Sometimes, it is surprisingly the orange sunset that makes you realize, "Oh, is it already this time?"
To wrap up the day pleasantly, the author has a habit of checking the sky every evening.
While sunsets can be seen anywhere, Washuzan in Kojima is actually selected as one of the One Hundred Best Sunsets in Japan, making it a scenic sunset spot.
With a strong desire to see the breathtaking sunset, I researched access to Washuzan and discovered that there is a Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus that tours the sunset spots in Kojima and Shimotsui.
For someone like me who does not own a car, I thought there could not be a better deal than this bus, so I promptly boarded it.
What is the Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus?
The Washuzan Sunset Bus is a circular bus operated by Shimotsui Electric Railway.
It runs along the coastal roads of the Kojima and Shimotsui areas, visiting two sunset points.
This is a year-round bus that operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but the departure times change depending on the season, so be sure to check the schedule.
During the Obon season, it operates daily.
The operating route is as follows. The ☆ mark indicates sunset points.
- Kojima Station
- Washuzan Shiden Hotel
- WASHU BLUE RESORT Kazaguruma Kasago
- Setouchi Kojima Hotel
- Sanbyakuyama ☆
- Washuzan Observatory ☆
- (Return to each hotel ～ Kojima Station)
Hotel guests need to make a reservation, but no reservation is required if boarding from Kojima Station.
The fare is 520 yen for both adults and children. Payment is cash only, made to the driver on the bus.
Riding the Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus
The Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus departs from Platform 5 at Kojima Station.
It was a beautifully clear day. The sun shining on Kojima Station heightened my expectations for the sunset.
At Platform 5, there was a bus with "Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus" written large on the window. Several buses were coming and going, but with this one, I felt I could board without getting lost.
I quickly boarded the bus and handed 520 yen to the driver, receiving a commemorative ticket for riding.
A tangible commemorative ticket is a nice keepsake.
Fun inside the bus during the ride
As the departure time arrived, the sunset viewing bus finally started.
Shortly after departing, an announcement introduced the next stop, Washuzan Shiden Hotel, and highlighted points of interest along the way.
On this day, there were only two passengers boarding from Kojima Station, including myself.
After the announcement, the bus driver asked, "Where are you two coming from?"
I never expected to have a conversation with the driver, which instantly drew me into an extraordinary experience.
The bus made three stops at hotels along the way, but it seemed there were no passengers boarding from the hotels that day, so we departed quickly.
On the way to Sanbyakuyama, the driver shared many trivia, such as how Kojima became a hub for the jeans industry and that Washuzan Highland served as a model for the amusement park in "Suzume no Tojimari".
This bus allows you to enjoy the travel time while learning about Kojima and Shimotsui as you gaze at the sunset.
Sunset Point ① Sanbyakuyama
While enjoying the driver's stories and the view from the bus window, we quickly arrived at Sanbyakuyama.
Just before getting off, an announcement stated, "The stop here will be about 15 minutes, but if it's cold, feel free to return to the bus."
After properly preparing for the cold, I got off the bus, and right in front of me was a magnificent sunset view.
The vast Seto Inland Sea, the deep blue sky, and the dazzling sunset created a perfectly timed moment.
There were a few clouds that day, but the dynamic presence of the clouds added to the painting-like beauty.
While I wanted to gaze at the scenery forever, I succumbed to the cold December wind and returned to the bus early. It was a relief to be in the heated interior.
The driver's gentle words of "Welcome back" warmed my heart.
Learning about Shimotsui while going from Sanbyakuyama to Washuzan
Next, the bus departed towards Washuzan.
There are various spots along the way from Sanbyakuyama to Washuzan, and you can enjoy sightseeing through the bus window along with the driver's trivia and lively announcements.
Shortly after departing, an explanation about Shimotsui Port was given, along with the folk song "Shimotsui Bushi" playing in the bus.
As we drove, the Shimotsui Electric Railway depot appeared on the right side. Thanks to the driver slowing down a bit, I caught a glimpse of the cute vehicles that looked like miniatures.
As we progressed, Shimotsui Port came into view.
The driver also explained about the local specialties like octopus and the history of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge. About 12,000 years ago, this area where the Seto-Ohashi Bridge stands was land, not sea.
The driver mentioned, "There was even a case where a fossil of a Naumann elephant got caught in a bottom trawler's net." It was impossible not to feel the grand history.
The bus passed under the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and continued towards Washuzan.
The view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge from below is a spectacle unique to the Kojima and Shimotsui area.
Sunset Point ② Washuzan
After about 15 minutes from Mikiyama, we arrived at the parking lot of the Washuzan Second Observation Deck, the second sunset point.
After being informed by the driver about the stop time (about 20 minutes), we got off the bus together, and he also guided us to the restroom. It's reassuring to have a restroom break.
As we climbed the stone steps from the parking lot, the observation deck illuminated by the sunset came into view.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, and the sunset sinking on the horizon.
The sunset is partially hidden by clouds, but the gradient of the sky is reflected in the Seto Inland Sea, creating a wonderful view.
With the sky's expressions changing moment by moment, I found myself wanting to press the camera shutter repeatedly.
On the opposite side of the sunset, the sky was also beautiful with pink clouds floating.
Even after the sunset was hidden by clouds, the sky retained a yellow hue for a while, and I returned to the bus feeling the lingering beauty.
With that, the sunset viewing came to an end, and the bus departed for Kojima Station, but the driver's enjoyable stories continued throughout the return trip, making for a very fulfilling time until we got off.
Conclusion
The Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus was a small bus tour that not only visits sunset spots but also makes the travel time enjoyable.
Although we visited two sunset spots, the scenery visible from the bus windows during the journey was all beautiful, never boring.
And the charm of Kojima and Shimotsui conveyed by the driver seemed to be content that could only be shared after many years of driving in this area.
It was a ride where I could feel a lot of love and affection for the local area.
The Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus allows you to experience the charm of Kojima and Shimotsui while encountering breathtaking sunsets.
This bus is recommended for various people who want to see an impressive sunset, take beautiful photos, or take a break from daily life.
Data on the Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus
| Name | Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus |
|---|---|
| Operating Days | Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Daily during the Obon season Please check the official website for the timetable as the operating hours change depending on the season. |
| Location | Bus stop in front of Kojima Station, Platform 5 |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 520 yen (for adults and children alike) |
| Website | Explore Kojima and Shimotsui by bus! Washuzan Sunset Viewing Bus |
