From world heritage sites to unknown local attractions! Let's experience the nature of HigashiKishu!

HigashiKishu region is blessed with the natural beauty of the sea, mountains, and rivers.
In addition to the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site, HigashiKishu region has many other spots that you can experience and enjoy.

From the many experience menus, choose Tategasaki Sea Cruise first!
Tategasaki sightseeing cruise is a recommended experience that has been attracting attention in recent years, and allows you to enjoy the spectacular view of the strangely shaped and gigantic rocks that are unique to the ria coast of the Kumano Sea.

*Advance reservation required. Please contact the facility directly to make your reservation!

What I experienced this time was the first time for my family to go to Tategasaki ♩
There are two routes for Tategasaki Maritime Sightseeing, and this time we will depart from the Nikishima Port departure and arrival route!
When you arrive at Nikishima fishing port, put on a life jacket and board the fishing boat ♩

“What kind of scenery will we see?” The whole family is looking forward to it!

In just a few minutes, you can admire the peaceful fishing village, the red sea bream and tuna farms, and the way people live.

What caught my eye was a spectacular view that could be called a sculpture of nature!
A view of columnar rock formations spread out in front of me!
These columnar joints are said to have been formed long ago when lava solidified and cooled, and are said to be the remains of a time when volcanic activity was active.

Next, we headed to Tategasaki, which boasts the largest columnar joint in Japan.
It is truly a piece of natural art carved by the rough waves of the Kumano Sea!

The family is also gazing at the impressive cliff!

We were also introduced to other spots where you can see columnar joints!
This spectacular view of the beautiful 140m high cliffs combined with the marine blue color can only be seen from a sightseeing boat.

Next, I would like to introduce you to the recommended Gama no Kuchi! ” said the captain of the Maruhisa ferry. Gama is a cave formed in a rocky area. The Blue Cave (also known as Gama no Mouth), with its deep blue water surface, is known as a scenic spot, but he also showed us around Gama no Mouth, which is only known to the locals! I'm excited as I move forward.

As we progressed through the ocean, we discovered a cave with a gaping hole in the rock wall!

When you enter, you will see a very beautiful blue sea!

The children have never seen such a blue sea! His eyes were shining!

It also has an impressive cattail mouth that seems to be rejecting anything that comes its way!

This is Kumano's famous "Blue Cave" called Gama no Kuchi.
On sunny days, it is dyed an emerald green color and it is said that you can experience a mystical space. How deep you can go into the cave depends on the tide, so it's also an exciting experience!

I was guided around the mouths of various cattails, and I was able to enjoy it as if I were exploring!

``I want many people to see Kumano's nature and the impressive cliffs and experience the excitement,'' said the captain. It seems that these fishing boat tours have been going on for about 20 years, and have continued to convey Kumano's natural charms for many years. Thank you for guiding me today!

A very satisfied family who was able to enjoy the spectacular view of Kumano!
We were able to have a lot of fun for about an hour and a half, including being shown around courses unique to the local area!

<Departing from Nikishima Port>
Only 1 person on board: Consultation required
2 people on board: 3,000 yen/person
3 people on board: 3,000 yen/person
4 people on board: 2,500 yen/person
5 or more people: 2,000 yen/person
Dwarf: 1,000 yen/person
*Minimum flight fee for 5 or more people: 10,000 yen
Currently, as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus, we are holding one group at a time and disinfecting our hands.



HigashiKishu area is full of other recommended experience menus!
We will introduce some popular experiences!

trolley train

You can enjoy a retro journey of about 10 minutes by riding a mining trolley train through the approximately 1 km long mine tunnel that connects Iruka Onsen and Yunoguchi Onsen.


↓Click here for the interview report↓
In search of a “secret hot spring” known only to those in the know, head to “Yunokuchi Onsen”! Take a retro hot spring trip on a trolley train

Sanma sushi/ Mehari-sushi making experience

This is an experience where you can learn how to make Kumano's specialty saury sushi Mehari-sushi while learning from a local food store employee, and then try it yourself.

Orange harvest experience/Blueberry harvest experience

In autumn, enjoy all-you-can-eat unshu mandarin oranges grown in Kumano, a large mandarin orange producing area!
You can also enjoy blueberry harvest in summer.

↓Click here for the interview report↓
Pick mandarin oranges at Kanayama Pilot Farm, Kumano's mandarin orange growing area! We also recommend the direct sales store where you can find seasonal mandarin oranges♪

Make your own chopsticks

Experience making your own chopsticks, the only one in the world, using thinned Owase Hinoki wood. By carrying and using it, you can use it as an opportunity to increase your interest in nature, the environment, local industry, and food!

Owase Therapist Miki Pass/Ugo Pass (Kumano Kodo)

It is a mountain pass with a great view of the sea through the trees. Health walking in Owase skillfully utilizes the natural environment, providing sunlight filtering through the trees and the cooling stimulation of wind and water, making it ideal for both mental and physical health and healing.

Sea kayak/SUP

Let's go to the sea with a paddle! Let's enjoy the great nature in KihokuTown!

Waterfall ducky experience

``Taki Ducky'' where you can ride a ducky and be hit by a waterfall
This is an activity only found here in Japan!

↓Click here for the interview report↓
You are bound to scream! A thrilling adventure where you can bathe in a waterfall! I had a unique experience at Taki Ducky.

Tent sauna experience

The much talked about Finnish style "tent sauna". A waterfall basin with excellent water quality serves as a cold bath, creating the ultimate "toto" environment where you can bathe in the open air in the midst of nature. You can adjust the temperature and humidity by self-rolling (sprinkling water on the stones yourself), so even those who don't like hot saunas can rest assured.

↓Click here for the interview report↓
A sacred place for tent saunas! First in Japan, maybe the first in the world? Tomorrow at the waterfall basin, tent sauna experience at Hisetsu-no-takiFalls

*Each experience has its own timing, so please check the website (URL) of the HigashiKishu Regional Promotion Corporation for details.

Just from the things I've introduced in this article, you should know that there are countless attractive experience spots in HigashiKishu!

However, when there are too many attractions, it can be difficult to find one, which can be frustrating. In such a case, I would like to introduce you to a reassuring website ♪

​Feel the heartbeat of the new site blue. HigashiKishu Tourism Handbook

On this site, menus that can be experienced in HigashiKishu (5 areas: OwaseCity, KumanoCity, KihokuTown, MihamaTown, and KihoTown) are compiled in one place.

Experience menus lined up on the homepage! There are about 100 types!
It is said that it will be updated from time to time, so please check it out when you go to HigashiKishu!
*For reservations and inquiries, please contact the experience menu provider directly.

“HigashiKishu region offers a variety of experiences, including the world heritage site Kumano Kodo and other experiences that take advantage of the warm, rich nature of the sea, mountains, and rivers, as well as manufacturing, so please come and visit us!” Mr. Ito of HigashiKishu Regional Promotion Corporation said this.

I wonder what experience I should try next...I want to start planning my next trip right away!


HigashiKishu Regional Promotion Corporation
HigashiKishu Regional Promotion Corporation was established by the prefecture and the five municipalities HigashiKishu to revitalize HigashiKishu region, and is working on tourism promotion, industrial development, and regional revitalization.

Kihoku Office
Address: Kihoku Office OwaseCity 519-3666
Phone number/0597-23-378

Kinan Office
Address: Kinan Office, KumanoCity, 519-4393
Phone number/0597-89-6172
Official URL／https://kumanokodo-iseji.jp/