Stay at Nouhaku
"Nouhaku" that you stay at the house of farmers and/or fishermen. We welcome you as a member of the host family. You will enjoy interaction with local people, and feel their local life. It will be heart-warming trip.
About Nouhaku
About Tsushima
Distance is about 132km to Fukuoka in Japan, about 50km to Busan in South Korea. Geographically speaking, it is closer to South Korea than its country. Although it is an offshore island, the area is quite large – about 708km2. Tsushima is the third largest remote island after Sado-shima and Amami-ooshima. Linear distance from North to South is about 82km. Driving from North end to South end, it takes at least 2.5 hours, so keep that in mind when you plan your trip!
Nature of Tsushima
From ancient times the rich nature that remains unchanged
On top of being surrounded by very good fishing spots with a variety of fresh seafood, Tsushima is also called “Island of Mountain,” as 90% of the island is covered with woods. A lot of original woods still remain intact. Aso Bay – having a feature of ria coast and being located in the middle of Tsushima – is registered as a quasi-national park. The view of Aso Bay from the peak of Mt. Eboshi is spectacular. The view of many small islands and intricate bays attract visitors, through their contrast of thick-green mountains and crystal waters.
A unique ecosystem that shows the connection with the continent
(protected species)
Tsushima’s nature is also very unique. Back in the day, Japan used to be connected to the Eurasian continent, giving Tsushima its distinct ecological system seen today. Other than species unique to Japan, one can also see a variety of continent-origin species unique to Tsushima (Tsushima Wild Cat is one of them). Moreover, there are also species found only in Tsushima which evolved after Tsushima had become an island. These species are key not only to discover the formation of the islands of Japan but also to learn more about the history of various species. Tsushima is also famous as a transit point for migrant birds, half of which can be observed in the island.
History of Tsushima
Tsushima is located in the middle of Japan and Eurasian continent. Given its geographical location, it has been playing a crucial role as an intermediary in connecting Japan and the continent since the old days. The history of trading with Korean Peninsula is long, and a significant number of the remaining cultural assets displayed in Tsushima showcase such connection.
built in the 7th century
Forefront of national defense
Tsushima - Island of Border – has been the front-line of national defence. “Kaneda Castle” built by soldiers, “Shimizuyama Castle” built in preparation for Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s invasion of Korea, and the ruins of cannons deployed during the Japanese-Sino War, Japanese-Russian War and Pacific War: visiting these historical sites will make you feel that Tsushima has been shouldering Japan’s security and national interests as a border domain in her long history.
Tsushima’s culture, life and industry
can see the roots of Japan
Since the ancient time, various cultures and technologies have been brought to Japan through Tsushima. Things that constitute today’s Japan such as Kanji (Chinese letters), Buddhism and rice-making came to the country through Tsushima. In Tsushima, there are a lot of customs, lore, remains and legacies that speak about the arrival and departure of such cultures and technologies. Truly, Japan’s roots are significantly found in Tsushima.
blossomed around the field
One example is “Taishu Soba.” Nepali Soba is said to have come to Japan in Jyomon Era. Breed improvement has been popular everywhere, but in Tsushima, we have been cultivating this flower using unchanged ancient methods to serve people the original taste of Soba. Likewise, we still maintain the original way of beekeeping. You can enjoy highly fragrant Japanese honey in Tsushima.
Mountain·village·sea Triple industry
in Tsushima’s sea
Surrounded by sea and 90% of its land covered by woods, Tsushima has robust sectors both in fishing and agriculture. Tsushima Straits – connecting East China Sea and Japan Sea – is one of the greatest fishing spots in the world. From well-known fishes such as Buri (Amberjack), Saba (Mackerel), Aji (Horse Mackerel) to high-end fishes such as Amadai (Red Tilefish), Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) and Ara (Longtooth Grouper), there is a rich variety of fishes in Tsushima. Particularly, Tsushima’s catchment of seafood such as Anago (Conger), Ika (Squid), Hijiki (Seaweed) and Sazae (Turban Shell) are one of the largest in Japan.
Forest abalone
In forestry, charcoal industry was once very robust. Today, Shiitake (mushroom) cultivation is vigorous; and meaty, firm Donko Shiitake grown in cold winter is absolutely brilliant, famously called Abalone of Forest. In agriculture and livestock, in addition to the aforementioned “Taishu Soba,” asparagus and red beef are the robust sectors. Rice in Tsushima with more than 2,000 years of history, though not much cultivation, is also exceptionally delicious.
by difference in temperature
The basic life in Tsushima is diversified business – many kinds, small quantity. Many households do agriculture, fishing and forestry. We have fields for rice and other crops. We have ships! We have mountains! Tsushimans are multi-players. We catch anything from sea and mountains, make anything, and play with them. We get gift from nature quite abundantly. This place may be the origin of life.
More about Tsushima!
