The Ultimate 10-Day Tsushima Island Travel Guide

Tsushima Island, situated in Nagasaki Prefecture between mainland Japan and the Korean Peninsula, is a hidden gem of untouched nature, rich maritime history, and ancient cultural heritage. Spanning 82 km from north to south, Tsushima cannot be fully appreciated on a quick day trip or overnight stay. This comprehensive 10-day guide covers all six distinct regions—from Izuhara in the south to Hitakatsu in the north—complete with key attractions, updated dining spots, transport options, accommodations, and seasonal festivals.

👉 Admission fees and operating hours are subject to change depending on local circumstances; please verify details via official websites or live maps prior to your visit.

👎 Note: Recommended restaurants may temporarily close, permanently shut down, or relocate. Please check their active status on Google Maps before visiting.

1. Getting to Tsushima

From Domestic Japan (Mainland Routes)

International travelers entering Japan can easily access Tsushima from Kyushu via air or sea:

• By Air (Fastest):
  
  
  • From Fukuoka Airport (FUK): Daily non-stop flights to Tsushima Airport (TSJ) operated by ANA and Oriental Air Bridge (ORC). Flight time is approx. 35 minutes.
    
    
  • From Nagasaki Airport (NGS): Regional flights operated by ORC / ANA link Nagasaki to Tsushima Airport in about 35 minutes.
    
    
• By Sea (Kyushu Yusen Ferries from Hakata Port, Fukuoka):
  
  
  • Jetfoil (High-Speed Vessel): Connects Hakata Port to Izuhara Port or Hitakatsu Port in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
    
    
  • Car Ferry (Standard Vessel): Connects Hakata Port to Izuhara Port / Hitakatsu Port in about 4.5 to 5 hours. Overnight ferry options with sleeping quarters are also available.
    
    

From Busan, South Korea (International Route)

• High-Speed Passenger Ferry: Departs from Busan Port International Passenger Terminal to Hitakatsu Port (approx. 1 hour 10 min–1 hour 30 min) or Izuhara Port (approx. 2 hours 10 min–2 hours 30 min).
  
  
• Operators: PanStar Line (PanStar Tsushima), Starlines (Nina), etc.
  
  
• Tip: Seas can be rough depending on weather conditions; taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure is highly recommended.
  
  

2. Getting Around the Island

• Rental Car (Strongly Recommended): Because bus intervals are long and attractions are spread far apart, renting a car is the most practical choice. (Requires an International Driving Permit + passport; driving is on the left).
  
  
• Local Buses (Tsushima Kotsu): Connects the entire island from Izuhara to Hitakatsu. Foreign tourists can purchase a 1-Day Bus Pass (¥1,040) for unlimited daily travel across all main routes.
  
  
• Bicycles: Regular and electric-assist bikes are available at tourist information centers and rental shops around Hitakatsu and Izuhara ports. Ideal for coastal rides around Hitakatsu and Miuda Beach.
  
  
• Taxis: Operate primarily on a call-out basis with higher base fares; best suited for short journeys when public transport is unavailable.
  
  

3. Regional Highlights & Must-Visit Attractions

Official Tourism Website: Tsushima City Tourist Association (Visit Tsushima)

① Mitsushima (美津島 - Central Hub)

Home to Tsushima Airport, Mitsushima connects the North and South islands while overlooking the serene waters of Aso Bay.

