Kushimoto and Hashigui-iwa: Strange Rocks and Kuroshio Scenery at Honshu's Southernmost Tip

Kushimoto Town in Higashimuro District, Wakayama sits at the southernmost tip of Honshu, an area with a rich marine ecosystem blessed by the Kuroshio Current and a distinctive landscape. Its signature scenery is Hashigui-iwa, a row of strange rocks designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. A journey unique to the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula awaits, letting you enjoy nature's sculptural beauty and the warm Kuroshio sea.

Hashigui-iwa: The Legend of Kobo Daishi and the Demon

Over about 850 meters from Kushimoto toward offshore Kii-Oshima Island, some 40 large and small rock pillars stand in a straight line like the pilings of a bridge, a truly striking sight. A legend tells that "Kobo Daishi tried to build a bridge in a single night, but obstructed by a demon (amanojaku), only the pilings remained." In reality, a line of hard rock formed from magma that intruded and cooled underground was left standing as waves eroded only the softer surrounding rock; it is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. At low tide you can walk close to the base of the rocks, and the sun rising between them is a coveted scene for photographers, chosen among "Japan's 100 best sunrise spots."

Umi-Kongo and Kii-Oshima

Umi-Kongo, spreading across Kii-Oshima, which is linked to Kushimoto by bridge, is a magnificent coastal landscape of sharp, jagged reefs. The powerful sight of rough waves shattering against them is a must-see. At Kashinozaki on the island's eastern end stands Kashinozaki Lighthouse, one of Japan's oldest stone lighthouses. Nearby are the Turkish Memorial Museum and a memorial to the crew of the Ottoman frigate Ertugrul, which sank in the Meiji era and whose sailors were rescued by the people of Kushimoto, letting you touch the story of friendship between Japan and Turkey.

Observing the Kuroshio Sea at Kushimoto Marine Park

At Kushimoto Marine Park, you can observe coral and colorful tropical fish up close from an underwater observation tower. The seas around Kushimoto are among the world's northernmost habitats for thriving table coral, and snorkeling and diving are popular. The aquarium introduces the rich sea life nurtured by the Kuroshio. The Kushimoto coastal waters are also a Ramsar Convention registered wetland.

Access and Essentials

• Nearest station: JR Kisei Main Line Kushimoto Station; about 15 minutes on foot to Hashigui-iwa, or a short drive. The Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa roadside station there is handy for parking and rest.
• From the Osaka area: About 3 to 4 hours from Shin-Osaka to Kushimoto on the Kuroshio Limited Express; from the Nagoya side, the Nanki Limited Express is also usable.
• To Kii-Oshima: Cross by car from Kushimoto via the Kushimoto Ohashi bridge. Umi-Kongo, Kashinozaki Lighthouse, and the Turkish Memorial Museum are on the island.
• Sunrise times: The sunrise at Hashigui-iwa shifts with the season; look up the time in advance before visiting.

Practical Travel Notes

• For sunrise, check tide and weather: The sun rising between the rocks is finest in autumn and winter, best when low tide and clear skies coincide. Check the tide table, forecast, and sunrise time in advance.
• Footing and safety: When approaching the rocks at low tide, wet rock is slippery and the changing tide requires care. Move with time to spare.
• A car is convenient on the island: Umi-Kongo, Kashinozaki Lighthouse, and the Turkish Memorial Museum are far from the station with limited public transport, so a rental car or driving is most comfortable.
• Sea activities in summer: Snorkeling and diving are best in summer; tours are often by reservation, so arrange in advance.
• Use the roadside station as a base: The Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa roadside station has parking, restrooms, and a shop, handy as a base for sunrise viewing and rest.

A Word of Advice

Kushimoto and Hashigui-iwa are a treasury of scenery created by the Kuroshio and strange rocks at Honshu's southernmost tip. The highlight is the sun rising between the rocks (best with autumn-to-winter, low tide, and clear skies). Add Kii-Oshima's Umi-Kongo and Kashinozaki Lighthouse, the Turkish Memorial Museum conveying Japan-Turkey friendship, and the sea world of Kushimoto Marine Park, and you have a day unique to southern Kii. Since a car is convenient on the island, plan around the sunrise time and tide conditions. (TabiTabi JAPAN Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article draws on information from Kushimoto Town and its tourism association, official information from the Kushimoto Hashiguiiwa roadside station, the Kushimoto Marine Park, and the Turkish Memorial Museum, and on-site signs at Hashiguiiwa and the Kashinozaki Lighthouse. Hashiguiiwa is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. Sunrise times, tide tables, and facility hours may change, so please confirm with the official information of each facility or the tourism association before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about half a day to tour Hashiguiiwa plus Umikongo and the Kashinozaki Lighthouse on Kii-Oshima
• Advance check: Sunrise between the rocks is finest in autumn and winter; days when low tide and clear skies coincide are ideal, so check tides, weather, and sunrise times
• Safety note: When approaching the rocks at low tide, the wet rocks are slippery and the tides need care
• How to get around: You can drive to Kii-Oshima from Kushimoto via the Kushimoto Ohashi bridge
• Access note: Hashiguiiwa is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kushimoto Station, and the roadside station is handy for parking and rest