Hirogawa Town, located in Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a fascinating destination where history, nature, traditional culture, and everyday local life come together. One of the town’s most important tourism themes is its history of disaster prevention and the story of “Inamura no Hi,” or “The Fire of the Rice Sheaves.”
The story dates back to the Ansei-Nankai Earthquake of 1854, when a devastating tsunami struck the village of Hiro. Hamaguchi Goryo, a respected local leader, helped villagers escape to higher ground by setting fire to rice sheaves, creating visible beacons in the darkness. His actions have become an enduring symbol of the importance of rapid evacuation during earthquakes and tsunamis.
For visitors interested in this history, a recommended starting point is the Inamura no Hi no Yakata, where you can learn about Goryo’s life and tsunami disaster prevention. From there, a walk along the Hiromura Seawall, a nationally designated historic site, provides a deeper understanding of the town’s remarkable approach to disaster preparedness.
Hirogawa’s attractions extend far beyond its disaster-prevention history. Along the coast, Nishihiro Beach offers a beautiful shallow shoreline and is popular for swimming in summer. In the mountains, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms around Hirokawa Dam, fireflies in early summer, and the relaxing waters of Takihara Onsen Hotaru no Yu.
The town is also home to historic shrines and temples such as Hiro Hachiman Shrine, Hozoji Temple, Reiganji Temple, and Yogenji Temple. Traditional craftsmanship can be discovered through Nanki Otokoyama-yaki, a distinctive style of Kishu pottery. Seasonal festivals, local seafood, agricultural products, and traditional fishing practices add even more depth to a visit.
One of the defining themes of Hirogawa Town is the internationally known story of “Inamura no Hi”. The story takes place in Hiro Village, which corresponds to present-day Hirogawa Town.
In 1854, the Ansei-Nankai Earthquake caused a powerful tsunami to strike the village. Hamaguchi Gihei, better known as Hamaguchi Goryo, recognized the danger and acted quickly. To guide villagers toward higher ground, he set fire to rice sheaves stored in his fields. The fires became visible landmarks in the darkness and helped lead people to safety.
The event later became widely known through works by Lafcadio Hearn and was further adapted and translated by Nakai Tsunezo. The story was eventually included in Japan’s national Japanese-language textbooks under the title “Inamura no Hi.”
Today, the story is remembered not simply as a historical event but as an important symbol of early evacuation and disaster-prevention education. It teaches the importance of taking immediate action when an earthquake or tsunami occurs.
Inamura no Hi no Yakata is one of the most important places to visit in Hirogawa Town. The facility consists of the Hamaguchi Goryo Memorial Hall, which introduces Goryo’s life and achievements, and the Tsunami Disaster Prevention Education Center, where visitors can learn about earthquakes, tsunamis, and disaster preparedness.
Through exhibitions, videos, and interactive displays, visitors can learn how tsunamis occur, what kind of damage they can cause, and what actions can help protect lives.
The facility is valuable not only as a tourist attraction but also as a place to consider the question of how we can protect ourselves and others from natural disasters. It is suitable for visitors of all ages, including families with children.
A visit generally takes around one hour. Learning about the history of Hirogawa here before exploring the surrounding historic sites can make the rest of your sightseeing experience much more meaningful.
The Hiromura Seawall is a remarkable historic disaster-prevention structure built using Hamaguchi Goryo’s own funds. After the 1854 tsunami devastated Hiro Village, Goryo worked not only to help rebuild the community but also to protect future generations from similar disasters.
The seawall is approximately 5 meters high, 20 meters wide at its base, and 600 meters long. Stretching along the coast, it remains a powerful reminder of the determination and foresight behind Goryo’s disaster-prevention efforts.
Today, the seawall is designated as a National Historic Site. Trees such as Japanese black pine, wax trees, and spindle trees grow around it, creating a peaceful coastal walking environment.
Visiting the Inamura no Hi no Yakata together with the Hiromura Seawall is an especially effective way to understand Hamaguchi Goryo’s philosophy of disaster preparedness and the history of Hirogawa’s reconstruction.
Nishihiro Beach is a beautiful shallow beach located within the Nishi-Arida Prefectural Natural Park. It is one of Hirogawa’s most attractive coastal destinations and becomes lively with swimmers during the summer.
Green mountains rise behind the beach, while rocky areas can also be found around the sandy shoreline. This combination of sea and mountains creates a landscape characteristic of Hirogawa Town.
The beach is particularly beautiful around sunset. The sea glowing in the evening light is one of the most memorable coastal scenes to enjoy during a visit to Hirogawa.
In summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, and depending on the season and tide conditions, opportunities for shellfish gathering may also be available. The beach is a pleasant destination for families and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed day by the sea.
For visitors looking for an active marine experience, Fishing Park Kishu is a popular option. Located offshore from Karo Bay and reached by boat, this marine fishing park allows visitors to fish in a controlled environment.
