Kushimoto Town, located in Higashimuro District in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is famous for being home to the southernmost point of Japan’s main island, Honshu. The town faces the vast Pacific Ocean, and its dramatic coastline, warm climate, rich marine environment, and fascinating history make it one of the most distinctive destinations on the Kii Peninsula.
The most famous landmark is Cape Shionomisaki, the southernmost point of Honshu. From the cape, visitors can look across an immense panorama of the Pacific Ocean, with the horizon stretching seemingly without end. The combination of wide-open grasslands, blue ocean, and dramatic coastal scenery makes Shionomisaki one of the most impressive viewpoints in southern Japan.
Kushimoto is also strongly influenced by the Kuroshio Current, which flows northward along the Pacific coast of Japan. The current gives the area a warm maritime climate, with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. Summers tend to be less severe than in many inland areas, while winters are generally free from extreme cold, making Kushimoto an attractive destination in every season.
The central part of the town developed on a distinctive landform known as a tombolo, a sandbar that connects land areas and creates a narrow strip of land between the ocean and surrounding waters. This unusual geography is closely connected with the history and everyday life of the local community.
Kushimoto lies between the southern end of the Kii Mountains and the Kumano-nada Sea. Mountains, rivers, and ocean are all located close together, creating an exceptionally diverse natural environment.
To the north, the mountains and valleys of the Koza River basin provide forests, clear streams, and rugged mountain scenery. To the south, the Pacific Ocean opens into a vast expanse of blue water. This contrast between mountains and ocean is one of the defining characteristics of Kushimoto.
The coastline is dotted with islands, including Kii-Oshima Island, while spectacular rock formations such as Hashigui-iwa and Umikongo rise along the shore.
Much of this natural landscape is protected as part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and the Karigina Prefectural Natural Park, helping preserve the region’s unique environment while allowing visitors to experience its beauty.
Hashigui-iwa is particularly famous. More than 40 rock pillars of different sizes stretch approximately 850 meters into the sea in an almost straight line. The unusual formation is designated as a National Natural Monument and is one of Kushimoto’s most recognizable landscapes.
Kushimoto enjoys a warm climate throughout the year thanks to the Kuroshio Current. Winters are relatively mild, making it possible to enjoy outdoor sightseeing even during the colder months.
At the same time, the town is exposed to powerful weather systems coming across the Pacific. Typhoons frequently approach southern Wakayama from summer through autumn, and the area has historically been known as part of Japan’s “Typhoon Alley.”
Living alongside both the benefits and challenges of the ocean has shaped a distinctive local culture. Fishing, marine transportation, coastal agriculture, and traditional festivals are all closely connected with the sea.
Kushimoto developed as a coastal settlement and gradually expanded through the establishment of the modern municipal system, mergers, and administrative reorganizations. In 2005, the town underwent a major merger and became the present-day Kushimoto Town in Higashimuro District.
One of the most important events in Kushimoto’s history occurred in 1890, when the Ottoman warship Ertuğrul was caught in a severe storm and wrecked off Kii-Oshima Island.
Many crew members lost their lives, but local residents risked their own lives to rescue survivors and provide them with food, clothing, and medical care. The compassion shown by the people of Kushimoto became an important foundation for the friendship between Japan and Turkey.
Today, memorials and museums on Kii-Oshima tell this story and serve as reminders of the long history of international friendship between the two countries.
Kushimoto has also experienced major natural disasters. In particular, the Isewan Typhoon of 1959 caused extensive damage in the region.
These experiences have contributed to a strong awareness of disaster preparedness. In recent years, the town has promoted measures such as improving evacuation facilities and relocating important public functions to safer, higher ground.
Hashigui-iwa is one of the most iconic sights in Kushimoto. More than 40 rock pillars stretch for approximately 850 meters from the coast into the sea, creating a spectacular natural formation.
According to local legend, the rocks were created through a contest between the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi and an evil spirit known as an amanojaku. The mysterious legend adds a layer of cultural meaning to an already extraordinary landscape.
The scenery is particularly beautiful around sunrise and sunset, when the changing light illuminates the rock pillars and surrounding ocean.
Located beside the famous rock formations, Roadside Station Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa is a convenient place to take a break, purchase local specialties, and enjoy panoramic views of the coast from its observation area.
Hashigui Beach is located near Hashigui-iwa and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the coastal environment at a more relaxed pace. In summer, the beach becomes a popular destination for swimming and marine activities.
Kushimoto Marine Park combines an aquarium with an underwater observation tower, allowing visitors to experience the remarkable marine environment around the southern tip of Honshu.
