Things To Do
in Tsushima
Tsushima is a rugged island in Nagasaki Prefecture, perched between Japan and the Korean peninsula. It rewards visitors with wild coastlines, cedar forests, and a deep maritime history that echoes from ancient ports to modern fishing towns. The island’s cuisine highlights ultra-fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and a salt air flavor that lingers after meals.
Expect a slower pace, dramatic sea views, and nature-filled days that invite hiking, wildlife spotting, and memorable sunsets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Tsushima Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Take some time to settle in and freshen up before heading out to explore the nearby area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to taste traditional Japanese flavors.
Visit the Tsushima Folk Museum to learn about the island's rich history and culture. Stroll through the charming streets of Izuhara, where you can see traditional Japanese architecture and local shops. Don't miss the stunning views of the coast and mountains as you wander around.
Dine at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties such as Tsushima's fresh seafood. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the waterfront, where the sunset creates a magical atmosphere. Reflect on your first day as you listen to the gentle sound of the waves.
Start your day with a visit to the Tsushima Castle ruins, where you can explore the remnants of this historical site. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the castle’s vantage points. Grab a bento box lunch from a nearby store to enjoy on your next adventure.
Head to the Gyonin Shrine, a serene location surrounded by nature. Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful trails and experiencing the tranquility of this spiritual site. Engage with locals who may share stories or guide your exploration.
Return to Izuhara for a traditional kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal dishes. Enjoy the warm hospitality as you experience the multi-course meal, an art of culinary balance and presentation. After dinner, stroll through the illuminated streets and find a cozy ryokan to spend the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $70-140 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (one-way) | $2-4 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife
- Fresh seafood and island-produced produce
- Relaxed pace and easy day trips to nature spots
- Rich maritime history and friendly locals
- Limited public transport outside main towns
- Smaller nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Some rural facilities may favor cash payments
- Weather can affect ferry schedules and accessibility
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "この料理はベジタリアン対応ですか？" - Is this dish vegetarian?
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Tsushima
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic vantage point where the strait glows at dusk, with ferries gliding by and shifting colors on the water.
Colorful boats, fishing nets, and narrow lanes provide authentic seascape scenes and everyday life photography.
A torii framing a tranquil morning backdrop with soft light and minimal crowds.
Steep cliffs and open ocean views offer dramatic landscape photography opportunities.
Food in Tsushima
Tsushima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of fresh fish and shellfish over rice, showcasing the island’s bounty.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced raw fish served with citrus soy and garlicky accents.
Fish caught that day, simply salted and grilled to highlight natural flavors.
A communal pot featuring local shellfish in a savory miso broth.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A morning market where locals buy and sell the day’s catch; great for sampling small seafood bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Do not litter; stay on marked trails; avoid disturbing wildlife in coastal and forest areas.
Speak softly in public spaces, especially on ferries and in temples. Show appreciation with a polite bow or a nod.
If visiting someone’s home, remove shoes unless they offer slippers; follow local hosts’ lead.
Stand in lines patiently and give others space on public transport and at attractions.
Safety
Tipping in Tsushima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan; excellent service is generally expected and included in menu prices. If you feel compelled, a small, discreet tip in cash can be acceptable in some tourist-oriented accommodations, but it is not required.
Cash is widely accepted; major credit cards are increasingly common in towns and larger establishments. Some rural shops or markets may prefer cash, and some ferry terminals and tourist centers accept IC cards or mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming coastal flora; great for hikes and temple visits. Expect comfortable days with occasional showers.
Hot and humid with the potential for typhoons or tropical storms. Water activities are popular; sun protection is essential.
Cool and dry with vibrant coastal colors and pleasant hiking conditions. A popular time for photography and seafood dining.
Generally mild, with cooler evenings and rare snow on higher elevations. Quiet, fewer crowds, and cozy coastal atmosphere.
Tsushima at Night
Hiking in Tsushima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate hike up to coastal viewpoints with rewarding ocean vistas and environmental diversity.
Sea-level route along cliff edges offering dramatic ocean scenery and opportunities for birdwatching.
Gentle forest walk through cedar and broadleaf trees, suitable for families and easy day trips.
Airports
How to reach Tsushima by plane.
Major international gateway; frequent connections by air and ferry to Tsushima; from there, maritime links complete the journey.
Regional airport with domestic routes; access to Tsushima typically involves additional ground and sea connections.
Local airport on the island offering domestic flights to a few hubs; convenient for quick hops and island access.
Regional airport with connections to broader networks; can be a starting point for trips to western Kyushu and Tsushima.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese locals with a strong fishing and farming heritage. The population is aging in many rural areas, with a growing number of residents commuting to larger cities for services.
Seasonal travelers attracted by nature, wildlife, and seafood; numbers peak in warmer months and holiday periods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional and popular activity for locals and visitors, with abundant coastal species.
Clear waters around rocky coastlines offer chances to see marine life and underwater scenery.
Calm bays and inlets provide superb environments for beginner to intermediate paddlers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tsushima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes feature seafood or dashi-based broths; ask for vegetable-forward options and miso soup without fish stock. Many places can prepare simple vegetable dishes if requested in advance.