returned to Kamikamagari Island and had lunch at the restaurant “Katsuratei”. Even though everyone was full after eating mandarin oranges, we thoroughly enjoyed eating the delicious seafood dishes. After the meal, we went outside, and the children (also adults) had fun throwing stones at the beach in front of the restaurant.
We arrived at our next sightseeing spot, “Shotoen Garden”, and looked at the exhibits of the Korean Envoy and toured the buildings and gardens. The sea beyond the garden was beautiful and moving.
At the souvenir shop “Umi-Eki Sannoseki” across the street, we enjoyed eating freshly fried Jakoten and buying them as a souvenir. We were very impressed with the special Jakoten with sea eel (Hamo).
On the bus way back, we played the bingo game. Although staff got Bingo one after another, it was in a friendly atmosphere, and we had a lot of fun. At the end, mandarin oranges were distributed to all participants as prizes for their participation.
We are grateful that we were able to return home safely without any injuries or accidents under the perfect sunny weather, and that we were able to hear that everyone wants to participate again next time.