• Key Sights:
  
  
  • Manzeki Bridge (萬關橋): A striking red arch bridge spanning the canal built between the upper and lower islands. Watch the tidal currents swirl underneath. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Manzeki Observatory: Located near the bridge, offering elevated views of Aso Bay and the canal. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Asobay Park: A nature-rich municipal park with camping grounds, ecological walking trails, and sea kayaking facilities. (Admission: Free; camping/facility fees apply / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Tsushima Green Park: Features open lawns, sports facilities, and seaside walking paths. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Katsumi Beach: A calm, clear bay beach favored by locals during summer. (Admission: Free / Open summer season)
    
    
  • Bairinji Temple: The first temple on Tsushima where Buddhist statues were historically brought from the Korean Peninsula. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Kaneda Castle Ruins (金田城跡): A 7th-century mountain fortress built using ancient Baekje architecture techniques to defend against potential allied invasions. A popular trekking site. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Shiratake Onsen (Hotaru-no-Yu): A relaxing public hot spring facility perfect for soothing tired muscles after hiking Kaneda Castle. (Admission: Approx. ¥500–¥600 / Closed: Tuesdays)
    
    
• Dining: Rantei (Specializes in tempura soba and rokubei, a traditional Tsushima sweet potato noodle dish)
  
  
• Stays: Tsushima Resort, Asobay Park Campsite, local minshuku (guesthouses)
  
  

② Izuhara (厳原 - Administrative & Historical Center)

The largest town on the island, steeped in samurai history, foreign diplomatic relations, and cultural heritage.

• Key Sights:
  
  
  • Princess Deokhye Memorial Monument: Honors the tragic life of Korea's last princess and her historical marriage to So Takeyuki, the Count of Tsushima. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Banshoin Temple (萬松院): The ancestral temple of the So Clan, who ruled Tsushima for centuries. Known for its 300 stone steps, towering ancient cedar trees, and imposing stone lanterns. (Admission: Adult ¥300, High School ¥200, Child ¥100 / Hours: 08:00–17:00 / Open daily) Website
    
    
  • Choe Ik-hyeon Memorial Monument (Susensa Temple): Commemorates the Neo-Confucian scholar and resistance leader who passed away on the island. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Hachimangu Shrine: The primary Shinto shrine of Southern Tsushima, hosting major annual community festivals. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
• Dining: Sushiya (Fresh local seafood sushi), Kiyo Burger (Famous for its Tsushima burger made with local wild hijiki seaweed)
  
  
• Stays: Hotel Taisho, Izuhara Pier House, traditional ryokan around Banshoin
  
  

③ Toyotama (豊玉 - Mythical Coastlines)

Famous for its dramatic rias coast and ancient Shinto legends associated with the gods of the sea.

• Key Sights:
  
  
  • Watatsumi Shrine (和多都美神社): Dedicated to the ocean deity, featuring five Torii gates stretching out into the sea that submerge partially during high tide. (Admission: Free / Hours: 09:00–16:00 / Subject to local maintenance)
    
    
  • Eboshidake Observatory: Offers an unmatched 360-degree panoramic view of Aso Bay's scattered islands and calm waters. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
• Dining: Anagotei (Renowned restaurant specializing in locally caught golden conger eel / anago)
  
  
• Stays: Guesthouses near Watatsumi Shrine, coastal minshuku
  
  

④ Mine (峰 - Peaceful Central Region)

A quiet central district featuring ancient Shinto heritage and coastal farming villages.

• Key Sights:
  
  
  • Kaijin Shrine (海神神社): One of Tsushima's oldest shrines, surrounded by a dense forest of giant Japanese cedars. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Mine History and Folklore Museum: Exhibits traditional farming tools, fishing equipment, and artifacts showcasing local rural life. (Admission: Approx. ¥200 / Closed: Mondays & Year-end holidays)
    
    
• Dining: Mine Juchi Dining (Casual local spot for ramen and set meals)
  
  
• Stays: Riverside minshuku and cozy local pensions
  
  

⑤ Kamiagata (上県 - Wildlife Sanctuary)

Home to Tsushima's unique biodiversity, including rare endemic wildlife and vast agricultural plains.

