No longer the sole habitat of sun worshippers, the islands welcome thousands of cyclists in early spring; April and May bring hikers to exclaim over wildflowers; and bird-watchers with binoculars and zoom lenses record rarities and migrants on their way north.
Wildflowers, which are popular with hikers, grow in April and May.
At the shopping arcade between Shijo and Sanjo streets, you can find bookstores, hand-made paper shops, and trendy clothing stores.