Isaha Shrine (Kaburako-san) loop trail

Izuha Shrine (also known as Kaburakosan) is located in Anrakujima-Cho, Toba City.
The approach to the shrine, with its mysterious atmosphere and sea view, is a perfect spot for a scenic hiking tour of Ise-Shima. On the path leading to the shrine, you can’t help but gaze up at the bamboo grove and listen to the soothing sounds of nature as the waves ebb and flow.
The shrine grounds are 3 minutes on foot from the Anrakujima Bus stop. It is a great way to kill two birds with one stone as it is a light exercise along with visiting Kaburako. The path is well-maintained, so do not worry even if you are a beginner. Bring a towel and plenty of water, and dress comfortably.

Origin of the name Kaburakosan

Izuhami Shrine is located in Kaburakozaki, which has been blessed with a good marriage and “Kaburakota Myojin (God is Wakahime no Mikoto. The god is Wakahime-no-Mikoto, who brings blessings for good marriages and safety on the sea. The local people have been enshrining the goddess of a good marriage and the god of safety at sea. The local people call the shrine “Kaburako-San” with affection.

往復のハイキング距離と標高データ

Hiking trail map (from the hiking app Gaia GPS)

Hiking trail elevation and distance profile Hiking trail map (from the hiking app Gaia GPS)

※Gaia GPS is a hiking app which covers the latest route status and other climbing information with extensive coverage of trails all over Japan.

From Isi Jinja parking lot to Isinami Shrine-Kaburakosan.

Start from the parking lot of Isinami Shrine! The parking lot is spacious and safe. The parking fee is 500 yen, (chuck it in the parking lot collection box).

見守りのカモメ

If you don’t have 500 yen in change…get a drink and some
coins from the vending machine in front of the parking lot.

In summer, it can be crowded with holidaymakers going to the beach

Point of interest ①

The bamboo tunnel

Point of interest ②

The sound of waves

Point of interest ③

A window to the ocean

Point of interest ①, the bamboo tunnel

The road just after starting from the parking lot

It was like something was watching me… a crab!

The path leading to Izuha Shrine is a very pleasant spot where the sun shines through the trees. The sound of birds chirping, the trees swaying in the wind and the sound of fallen leaves on the ground will soothe you.

We’ve arrived at the first point of interest, the Green Tunnel! A beautiful bamboo grove. Like the bamboo stretching to the sky, stretch out accordingly. After a light stretch to loosen your body, let’s continue on.

Point of interest ②, The sound of waves

Please note that the path is slippery after
rain.

After passing through the forest, you’ll find
yourself in the open seaside zone.

The road to the shrine is divided into two parts: a single-track road and a mountain track. Both are well maintained, so don’t worry. Whichever way you choose, you will reach the same point. Don’t hesitate to take the track. As you walk through the forest, you can smell the sea breeze. It’s a sign that the sea is close by.

You can borrow a walking stick and return it on
the way back。

Turn around and you will see a mysterious torii gate.

This is the entrance to Isanami Shrine, leading to kaburakosan.
By this point, you should be sweating profusely. Wipe your sweat off with a towel and take some water.
This is where the “Kaburakosan Hike” really begins. The route will change from the gentle path to a stairway.

When you start to climb the stairs, be sure to turn around. There you will see the Torii with the sea in background。

Point of interest ③, a window to the ocean

The fallen leaves and stone pavement as
you approach the temple.

Now, get into the spirit. Let’s go up the stone-paved stairs, one step at a time, stepping firmly on the approach to the temple. Don’t overdo it. Please take a break and hydrate.

Cobblestone pavements are very slippery after rain. Make use of a walking stick or the handrail. Be extra careful when going down the stairs!

If If you climb the stairs, you will arrive at Kaburakosan, the Isanami Shrine. Catch your breath and take a tour of the shrine. Izuha Shrine was the first shrine to be built in Shima Province.

Restroom Check

There is a restroom on the grounds of the Isanami Shrine.

We arrived at the shrine of the territorial god.

Beyond the bench that can be seen from the
shrine…

Don’t worry, from there, we will be hiking on a gentle nature trail. As you go further in, you will arrive at a pavilion where you can take a rest and the shrine of Ryouryujin. Put your hands together at the shrine and look around. Then you will be drawn to the window of nature that stands out in the space through the trees.

This is the Window, a spectacular viewpoint and the main goal of the hike. Through the natural opening in the vegetation you can embrace panorama of the sea. If you are lucky, you can see a boat dashing across the sea. There are benches set up so you can relax and enjoy the view through the “Window”.

Recommended stopover: “The beach.”

The sound of the waves in a steady rhythm on the fine gravel beach is very soothing. Sit on the rocks, close your eyes and focus on the sound of waves. Take a deep breath.

ガイドのタコ

We’re almost arrived at the parking lot. Enjoy hiking at your
own pace and enjoy Kaburakosan’s landscape until the end.

Q＆A

Hiker

Are there any vending machines or convenience stores nearby?

見守りのカモメ

There is a vending machine at the inn “Kameya” near the parking lot.

The closest convenience store is Family Mart Toba Akasaki Store, about 8 minutes by car. There is also a local supermarket in Anrakujima Town, Anrakujima Food Center, about 2 minutes drive from the car park.