Umi to Cafe

A quirky cafe and rest area at Monchichi Kaigan Beach

Illaura Rossiter Mar 19, 2019 - 2 min read

P's in pots line the border of this sea wall on the premises

An orange sits on top of the sea wall in front of Umi to Cafe

One of the unusual seating options against the ocean backdrop

A chair in a cage, or a table on the steps, just two of Umi to Cafe's seating options

Unique and charming decor can be seen around the premises

A bench where visitors to this cafe can sit to partake of their snacks while looking at the ocean

Yet more unusual seating options are presented on the steps around the cafe

A stall and further seating areas can be found a bit farther back from the ocean

Some of the art within the Umi to Cafe premises

Frying pans, eucalyptus, and more decorate the walls of a stall on the cafe's grounds

Overlooking the ocean from farther back is another spot from which to enjoy your meal, or take a break

A tissue and towel box wait ready for customers alongside the ocean

Painting supplies sit at the ready for use

Overlooking the ocean with a coffee and bread at Umi to Cafe

An employee stands ready to take your order at the cafe's outdoor stall

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.

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 31^st

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 1^st – October 31^st

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 31^st

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 1^st – October 31^st

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)

Illaura Rossiter @illaura.rossiter

A semi-professional photographer and English teacher, Illaura is a long-term resident of Japan who photographs every day life and scenes in Japan to promote a better understanding of Japanese culture.