Umi to Cafe is a cafe and rest area at Monchchi Beach on Kashima Island, a short ferry ride away from the mainland of Ehime prefecture on Shikoku Island.
Nearby you can find a very wide, shallow beach, summer swimming spots, and can participate in many marine sports. In the nearby park you can also host summer barbecues. How far out do the waters of the shallow beach reach? People standing at the far edge of it seem as small as grains of sand!
In addition, sunsets that can be seen along the coast in this area are particularly famous here. This is an especially popular spot for couples to spend evenings.
Events are occasionally held in the area, and Umi to Cafe, a cafe centered on delicious coffee, will open its doors. While not particularly spectacular, these events show off the daily atmosphere of the area, and it feels like you’ve entered a large and dreamy world.
According to the locals, there are many great beaches in the area, so this may warrant a second visit! Even though this is my hometown, I am excited because I still have a lot of things I don’t know about.
Getting there
Take a bus to, or park your car near, the Kashima Park Ferries (鹿島公園渡船), and ride the ferry to the island. Once you have reached the island, walk to your destination.
Fares: Adults 210 yen, Children 110 yen, Seniors (65 or older) 110 yen, disabled adult 110 yen, disabled children 60 yen, luggage (up to 10kg) 20 yen
Time Table: (Subject to change or cancellation due to weather)
From Kashima Park Ferries (bound for the island)
April – August 31st
7:00am – 5:00pm: Leaves every 20 minutes. On the hour, at 20, and at the 40 minute mark.
Example: 7:00, 7:20, 7:40
6:00pm – 9:00pm: Leaves every 30 minutes, on the hour and at the 30 minute mark.
10:00pm (Last boat)
September 1st – October 31st
7:00am – 5:00pm: Leaves every 20 minutes. On the hour, at 20, and at the 40 minute mark.
6:00pm – 8:00pm: Leaves every 30 minutes, on the hour and at the 30 minute mark.
9:00pm (Last boat)
November – March
7:00am – 8:00pm: Leaves every 30 minutes. On the hour and at the 30 minute mark.
9:00pm (Last boat)
From Kashima Island (bound for mainland)
April – August 31st
7:00am – 5:00pm: Leaves every 20 minutes. At the 3, 23, and 43 minute mark.
Example: 7:03, 7:23, 7:43
6:00pm – 8:00pm: Leaves every 30 minutes, at the 3, and 33 minute mark.
9:33pm (Last boat)
September 1st – October 31st
7:00am – 5:00pm Leaves every 20 minutes. At the 3, 23, and 43 minute mark.
Example: 7:03, 7:23, 7:43
6:00pm – 8:00pm Leaves every 30 minutes, at the 3, and 33 minute mark.
8:33pm (Last boat)
November – March
7:00am – 8:00pm: Leaves every 30 minutes. At the 3, and 33 minute mark.
8:33pm (Last boat)
