A one-day gourmet trip in HigashiKishu area! Enjoy local gourmet food while getting in touch with nature ♪

KumanoCity rich in nature surrounded by the sea and mountains. It is also an attractive spot in terms of history and culture, including the world heritage sites ``Kumano Kodo,'' ` Onigajo,'' and `` Hana-no-Iwaya'' as well as `` MaruyamaSenmaida,'' which was selected as one of Japan's top 100 rice terraces. The first place I visited was Onigajo Center, located at the entrance to KumanoCity.

The shop on the first floor sells specialty products and traditional crafts under the themes of "know," "feel," and "taste." The “Nachi Kuroishi” corner, a natural stone that can only be found in KumanoCity, is so cool! There are many types, such as beckoning cats and owls.

At the cafe, where you can relax while looking out at the ocean, the popular soft-serve ice cream made with Niihime, a citrus fruit found in Kumano. Its selling point is its moderate sourness, making it popular among a wide range of generations!

[Onigajo Center]
Address 1835-7 Kimotocho KumanoCity
Phone number 0597-89-1502
Business hours 9:00-17:00
Closed: Open all year round

"Onigajo" is a short walk from "Onigajo Center". You will be overwhelmed by the magnificent scenery! No wonder it has become a world heritage site.

One of the highlights is Senjojiki, located at the east exit, which is a large rock cave with two levels, upper and lower. You can feel the mystery of nature.

Walking along the coastline while looking out at the ocean is refreshing. It will soothe your daily fatigue.

While carefully observing the rock wall, I discovered a heart-shaped pattern! If you can find it, something good might happen.

The promenade from the parking lot to Matsumoto Pass on the Kumano Kodo is lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring. It's a beautiful sight that you'll want to capture on camera!

[Onigajo]
AddressKimotocho KumanoCity
Phone number 0597-89-4111 (KumanoCity Tourism and Sports Exchange Division)

Seeing a part of the World Heritage Site with my own eyes made me realize how important it is to experience life. Next, let's go find some delicious food in this town!

About 5 minutes drive. A shop with a cute exterior... "MORI no BAUM" is a Baumkuchen specialty store.

This shop is particular about not selling the oysters on the day they are baked, saying, ``If you let them sit for a day or two, the flavor will mature and become more delicious.'' A wide variety of Baumkuchen are lined up in the store's showcase.

The ``moist'' dough is made with a lot of time and effort, and has a gentle taste.
I was also happy with the kind response from the staff! Get excited about your trip at your first Baumkuchen specialty store!

[MORI no BAUM]
Address 155-1 Kimotocho KumanoCity
Phone number 0597-89-5575
Business hours 9:00-18:00
Closed Tuesdays, 4th Monday of the month

About 3 minutes walk from "MORI no BAUM". Go to Kumano Kodo Omotenashikan, located on Honmachi-dori, the old road in KumanoCity.

The building, which is a renovated old folk house, has tourist information and a souvenir sales corner, and can also be used as a rest area. Having a guide like this would be very helpful.

The ``100% mandarin orange juice'' from ``Yumekobo Kumano'' that was served at IseShimaSummit is popular. The stylish “Kumano Kodo Mesh Cap” is also recommended as a memento of your trip!

[Kumano Kodo Hospitality Center]
Address 204 Kimotocho KumanoCity
Phone number 0597-70-1231
Business hours 9:00-17:00
Closed on Mondays, New Year holidays

As the sun began to set, I headed to my last shop, Ubutado Kumanoshi Ekimae branch. The shop has even won the Minister of Health and Welfare Award, which is the first place in the National Tourism Souvenir Review Board. That's great!

There are many sweets made with special care, such as using only domestically produced flour and red beans. There are many unique sweets that you won't find at other sweets shops, so they're perfect for souvenirs!

The popular product ``Kumano Citrus Amanatsu Orangette'' is a creative sweet that coats citrus peel with chocolate. The stylish packaging is also great!

Aun, a Japanese sweet that goes well with beer, is popular among men who like alcohol. It is not sweet and has a "new texture" that is between a manju and a cookie!

It is made with Koshihikari rice from Kumano and Wasanbon sugar, and has a ``horori'' finish that is delicious!

[Ubutado Kumanoshi Station Store]
Address 644 Idocho KumanoCity
TEL 0597-89-3168
Business hours 8:30-18:30
Closed on Wednesday

It was a day where we enjoyed food as well as a special spot called a World Heritage Site. With the opening of the Kisei Expressway and Kumano-Owase Road, Kumano has become easier to access from Nagoya and Osaka. A trip to this town is highly recommended!

*Information as of March 2017. Dates, prices, etc. may have changed, so please check with your contact information before going out.