• Key Sights:
  
  
  • Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center (Saozaki): Dedicated to preserving the critically endangered Tsushima Leopard Cat (Yamaneko). Visitors can learn about conservation efforts and see a resident leopard cat. (Admission: Free / Hours: Wed–Sun 10:00–16:30 / Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, Year-end) Website
    
    
  • Sago Plains: The largest agricultural basin on Tsushima, where rice fields meet the open coastline. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
• Dining: Sago Dining (Local home-style cooking made with fresh island produce)
  
  
• Stays: Sago Farmstay experiences, rural farm guesthouses
  
  

⑥ Hitakatsu / Kamitsushima (上対馬 - Gateway to the North)

The northern port hub closest to South Korea, famous for pristine beaches and panoramic ocean viewpoints.

• Key Sights:
  
  
  • Miuda Beach: Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Beaches," celebrated for its crystal-clear emerald water and fine white sand. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Korea Viewpoint: Built in traditional Korean architectural style; on clear days and nights, city lights across the strait are visible. (Admission: Free / Open 24/7)
    
    
  • Nagisano-yu Onsen: A hot spring public bath situated right next to Miuda Beach, featuring outdoor baths with ocean views. (Admission: Adult ¥600 / Hours: 10:00–20:00 / Closed: Mondays)
    
    
• Dining: Marufuku Ramen (Rich tonkotsu pork bone ramen), Mimatsu Restaurant (Classic Western-style Japanese diner serving tonkatsu)
  
  
• Stays: Hotel Hitakatsu, Miuda Pension, White House
  
  

4. Swimming & Marine Recreation

• Miuda Beach & Katsumi Beach: Excellent summer locations for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and coastal kayaking.
  
  
• Tsushima Municipal Indoor Pools (Izuhara / Hitakatsu Sports Facilities): 25-meter indoor swimming pools open year-round regardless of weather. (Admission: Approx. ¥200–¥300)
  
  
• Asobay Park Kayaking: Guided sea kayaking tours allow visitors to navigate the calm waters between the uninhabited islets of Aso Bay.
  
  

5. Annual Festivals & Seasonal Events

Month	Festival Name	Location	Event Highlights
March	Mitsushima Spring Festival	Mitsushima	Spring celebration held near Shiratake Brewery featuring local sake and food stalls.
May	Waniura Chionanthus Festival	Hitakatsu (Waniura)	Celebrates the blooming snow flower trees (Chionanthus) along the northern coast with night light-ups.
June	Border Marathon in Tsushima	Hitakatsu (Miuda)	Scenic coastal marathon starting from Miuda Beach, attracting international runners.
July	Isaribi (Night Fishing Light) Festival	Mitsushima (Kechi)	Summer festival framed by the glowing lights of squid-fishing boats across the dark bay.
August	Izuhara Port Festival	Izuhara Downtown	Tsushima's largest festival featuring a historic Korean Envoy re-enactment parade, food stalls, and fireworks.
October	Banshoin Lantern Festival	Izuhara	A mystical evening event where hundreds of stone lanterns at Banshoin Temple are illuminated.
November	Komodahama Shrine Grand Festival	Izuhara (Komoda)	Commemorates fallen samurai from the 13th-century Mongol invasions with horseback archery (yabusame).

6. Recommended 10-Day Itinerary Overview

• Days 1–3 (South / Izuhara): Arrive via flight/ferry → Historical walking tour (Banshoin, Princess Deokhye Monument, Susensa) → Local dining & shopping in downtown Izuhara.
  
  
• Days 4–5 (Central South / Mitsushima): Hike Kaneda Castle Ruins → Visit Manzeki Bridge & Observatory → Sea kayaking at Asobay Park → Relax at Shiratake Onsen.
  
  
• Days 6–7 (Central / Toyotama & Mine): Photograph Watatsumi Shrine's submerged Torii gates → 360-degree view at Eboshidake Observatory → Explore Kaijin Shrine → Enjoy local anago cuisine.
  
  
• Days 8–10 (North / Kamiagata & Hitakatsu): Visit the Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center → Relax at Miuda Beach & Nagisano-yu Onsen → Night views at Korea Viewpoint → Departure via Hitakatsu/Izuhara.