The waters around Kushimoto are strongly influenced by the Kuroshio Current, creating an unusual marine environment where species associated with both tropical and temperate waters can be found. Coral communities and colorful tropical fish are among the highlights.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of ways to explore the underwater world, including:
・Walking through an underwater tunnel
・Observing marine life from the underwater observation tower
・Taking a ride on the sightseeing boat Stella Maris
These experiences offer an accessible introduction to the marine ecosystems that make Kushimoto internationally known as a destination for ocean lovers and divers.
The area around JR Kushimoto Station serves as the town’s main urban center, with restaurants, accommodations, shops, and other facilities. It is also a convenient base for exploring the southern Kii Peninsula.
Visitors can experience local food culture and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this small coastal community. Several cultural attractions are also located nearby.
Muryoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple that houses paintings and cultural properties from the Edo period. The temple is also home to the Kushimoto Okyo Ashitsuekan.
Kushimoto Okyo Ashitsuekan is an art museum known for its collection of wall paintings by Maruyama Okyo and Nagasawa Rosetsu. The museum also preserves important cultural properties, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the artistic heritage of the region.
Kobo-no-Yu is a local hot spring associated with traditional stories of therapeutic bathing. It provides a relaxing way to experience a part of Kushimoto’s local history and bathing culture.
Cape Shionomisaki is the southernmost point of Honshu and one of Kushimoto’s most famous sightseeing destinations.
A vast grassy area known as Boyono-Shiba stretches across the cape, creating an open landscape where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. The enormous horizon gives the impression of standing at the edge of the Japanese mainland.
The cape is particularly enjoyable for scenic drives, walking, photography, and watching the sunrise over the Pacific.
Boyono-Shiba is a large grass-covered area of approximately 100,000 square meters. With almost nothing blocking the view toward the ocean, it is an ideal place to appreciate the scale of the Pacific.
Shio-kaze Rest Area introduces visitors to the natural environment and history of Cape Shionomisaki. Its observation terrace provides broad views over the Pacific Ocean.
Shionomisaki Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse dating back to the Meiji period. Its bright white tower stands dramatically against the blue ocean and sky.
Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the observation area and enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific. The scenery is especially atmospheric around sunrise, when the first light appears over the horizon.
Shionomisaki Tourist Tower offers expansive views from its observation facilities. Visitors can look across the Kumano-nada Sea and toward the distant horizon.
The tower also has a shop selling local specialties, making it a convenient place to take a break and pick up souvenirs. Visitors can also obtain a certificate commemorating their visit to the southernmost point of Honshu.
Kii-Oshima Island lies off the southern coast of Kushimoto and is one of the town’s most fascinating areas. The island combines dramatic natural scenery with a remarkable history of international exchange.
Umikongo is a spectacular coastal viewpoint where enormous waves crash against steep cliffs and rocky formations. The rugged landscape demonstrates the powerful natural forces that have shaped the Pacific coast.
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Memorial Hall introduces the history of an early encounter between Japan and the United States in 1791. The exhibits explain the arrival of American vessels in the area during the Edo period and the significance of this early contact.
Kashinozaki Lighthouse is one of Japan’s oldest surviving stone lighthouses. The elegant white structure stands above the deep blue sea and is surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery.
The area is also associated with the 1890 Ertuğrul disaster and includes memorials dedicated to the victims, making it an important place for understanding the history of Japanese-Turkish friendship.
The Turkish Memorial Museum introduces the history of relations between Japan and Turkey, with particular attention to the Ertuğrul disaster.
Documents, photographs, and other exhibits tell the story of the Ottoman sailors and the local residents who came to their aid. The museum stands as an important symbol of international friendship and continues to attract visitors from both Japan and overseas.
The Ertuğrul Warship Memorial commemorates those who lost their lives in the disaster. It is both a place of remembrance and a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and Turkey.
The northern part of Kushimoto extends into the Koza River basin, an area known for clear water, deep valleys, forests, and spectacular mountain scenery.
The Koza area offers a different side of Kushimoto from the Pacific coast. Instead of wide ocean views, visitors encounter tranquil rivers, wooded valleys, and traditional mountain landscapes.
Koza River is famous for its exceptionally clear water and beautiful valley scenery. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, river activities, fishing, and nature observation.
Popular experiences include:
・Canoe tours
・River fishing and playing in the water
・Mountain hiking
Ichimai-iwa is an enormous single rock formation measuring approximately 100 meters high and 500 meters wide. Designated as a National Natural Monument, the immense rock wall is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the Koza River basin.
Takinohai is a beautiful natural formation created by the clear waters of the river cutting through the surrounding rocks. Waterfalls, pools, and unusual rock formations create a mysterious landscape.
During summer, the cool river environment attracts visitors looking for relief from the heat.
The town of Koza preserves an atmosphere in which traditional fishing-village culture and mountain-village life come together. Quiet streets and simple buildings offer glimpses of a more traditional side of rural Japan.
