Kushimoto

Kushimoto (串本) is a town located at the southernmost tip of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It is situated in Wakayama Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean and the warm Kuroshio Current. Kushimoto is renowned for its beautiful coastline, diverse marine life, and unique geological formations.

One of the main attractions of Kushimoto is the Kushimoto Marine Park (串本海中公園), which offers a variety of ways to experience the area’s rich underwater world. Visitors can observe various marine creatures, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks, through a semi-submersible and underwater observation tower. The park also features a museum with exhibits about the local marine ecosystem.

Kushimoto is also home to the Hashigui-iwa Rocks (橋杭岩), a series of 40 basalt columns rising from the sea, resembling a bridge pier, and is designated as a national natural monument.

Another popular attraction in Kushimoto is the Kushimoto Turkish Memorial and Museum (トルコ記念館), commemorating the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul that sank off the coast of Kushimoto in 1890, and the subsequent rescue efforts by local residents.

In addition to these attractions, visitors can enjoy the town’s picturesque coastline, including scenic spots like Cape Shionomisaki (潮岬), the southernmost point of Honshu, and the Oshima Island (紀伊大島) with its unique rock formations and beautiful beaches.

Kushimoto is also famous for its fresh seafood, especially its tuna, which is caught in the nearby waters using traditional fishing methods. Visitors can savor delicious tuna dishes at local restaurants, as well as other local specialties like katsuo no tataki (seared bonito).

Getting there and around

By Train

• Kushimoto is served by Kushimoto Station (串本駅) on the JR Kisei Line
• Limited express trains connect Kushimoto to Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama City
• From Nagoya, take limited express trains via Ise
• Train services run approximately once per hour from major cities
• Japan Rail Pass holders can use all mentioned train lines

By Car

• From Wakayama City, take the Kisei Expressway (紀勢自動車道) to Kushimoto
• From Nagoya, follow the Higashi Meihan Expressway (東名阪自動車道) and Ise Expressway (伊勢自動車道)
• After exiting the expressway, Route 42 leads to Kushimoto
• Be cautious of winding coastal roads and potential traffic during summer months

By Air

• Nearest airport is Nanki-Shirahama Airport, about 2 hours away
• Daily flights available to/from Tokyo-Haneda Airport
• From the airport, take a bus to Shirahama Station, then a train to Kushimoto
• For international flights, use Kansai International Airport and transfer to train at Wakayama Station

Local Transportation

• Central Kushimoto is walkable
• Community buses provide access to various attractions for 200 yen per ride
• Buses run to Cape Shionomisaki, Oshima Island, and Hashigui-iwa Rocks
• Bus frequency is about one every 2-3 hours on each line