Irogahama, Tsuruga
Nishiura Coast The sea is close even from the car park: a break with a view of Mizushima
On the Nishiura Coast in summer, I’d like to leave the car at Irogahama and look at Mizushima. The low island and mountains overlap across Tsuruga Bay, letting me slowly revisit the coast I’ve driven. Summer scenery begins with that little pause adjusting my bag beside the red car.
This scene is on a summer morning. I’ve left the red convertible in Irogahama’s car park and am looking at Mizushima.
SummerA clear summer morning
My hands stop adjusting the bag as I look at the island
I followed the coast to Irogahama. After parking and stepping out, I found the bay spreading just ahead. I tried to settle the strap of my little bag back on my shoulder, but the sea caught my attention and my hands stopped.
The island in front of me was low, with a narrow sandy stretch beside its trees. Mizushima seemed to float level with the sea. With mountains on the opposite shore in view too, it had more depth than a photo of the island alone.
Standing beside the red car let me feel the summer air directly. While driving, I’d watched the road ahead; now I could slowly follow the island’s shape. Some views only become favourites once you stop.
When I told my driving friend today’s destination, she said she wanted to see Mizushima. If I sent her a photo now, perhaps I’d include a little of the car. It might convey the feeling of having driven here too, and I looked forward to her reply.
I learned that Basho had also visited Irogahama and left a verse. Thinking that someone had looked at the sea here long ago made me want a little longer with the bay before me. First, I’d remember the island’s shape as I saw it today.
After this, I wanted to return to central Tsuruga for sauce katsudon. I’d make it a day for enjoying the seaside views and the local flavours over a meal. Even after finishing with my bag strap, I looked at Mizushima again before leaving.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
What I’d like to taste here
Sauce katsudon
A cutlet rice bowl I’d like in Tsuruga, with a sauce made using Worcestershire sauce. After the seaside detour, I’d enjoy the crisp cutlet for lunch.
Places I’d like to stop
Driving the west side of Tsuruga Bay
The Nishiura Coast lies on the west side of Tsuruga Bay. After I got out of the car at Irogahama, I stopped halfway through adjusting my bag strap. I’d kept my eyes on the road while driving, but here I could slowly trace Mizushima’s shape.
Irogahama, visited by Basho too
Basho visited Irogahama and left a verse. Looking at the overlapping island and mountains makes me want a slightly longer break.
A stop for the sea at Irogahama
From Prefectural Route 141 to Irogahama
- Landmark for the car park entrance
- The Omoya Ryokan sign beside the prefectural road
- The view ahead
- Mizushima in Tsuruga Bay
Enter the general-use car park indicated by the facility, then leave the car to look at the bay.
I’d like to turn off Prefectural Route 141 into Irogahama’s car park for a sea-view break. This time, I’m taking my time to look at Mizushima’s shape from the shore.
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