I found many things to ponder early on a Sunday morning.
That would be Megami Ohashi in the background.
After getting our rental car we were determined to hit the beach. First stop, Kojushi Beach just South of the city. Ken stopped along the way to check out the shed cicada skins lying around
Just a little further...
Ahhh, there we go!
Lunch was somen, which we had to catch as it flowed around its donut-shaped pool
After a quick shower and a cup of shaved ice, it was driving time. We pulled over along the way to check out the awesome Mt. Oni, luscious and green
The scenery to the left of the mountain was just as breathtaking
We got back in the car, and went in search of the Abunze Lava Coastline. We discovered a little park snuggled between the lava rocks and the lookout platform, and guarded by a fierce little long-haired dachsund!
To the east, Abunze lava rocks
To the north, Mt. Oni
To the front, the travelling bums
To complete our journey, we headed for Osezaki Lighthouse on the southwest side of the island. Little did I know I wouldn't be able to actually walk up to the lighthouse...
The cliffs in the opposite direction stretched out into the sea
After a long day of driving it was time for some real showers, a copious amount of food, and a good night's sleep! On Monday we woke up just in time to check out. First stop? Another beach! Takahama Beach is the most famous beach in Goto, even making it into the top 100 beaches in Japan.
Well, it may look amazing from afar, but up close it's just a giant mess. The water at Takahama Beach is actually quite shallow, and by early evening the tide recedes by at least half a kilometer. I can only assume that at this point people go there to shoot off fireworks, have picnics, and cause general mischief, leaving behind mounds of garbage which is swept out into the shallows as the tide rolls back in in early morning. I was able to swim in this filth for only a short time before calling it quits. About to declare my Monday ruined, I opted for the beach around the corner. On the other side of the hill was another beach, Tontomari. I figured it was either just as filthy, and if I was going float around in waste I might as well get another beach in. Or it might be just far enough away to be unaffected by the late-night revelers. We packed up, hopped in our rental car, and drove around the bend. To my delight the beach was practically deserted, completely unspoilt, and more beautiful than anything I'd ever seen!
To the east, spectacular tree-covered mountains
The beach house was very cozy!
We snorkeled and saw fish, a sting ray, and a jellyfish!
By the time we left, the water here too had begun to flow back out to sea. For some reason, though, Tontomari remains pristine!
To top off the trip, we decided to get up close and personal with Mt. Oni. Originally we were just driving to the top since we only had 45 minutes to get the car back. But once there we decided to go for it and hike to the first peak!
The view from the top, looking down at the lookout deck
The sky was everywhere
My victory pose after hiking 7 minutes straight up the hillside on the hottest of all hot days!
It sure felt good to come back down!
We made it all the way up there! Okay, so it's not THAT far. But in Kyushu summer heat it sure feels far!
Goto was truly incredible, I can't wait to go back. I sadly watched its retreat from the ferry, but only for a short time. I soon went back to my cabin and crashed!
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