A miracle landscape! Renta Cycling for Xianyang Island where "Lucky Way" appears

Hata area in the western part of the prefecture where there are many scenic sightseeing spots such as Kashiwajima and Cape Ashizuri. This time, we will introduce the uninhabited island "Xianyang Island" floating in Sukumo Bay. The island is about 300 meters away from Oshima on the land side, but only during low tide, a road appears from the sea. Let's enjoy cycling leisurely by bicycle from Sukumo Station, aiming for this place where you are said to be lucky if you cross on foot.

What is Xianyang Island in Sukumo Bay?

Do you know the "Tomboro phenomenon" in which an island floating offshore continues land only at low tide? In the world, Mont Saint Michel in France and Enoshima in Japan are famous, but in fact there is an island connected to this land in Kochi Prefecture. That's Xianyang Island, a small uninhabited island floating on the west coast of Oshima, Sukumo City.

Xianyang Island is usually separated by the sea from Oshima, but at low tide, a road appears from the sea and you can walk across. This road appears only twice a month, the full moon and the new moon. Because of its rarity, this road is believed to be a "road leading to good luck", and it is said that happiness will come if you cross safely to Xianyang Island. 

In general, dragonfly is a phenomenon in which an island away from land is connected by a sandbar, and the island is called "Rikkeito". On the other hand, Xianyang Island connects "islands" and "islands". This is one of the reasons why Xianyang Island is said to be rare. Since the island is connected, it is believed that marriage benefits are also beneficial, and in recent years it is popular with couples. The calm Sukumo Bay, the sparkling tropical sun, and a single road that emerges as if drawn in an S-shape are very mysterious.

Cycling on rental bicycle

This time, we will guide you on an exhilarating cycling trip from Tosa Kuroshio Railway Sukumo Station to Xianyang Island. You can rent a bicycle at the tourist information center (Sukumo City Tourism Association) located on the premises of Sukumo Station. Here, there is an electric city cycle (general size, minivelo) that anyone can ride casually, and a road bike suitable for long distance driving.

It is about 4.5 km to the destination Xianyang Island. This time, we rent an electric minivelo because it is close distance. Receive and fill out the rental bicycle application form at the reception, present your ID card, pay the fee, and complete the procedure! Receive your helmet and start cycling. 

In addition, a total of 11 electric city cycles are available, and you can rent them on the day, but it is safer if you make a reservation in advance.

After exiting Tosa Kuroshio Railway Sukumo Station, first go south on the road. Go to the intersection with Prefectural Road 354 (Minato Katashima Line), turn right and go straight west. After running for a while, you will see the mouth of the Matsuda River on your left, so let's go south while watching the estuary. Then we arrive at the bridge to Oshima in front of Xianyang Island.

Cross the bridge and aim for "Yashi no Yu" on a hill on Oshima. From here, the slope continues, but if you have an electric assist, you can rest assured. After climbing up and passing "Sukumo Resort Koko no Yu", let's go down the slope while feeling the wind. On the way, there is also a scenic spot on a hill that opens toward the sea, overlooking Xianyang Island and the magnificent Sukumo Bay.

Then, about 20 to 30 minutes from the start, you will arrive at Xianyang Island Park in front of Xianyang Island. 

In the park, you can also see children playing with playground equipment and families enjoying day camps. This place is also famous as scenic spot overlooking the Daruma Sunset. From November to February, the Daruma sunset appears for only a few seconds on a sunny day and the temperature difference between the atmosphere and seawater is large. In winter, many camera enthusiasts also visit to capture this figure.

How to spend time in Xianyang Island

When you arrive at Xianyang Island, take care of your feet and enjoy a stroll. At low tide, the road leading from Oshima to Xianyang Island was made of natural phenomena. The sand and shell fragments of the shell carried by the waves are deposited, and if you look closely, the shell fragments shine brilliantly. Feel the mysterious power of nature in a mysterious place that only appears for a few hours.

The shore where the tide has drawn is rocky and rocks. The rock has a variety of shells, and you can enjoy searching for shells and corals in return for childhood. If you move the rock, there are crabs and hermit crab below! You can also see local people taking clams.

If you want to see the road leading to Xianyang Island, please check the tide level table before going out. Although it depends on the season, Oshima and Xianyang Island are connected for about two hours before and after the tide. When the tide began to fill, the road that I saw gradually sank into the sea and could not return. After arrival, please take a close look at the surroundings. Also, there are many oysters on the rock, so it is recommended to go with easy-to-walk shoes.

Japan Meteorological Agency tide level Table
https://www.data.jma.go.jp/kaiyou/db/tide/suisan/suisan.php?stn=SU

Take a break at the hideaway cafe

After enjoying Xianyang Island, go to a nearby cafe. I visited "eatriel" in Katashima, Sukumo-shi.

This is a cafe and restaurant opened by a local owner in 2009. A calm time flows inside the bright shop based on white, and heals the fatigue of travel. "I hope you can read books, work on computers, and spend time slowly," said the owner. A lot of sunlight pours out from the large glass window, giving you the taste of "Hidamari's cafe".

The menu is rich from morning to lunch and dessert. This time, I received a handmade chiffon cake set. We have a variety of varieties, ranging from mango chocolate cakes where you can feel chocolate directly and cakes that use plenty of seasonal fruits. In addition, dishes made by staff, such as homemade bacon doria, are also popular.

Not only locals, but also many distant tourists who visit SNS recently. You can stay alone, or you can chat with your friends. It is a hideaway cafe where gentle owners welcome visitors.

If you charge the power with a delicious cake, this trip is only a little left. Return to Sukumo Station by bicycle and return the bicycle at the tourist information center on the premises. 

How was it like a miracle road leading to cycling and luck in the peaceful city of Sukumo? By all means, please be healed by the nature of Sukumo.

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