Fishing rods, bait, and beginner-friendly plans are available, making the experience accessible even to people who are new to fishing. It is a fun activity for families, groups, and travelers who want to enjoy an active side of Hirogawa’s coastal environment.
One of Hirogawa’s most beautiful spring landscapes can be found around Hirokawa Dam. From around late March to early April, approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees come into bloom.
The pale pink blossoms contrast beautifully with the surrounding green mountains, creating a scenic setting for walking and driving. The peaceful mountain landscape offers a completely different atmosphere from the coastal attractions of Hirogawa.
Takihara Onsen Hotaru no Yu is a hot spring facility surrounded by the natural beauty of Hirogawa’s mountain region. Visitors can relax while enjoying the fresh air, green mountains, and sound of the nearby stream.
The area is particularly attractive from late May to early June, when fireflies can be seen along the nearby waterways. Genji fireflies illuminate the darkness with their soft, flickering light, creating an enchanting early-summer landscape.
Fireflies were once found throughout many parts of Hirogawa, but their numbers declined as the environment changed. Local conservation efforts have helped protect their habitat and create conditions where visitors can once again enjoy these beautiful insects.
The combination of hot springs, fireflies, and mountain scenery makes this one of Hirogawa’s distinctive early-summer experiences.
Hiro Hachiman Shrine is an important religious and historical site in Hirogawa Town. It has long been worshipped as a guardian deity of the local community, and its grounds contain several historic structures.
The main sanctuary, worship hall, Tenjin Shrine sanctuary, Wakamiya Shrine sanctuary, Kora Shrine sanctuary, and gate are among the structures designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Surrounded by trees said to be several hundred years old, the peaceful grounds are ideal for visitors interested in history and traditional Japanese architecture.
The shrine also has a close connection with the story of “Inamura no Hi.” During the 1854 tsunami, villagers who escaped the waves are said to have fled to the shrine on higher ground. The shrine therefore remains an important place for understanding the disaster-prevention legacy associated with Hamaguchi Goryo.
The Hiro Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival features traditional performing arts dedicated to the shrine. One of the highlights is Shipporra Odori, a traditional dengaku performance depicting agricultural activities from planting rice to harvesting the crop.
The Otoda Shishimai lion dance is another fascinating performance. The distinctive local style includes dramatic moments in which performers inside the lion costume climb onto one another’s shoulders, creating an impressive display of traditional performing arts.
The Bell Tower of Hozoji Temple is a valuable historic structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The building features a style based on medieval Japanese Karamyo architecture, combined with a distinctive skirt-like lower section known as a hakama-koshi. Its hipped roof adds to its characteristic appearance.
According to temple tradition, the bell tower originally stood at Shorakuji Temple in Yuasa before being relocated to its present site following the separation of Buddhism and Shinto in the early Meiji period. It is an excellent destination for travelers interested in traditional Japanese architecture.
Reiganji Temple is a Buddhist temple known for its stone statue of Fudo Myoo, the Buddhist deity associated with wisdom and protection. Locally, the deity is affectionately known as “the Fudo-san of Reiganji.”
A Buddhist fire ritual is held on the 28th of each month, while the Hatsu-Fudo ceremony on January 28 attracts particularly large numbers of worshippers.
The temple’s surroundings also offer scenic views over Hirogawa. Its combination of religious heritage, mountain scenery, and panoramic views makes it a peaceful place to explore.
Yogenji Temple belongs to the Nichiren school of Buddhism and is known for enshrining Daikokuten, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods.
The temple has a long local history, and its grounds provide an opportunity to experience the religious culture of the community.
A painting of Daikokuten is traditionally attributed to a Kamakura-period painter and is said to be displayed publicly each year on the Day of the Rat in April. Visitors who time their trip accordingly may be able to experience a special aspect of the temple’s cultural heritage.
Hirogawa has long been part of the routes traveled by pilgrims heading toward Kumano. Several sites connected with the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage tradition can be found in the town, including Tsunekane Oji, Kawase Oji, and Umadome Oji.
Walking these historic routes allows visitors to imagine the journeys of people who traveled through the region centuries ago. Rather than simply visiting individual destinations, travelers can experience the landscape as part of a historic pilgrimage route.
Combining the Kumano Kodo-related sites with the town’s disaster-prevention heritage, shrines, and temples creates an enjoyable walking itinerary connecting nature, faith, and history.
The Former Higashihamaguchi Family Residence is an important historic building that preserves the heritage of merchant life during the Edo period. It is said to have been built in 1707 and was associated with a prosperous merchant family involved in the soy sauce trade.
Exploring the history of the Hamaguchi family and other merchant households helps visitors understand the background of Hamaguchi Goryo and the development of Hirogawa as a community connected to commerce, shipping, and regional trade.
Nanki Otokoyama-yaki is one of Hirogawa’s distinctive traditional crafts. The pottery tradition was established by Sakiyama Rihei in 1827 and developed during the era of Tokugawa Harutomi, the 10th lord of the Kishu domain.