Walking through the area at a leisurely pace is a pleasant way to experience the slower rhythm of life in southern Wakayama.
Kushimoto’s warm climate and rich marine environment support both agriculture and fishing. The Kuroshio Current brings nutrient-rich waters close to the coast, helping create excellent fishing grounds.
Warm-weather agriculture is also well developed, with strawberries, ponkan oranges, and kumquats among the region’s notable products.
Fishing is particularly important, with bonito being one of Kushimoto’s best-known products. The local brand known as Shorasaan Katsuo is carefully caught using the traditional Kenken fishing method, helping maintain exceptionally high freshness.
The waters also provide tuna, spiny lobster, flying fish, and many other kinds of seafood. Because the fish can be served soon after being landed, visitors can enjoy remarkably fresh sashimi and sushi.
Shorasaan Katsuo is one of Kushimoto’s signature seafood products. The bonito is carefully caught using the Kenken method, which helps preserve the quality and freshness of the fish.
Because of its exceptional freshness, bonito can be enjoyed not only as traditional seared katsuo tataki but also as sashimi.
Kushimoto is also associated with high-quality tuna, including Kindai tuna and other farm-raised tuna produced using advanced aquaculture technology developed by Kindai University.
The combination of modern aquaculture research and the area’s excellent marine environment has helped make tuna an important part of the local food culture.
Japanese spiny lobster caught in the waters around Kushimoto has firm, flavorful meat. It may be served as sashimi, grilled, or in miso soup.
Flying fish is another local specialty. It can be eaten fresh as sashimi or prepared as dried fish and fried dishes.
Katsuo tataki is one of the classic dishes of the region. The outside of the bonito is lightly seared while the center remains fresh, creating a distinctive combination of smoky aroma and delicate raw fish.
Kibinago, a small silver fish, is enjoyed in a variety of ways, including sashimi, tempura, and nanbanzuke, in which the fish is marinated in a sweet-and-sour sauce.
Dried seafood is deeply rooted in local food culture. Horse mackerel, saury, squid, and other fish are traditionally dried to preserve their flavor and are enjoyed as everyday foods as well as regional specialties.
Iso-ryori, or coastal cuisine, makes use of shellfish and other marine ingredients gathered around the rocky shores. Grilled turban shells and abalone are among the dishes that reflect Kushimoto’s close relationship with the sea.
Restaurants throughout Kushimoto serve the town’s exceptionally fresh seafood. Local sushi restaurants and seafood eateries are popular with both residents and visitors, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the flavors of the Kuroshio coast.
Kuromio Ponkan is a local citrus fruit known for its rich sweetness. The warm climate and abundant sunshine of southern Wakayama provide excellent growing conditions for citrus.
Kumquats grown in the region are valued for their balanced sweetness and acidity. High-quality fruit can be eaten whole, including the skin.
Nantan Mitsuhime is a locally grown sweet potato known for its strong sweetness and moist texture. It is one of the agricultural specialties associated with Kushimoto.
Momijiya Honpo is known for traditional neri-yokan, a firm Japanese sweet made from sweet red bean paste and agar. Its traditional production method has made it a well-known confectionery associated with Kushimoto.
Ponkan soft-serve ice cream combines the refreshing citrus flavor of locally grown ponkan with creamy soft-serve ice cream, making it a popular regional treat.
Milk soft-serve ice cream made with Owase milk is another popular sweet, offering a rich yet natural dairy flavor.
Hime hijiki is a local seaweed product harvested along the rocky coast. It is known for its tender texture and rich flavor and makes a convenient souvenir for travelers interested in Japanese ingredients.
Kushimoto is not only a town of traditional fishing culture and natural scenery. In recent years, it has also become associated with Japan’s emerging private space industry.
SPACE PORT Kii has been developed as Japan’s first private rocket launch site. The facility has attracted attention as a new symbol of Kushimoto, where tourism, traditional coastal culture, and cutting-edge technology meet.
The arrival of the space industry has created a new dimension to the town’s identity. Visitors can now experience both the ancient landscapes of the Kii Peninsula and the technology of Japan’s future in the same destination.
Kushimoto has a rich tradition of festivals and folk culture closely connected with the sea. Major events include the Minato Festival, Kawauchi Festival, and Cape Shionomisaki Fire Festival.
Traditional songs such as Kushimoto-bushi are also passed down through generations, preserving the stories and emotions of people who have lived alongside the ocean.
Minato Festival is held at Suimon Shrine on Kii-Oshima Island. The event brings the local community together for a series of traditional ceremonies and performances.
One of the most exciting highlights is the Kaidenma boat race, in which traditional boats compete on the water. The energetic race creates a spectacular scene and demonstrates the town’s long-standing connection with the sea.
