Tourist Attractions

The Koza River flows through Kushimoto’s neighbouring town, Kozagawa. It has been selected as one of the hundred best hidden spots of Japan, as well as one of the hundred best rivers of Heisei era in Japan. The stream of the river is very calm and gentle, allowing beginners and visitors of all ages alike to enjoy canoeing without worry.

Conveniently accessed by a free shuttle bus from the entrance of the hotel, this first marine park established in Japan allows you to enjoy the marine life of Ramsar Convention registered Kushimoto Coral Communities from up-close.
Would you rather get a taste of a sailor’s life by going 6,3 metres deep into the sea on “Stella Maris,” a semi-submersible cruise ship? Or maybe you prefer to see sharks and bluefish tuna glide by while you take a leisurely walk through a 24-metres long underwater tunnel? Either way magical moments are guaranteed!

CORAL QUEEN is an open sea vessel offering a unique experience of admiring Kushimoto Coral Communities up close. As one of the sites registered on the Ramsar Convention, this littoral area is home to tropical marine life of 120 species. So if you’re searching for diving opportunities, look no further than CORAL QUEEN! Please be advised diving certification is required.

The waters of the southernmost point of Honshu called Kuroshio are abundant in various fish species. Kase fishing is a method of fishing where you anchor a ship close to an aquafarming corf. It greatly raises the probability of a catch, making it a fulfilling and enjoyable fishing experience even for beginners or children.

The Kumano Sanzan is the collective name of three major temples in the Kumano area: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. The temple complexes were registered as UNESCO World Heritage properties in 2004 as “Sacred Places and the Pilgrimage Road of Kii Mountain.” Kumano has been viewed as a sacred place of healing ever since the ancient times.

The town of Taiji boasts the largest whale museum worldwide.
Approximately 1000 valuable items are displayed in the museum in connection with whale ecology and whaling data. You can also learn more about the 400-year-old history of whaling in Japan. There are also dolphin and whale shows, and you can also experience whale feeding.
“Swim with the Whales” is a popular annual event, where you have the chance to swim together with small-sized whales. The history of whaling culture, “Living with Whales” was certified as Japanese heritage.

A memorial hall commemorating the sinking of Ertugrul, a Turkish frigate ship, that took place off the coast of Wakayama Prefecture in 1890. This tragic accident at sea, which claimed over 500 lives, and the aid by Japanese locals that followed, became the source of Turkish-Japanese friendship.
In 2015, Oshima island became the shooting site of “Shipwreck 1890”, a collaborative effort of the two countries, which tells the story of the accident.

Hashigui-iwa refers to a set of unusually shaped big rocks lined up in an almost straight line surrounded by multiple smaller rocks scattered around them in the sea. While this peculiar sight is a result of marine erosion, as it brings to mind a bridge, there’s a legend which says that’s what it was originally intended to be. A monk Kobo Daishi was supposedly challenged by a supernatural creature to create a bridge out of rocks overnight but because of its trickery, he never managed to complete the task and so the bridge has remained only half-finished.
Arguably Kushimoto's main tourist attraction, Hashigui-iwa rocks are a must-visit spot all-year round, but they look especially spectacular during the annual light-up event held in November.

Several exciting activities, such as sea kayaking, fishing, regular kayaking and others, are available to try at Hashigui beach, which overlooks the famous Hashigui Rocks. You can also rent parasols and enjoy the beach leisurely. There is a café available at Sea House Lapin, where you can purchase refreshments and meals.

Overlooking the official southernmost point of Honshu (certificate available to collect at the site!), Shiono Cape Tourist Tower allows you a 180-degree view of the majestic Pacific Ocean. The facility's restaurant serves various local dishes, including tuna bowl, which uses the bluefin tuna.