Many fine works were produced, and the tradition continued until the Meiji period. It became one of the representative ceramic traditions of Kishu.
At Otokoyama-yaki Hall, visitors can view works of Nanki Otokoyama-yaki and learn about the tradition through activities such as pottery workshops. It provides an opportunity to discover Hirogawa’s history not only through buildings and monuments but also through traditional craftsmanship.
Hirogawa Fureai-kan is a local market located in front of Hirokawa Beach Station. It sells fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, local specialties, and everyday goods produced in and around the area.
Among the products, Arida Mikan mandarins are particularly noteworthy. Wakayama is one of Japan’s best-known citrus-producing regions, and these mandarins make excellent souvenirs for visitors.
The facility also has a dining area serving dishes such as udon noodles, rice bowls, set meals, and sweets. One unique local dish is “Inamura no Hi Curry Udon,” which incorporates the town’s famous disaster-prevention story into a regional food experience.
Bicycle rentals are also available, making the facility a convenient starting point for exploring the coastline around Hirokawa Beach Station.
Michi Akari is another convenient place to stop for food and local products. In addition to selling regional specialties and locally made processed foods, the facility has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local flavors.
It is particularly convenient after exploring historic sites such as the Hiromura Seawall, allowing travelers to combine history, sightseeing, and local cuisine in one outing.
One of Hirogawa’s distinctive spring traditions is shirouo fishing. Local fishermen use a traditional fishing implement known as a yotsude-ami, a square lift net, to catch these small transparent fish.
The scene provides a glimpse into a way of life closely connected to the local rivers and sea. For visitors, it is a reminder that Hirogawa’s cultural heritage is found not only in historic buildings and famous landmarks but also in the traditional activities of local communities.
The Inamura no Hi Festival is an important event that commemorates Hamaguchi Goryo and carries his spirit of disaster preparedness into the future.
Participants carry torches and walk from the Inamura no Hi Plaza toward Hiro Hachiman Shrine, which served as a refuge on higher ground during the tsunami.
The event allows visitors to experience the story of “Inamura no Hi” in the very landscape where the events took place, making it one of the most symbolic festivals in Hirogawa.
The Tsunami Festival was established to mourn those who lost their lives in the tsunami caused by the Ansei-Nankai Earthquake and to preserve the memory of Hamaguchi Goryo’s achievements.
The festival expresses Hirogawa’s commitment to remembering past disasters, passing on their lessons, and wishing for the safety of future generations.
The Hirogawa Furusato Festival brings local residents and visitors together to celebrate the town’s culture and attractions. It is also an opportunity to discover local specialties and experience the friendly atmosphere of the community.
Hirokawa Beach Station on the JR West Kisei Main Line, also known as the Kinokuni Line, provides convenient access to the town’s coastal attractions. As its name suggests, the station is located close to Nishihiro Beach.
For visitors focusing on the town center and its historic attractions, Yuasa Station in neighboring Yuasa Town can also be a useful access point. Choosing the station according to your sightseeing destinations can make your journey more efficient.
For first-time visitors, a route such as Inamura no Hi no Yakata → Hiromura Seawall → Michi Akari → Hiro Hachiman Shrine is an excellent way to experience the history and local food of Hirogawa.
If you have more time, continue toward Nishihiro Beach to enjoy the coastal scenery, or head into the mountains to visit Hirokawa Dam and Takihara Onsen Hotaru no Yu.
The town offers different experiences throughout the year. Shirouo fishing and cherry blossoms are highlights of spring, fireflies appear in early summer, Nishihiro Beach is ideal for summer, and the Hiro Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival adds traditional cultural atmosphere in autumn.
Hirogawa Town is a place where the history of disaster prevention symbolized by “Inamura no Hi” continues to live alongside beautiful mountains, rivers, and the sea.
In 2018, the story “Hyakusei no Ando: Hirogawa’s Disaster Prevention Heritage, Where Memories of Tsunamis and Reconstruction Live On” was recognized as a Japan Heritage Story. The designation has helped draw attention to Hirogawa as a community where the memory of disaster and the lessons of reconstruction have been passed down through generations.
Although Hamaguchi Goryo and “Inamura no Hi” are central to the town’s identity, they are only one part of what makes Hirogawa special. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Hiromura Seawall and Hiro Hachiman Shrine, the beautiful coast of Nishihiro Beach, cherry blossoms around Hirokawa Dam, early-summer fireflies, Takihara Onsen, Nanki Otokoyama-yaki, local agricultural products, and traditional fishing culture.
A visit to Hirogawa can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace: learn about history, walk along the coast, enjoy the mountain scenery, relax in a hot spring, and taste local food.
Rather than visiting each attraction separately, travelers can connect these experiences to discover the deeper story of the town—a story about the wisdom of protecting human life, living in harmony with nature, and preserving culture within the local community.
For travelers seeking a quieter and more meaningful side of Wakayama, Hirogawa offers an opportunity to experience a town where history is not simply preserved in museums, but continues to shape the lives and landscapes of the community today.