Kawauchi Festival is traditionally associated with the return of the Kumano Navy. The festival has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Decorated boats and lion-dance boats travel upstream along the river, creating a colorful spectacle that resembles a scene from an ancient Japanese picture scroll.
The Cape Shionomisaki Fire Festival is a spectacular grass-burning event held at Shionomisaki. Approximately 100,000 square meters of grassland is burned in a controlled fire.
The traditional practice helps control pests and encourage new growth, but it has also become a striking seasonal event. Flames and smoke spread across the grassland, creating a dramatic sight for visitors.
Kushimoto-bushi is one of the best-known examples of the town’s traditional folk music. The song has been passed down through generations and is performed at festivals and local events.
Its melodies and lyrics reflect the lives, work, and feelings of people whose communities have long depended on the sea.
With mountains, rivers, islands, and ocean all within easy reach, Kushimoto offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
The clear waters of the Koza River are ideal for canoeing, river play, fishing, and nature observation.
Arafune Coast is a rugged stretch of coastline characterized by unusual rock formations and powerful waves. It is an excellent destination for hiking, photography, and rock fishing.
Mount Chojozan, rising approximately 302 meters above sea level, is regarded as a sacred mountain. From its summit, visitors can enjoy views across the Kumano-nada Sea and the Kii Mountains.
Futashima is an uninhabited island surrounded by rich natural scenery. The area is popular for fishing and exploring the rocky shoreline.
Kushimoto Diving Park is a diving base where both beginners and experienced divers can explore the warm waters influenced by the Kuroshio Current.
The region’s coral communities and diverse marine life make it one of the most attractive diving areas in southern Japan.
Bubble Ring Divers Kushimoto offers introductory diving experiences as well as courses for visitors who want to obtain diving certification.
Kashino Fishing Park Center provides an easy way to experience sea fishing in a managed fishing-pond environment, making it suitable for visitors who want to try fishing without extensive experience.
Kushimoto B&G Marine Center is a sports and recreation facility equipped with an indoor heated swimming pool and training facilities.
Hashigui Beach offers beautiful views of Hashigui-iwa. During the summer season, visitors can enjoy swimming as well as marine activities such as SUP and sea kayaking.
Tahara Beach is a peaceful beach located in a relatively sheltered bay. Its calm atmosphere makes it especially popular with families.
Shirano Beach on Kii-Oshima Island is known as a quiet hidden beach with clear water. It is an appealing destination for travelers looking for a more secluded coastal experience.
This roadside station offers panoramic views of Hashigui-iwa and is a convenient place to purchase local products and food while exploring the Kushimoto coastline.
Kishu Nagisa-no-Eki Suimon Matsuri is a local tourism and community facility where visitors can purchase seafood and enjoy dishes made with fresh marine products.
Kanayama Observatory on Kii-Oshima Island offers broad views across the coastline. From the viewpoint, visitors can see landmarks including Hashigui-iwa and Cape Shionomisaki.
Umasaka Viewpoint is a lesser-known scenic spot overlooking Kushimoto’s town center and coastline. It is an excellent place for travelers seeking a quieter viewpoint away from the main tourist sites.
Kushimoto is a town where the natural beauty of the southern Kii Peninsula, maritime culture, international history, local food, and cutting-edge technology come together.
At Cape Shionomisaki, visitors can stand at the southernmost point of Honshu and gaze across the enormous Pacific Ocean. At Hashigui-iwa, they can admire one of the region’s most extraordinary natural formations. At Kushimoto Marine Park, they can discover the colorful underwater world created by the Kuroshio Current.
On Kii-Oshima Island, the history of the Ertuğrul disaster provides a moving story of international friendship, while the old lighthouse and dramatic cliffs reveal the island’s long relationship with the sea.
Further north, the clear waters of the Koza River offer a completely different experience, with canoeing, hiking, fishing, and peaceful mountain landscapes.
Food is another essential part of a visit to Kushimoto. Fresh bonito, tuna, spiny lobster, flying fish, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, traditional sweets, and other local specialties reflect the region’s warm climate and rich waters.
Meanwhile, festivals such as Minato Festival and Kawauchi Festival preserve the cultural traditions of communities that have lived alongside the ocean for generations.
Today, the development of SPACE PORT Kii adds yet another dimension to the town. Kushimoto is becoming a fascinating destination where ancient coastal landscapes and traditional culture coexist with Japan’s emerging space industry.
For travelers looking to experience a side of Japan that combines spectacular nature, ocean culture, history, food, traditional festivals, outdoor adventure, international friendship, and the technology of the future, Kushimoto offers an exceptionally diverse and memorable journey at the southern edge of Honshu.