Cape Ashizuri & Kashiwajima 2-Day Itinerary: Discover Hidden Natural Wonders in Kochi, Shikoku
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Tosashimizu City and Kashiwajima in Kochi Prefecture , at the southern tip of Shikoku. Enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs, fresh gourmet food, crystal clear waters, and traditional townscapes. In this article, we'll introduce you to a two- Tomari, one-night trip where you can experience Japan's nature and the lifestyles of its people.
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The Hata region of Kochi Prefecture is located at the southwestern tip of Shikoku, and is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, facing Tosa Bay to the east and Bungo Channel to the west. It is made up of three cities, two towns, and one village: Hara Village. It is a natural powerhouse rich in blessings, including the nationally famous Shimanto River and Cape Ashizuri, the blessings of the Kuroshio Current that flows along the coast, and the blessings of mountains that boast the largest area of forests in the country.
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Table of Contents
- Day 1: Breathtaking View at Cape Ashizuri Misaki
- Kongofukuji Temple: A Sacred Stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
- Hakusan Cave: Footbath and Scenic Views
- Delicious Mackerel Lunch at Ashizuri Kuroshio Market
- Recommended Accommodations in Tosashimizu City
- Day 2: Clear Waters and a Retro Townscape at Kashiwajima
- Learn the History and Legends at Enkoji
- Get away from the city and take a relaxing trip to see the spectacular views
Day 1: Breathtaking View at Cape Ashizuri Misaki
Cape Ashizuri Misaki , located in Tosashimizu City , Kochi Prefecture , at the southern tip of Shikoku, is one of Japan's most remote sea areas. It takes some time to get there, but it is known as a special place where you can relax and be healed by the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the quiet nature.
Cape Ashizuri Misaki Lighthouse, one of the largest white lighthouses in Japan, is a scenic spot overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the horizon, and the magnificent view leaves a deep impression on all who visit.
At the entrance to the observation corridor, a statue of John Manjiro, a local historical figure who was active overseas during the late Edo period, warmly welcomes visitors. Depending on the season, you can spend a relaxing time strolling through the camellia tunnel with the statue of John Manjiro by your side.
Cape Ashizuri
1349 Cape Ashizuri, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture 787-0315
Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost tip of Shikoku
You can enjoy the observatory, promenade, rare plants, topography, etc. while walking.
From the observatory, you can see a 270° panorama of the Pacific Ocean and powerful waves.
On the promenade, you can enjoy the tunnels of trees, rock walls, and spectacular views while visiting the Seven Wonders of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), a monk who had a great influence on Japanese Buddhism.
The symbolic lighthouse has been watching over the safety of ships for over 100 years.
The bronze statue standing at the entrance is of John Manjiro, a great man of Tosa, and is said to face America, which is closely related to him.
Sunrise in the early morning
Pacific Ocean shining in the daytime
Sunset in the evening
Starry sky at night
If you have come all the way to Kochi, it is also recommended to walk through the southernmost point.
Kongofukuji Temple: A Sacred Stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Kongofukuji Temple, located at the end of a quiet approach surrounded by subtropical greenery, is known as a particularly sacred place on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is about 80 km away from the previous temple, and has a solemn atmosphere that makes it appropriate to call it a "training hall."
It is a place where you can spend some quiet time experiencing traditional culture and feel the power of this power spot.
Kongofukuji Temple
214-1 Cape Ashizuri, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture 〒787-0315
The 38th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Pilgrimage Tour of 88 Sacred Sites).
Kongofuku-ji Temple, located on Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost tip of Shikoku, is located at the longest distance between temples.
In the 13th year of Konin (822), by the imperial request of Emperor Saga, Kobo Daishi created the three-faced, thousand-armed Kannon as the principal object of worship in the 14th year of Konin (823).
In the precincts, there are many cultural properties such as Tahoto, Jusanseki Pagoda, and Gyakushu no Pagoda.
Hakusan Cave: Footbath and Scenic Views
Manjiro Footbath is located near Cape Ashizuri Misaki and is free to use.
The Hakusan Cave, a strangely shaped rock formation with a gaping hole in the Pacific Ocean below, is a must-see scenic spot. The large cave, said to be 16m high and 17m wide, is the largest granite cave in Japan.
If you're feeling tired from your travels, be sure to stop by and take a break in the foot bath.
Delicious Mackerel Lunch at Ashizuri Kuroshio Market
After enjoying the vast nature of the Pacific Ocean and breathing in the fresh air, it's time to fill your stomach.
" Tosashimizu Fish Center Ashizuri Kuroshio Market" is a restaurant facing the sea where you can enjoy lunch while looking out at the sea. The most popular dish is "Shimizu Mackerel soup udon Bowl." Please enjoy the extremely fresh sashimi that you can only get here.
Recommended Accommodations in Tosashimizu City
There are several options for accommodation in this area, from hotels to guesthouses.
Choose the accommodation that best suits you based on your preferences.
The open-air bath at Ashizuri International Hotel offers a panoramic view of the majestic Pacific Ocean.
TheMana VIllage's open-air bath and suite room with compact kitchen
Day 2: Clear Waters and a Retro Townscape at Kashiwajima
On the second day, we drove about an hour from Tosashimizu City along the coast to Kashiwajima, a remote island on the westernmost tip of Shikoku.
Located at the southwestern tip of Otsuki Town, this small island has a circumference of about 4km and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Okinoshima and Uguru Island can be seen right in front of it.
Its crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reefs make it a popular spot for scuba diving and fishing. The townscape lined with guesthouses is somehow nostalgic and will make you feel at home.
Kashiwa-jima
〒788-0343 Kashiwajima, Otsuki-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi Prefecture
Kashiwajima has an emerald green sea with such high transparency that you can see a ship floating in the air.
Because it faces the waters where the Bungo Channel and the Kuroshio current collide, it is said to be home to 1/3 of the fish species found in the seas of Japan, making it one of the world's leading diving spots.
Learn the History and Legends at Enkoji
After enjoying Kashiwajima, we recommend stopping by light , located at the southwestern end of the Tosa Road. It is the 39th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and marks the finale of the pilgrimage.
The " Aka" in the temple grounds is a unique presence that originates from the legend that a red turtle appeared from Ryugu-jo Miyagi carrying a temple bell. In addition, the "Treasure Medical Water" named by Kobo Daishi is said to be effective against eye diseases, and many worshippers visit the temple.
At the end of your two-day trip, why not take the time to relax in the quiet temple grounds and experience the legends and prayers unique to Shikoku?
Get away from the city and take a relaxing trip to see the spectacular views
Kochi, Tosashimizu and Kashiwajima are full of valuable experiences and attractions that allow you to encounter the "Hara Japanese landscape" that you cannot experience on the standard tourist routes. If you are planning to travel to Shikoku, be sure to add the spots introduced in this article to your travel options. I'm sure it will be a memorable trip.
The Hata region of Kochi Prefecture is located at the southwestern tip of Shikoku, and is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, facing Tosa Bay to the east and Bungo Channel to the west. It is made up of three cities, two towns, and one village: Hara Village. It is a natural powerhouse rich in blessings, including the nationally famous Shimanto River and Cape Ashizuri, the blessings of the Kuroshio Current that flows along the coast, and the blessings of mountains that boast the largest area of forests in the country.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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