Daiozaki is located in Nakiri, Daio-cho, ShimaCity, at the tip of the Shima Peninsula, and is a protruding cape that divides the Enshu Sea and the Kumano Sea.

It is also known as the ``picture town'' because many artists have visited the area to admire the chalk-white Daiosaki Lighthouse on the cape, the deep blue sea, and the quaint cobblestone slopes. .

Now, let's explore the charm of Daiozaki!

The person we will be introducing this time is Yuumi Kato, who represented Mie Prefecture in the 2018 Miss Universe contest and even won as a representative from Japan!

①Daiosaki Lighthouse

First, we arrived at Daiozaki Lighthouse, the symbol of Daiozaki!

It is one of only 16 "climbing lighthouses" in the country, and was designated as a national registered tangible cultural property in 2013.

In fact, it has been certified as a “lighthouse in love” ♡

It plays two roles: as a guidepost to protect the safety of the sea, and as a sightseeing spot (visiting lighthouse).

As you climb the long stairs, you can enjoy a spectacular view from a height of about 45 meters.

"It's such a beautiful view...I want to see it forever," Kato said, captivated by the magnificent scenery.

When the air is clear, you can even see Mt. Fuji! !

On the wall near Daiozaki Lighthouse, there was wall art in honor of the city of drawing!

The wall art shown in this photo seems to have the theme of "pearls and nature conservation." (Written by Tomu Nagai, a picture book author and illustrator)

Colorful walls make it exciting and fun to walk around♪

In addition to this, there were some cute wall art!

We also recommend taking a photo in front of your favorite art☆

②Nakiri Shrine

It takes about 5 minutes to walk towards the back from Daiosaki Lighthouse.

Next, head to Nakiri Shrine.

At Nakiri Shrine, there is a legend about a giant man called ``Dandarabotchi.''

It is said that this Dandarabocchi came to the village and caused trouble for the villagers by doing bad things.

Nakiri is also a town that suffers a lot of damage from typhoons, so it is said that the town was awed by the threat of nature, and this myth was passed down through the idea of Dandarabocchi being the embodiment of a typhoon.

This may be unique to Daio Town's Nakiri district, where nature is close by.

As you go inside Nakiri Shrine, you will see a circular hollowed-out lantern.

According to the people at the shrine, ``People say that this lantern may have been made in the image of Dandarabotchi.''

Certainly, it's an impressive lantern with a design you don't often see. .

In the Dandarabotchi myth, there is also a story that the villagers made a large straw sandal to drive Dandarabotchi away and floated it towards Daiojima, where the big man lived.

In connection with this "Great Waraji", there is also a traditional festival that has been going on for over 300 years called the "Waraji Festival". (Monkey Day in September every year)

It is a festival where large straw sandals are pulled to the beach and floated out to sea to pray for safety at sea and a big catch.

Furthermore, at Nakiri Shrine, heart-shaped stones are scattered around the grounds, with wishes for "good encounters" and "convergence of the new coronavirus infection" ♡

"I want to find it! It seems like it's around here..." Kato said as he searched for the heart.

“There it is! I’m so happy♡”

The heart has "Nakiri" written in hiragana.

It seems that each person will take home one heart.

It makes you feel warm and happy♪

*Since hearts are scattered around the shrine grounds irregularly, there may be no hearts depending on the time of year.

③More than 10 stores in Daiozaki alone! "Pearl" store

One of the characteristics of the town is that there are many pearl jewelry shops around Daiozaki.

I counted over 10 stores while walking down the street.

ShimaCity is a region where pearl farming is popular, so it's great to be able to listen to specialized stories unique to the production area at each shop.

Mr. Kato stopped by ``Pearl Shop Ryugu''.

I find myself thinking things like, ``This necklace is really nice,'' or ``The brooch I saw at the store earlier was also really nice.''

In addition, this ``Pearl Store Arahuramaru'' sells ``shell buttons'' made by hollowing out seashells.

Apparently, these shell buttons are no longer manufactured.

The remaining items are valuable.

You will fall in love with the glittering shell buttons that reflect the light.

Daiozaki is also known as the ``stonemason town.''

The atmospheric stone steps and stone walls that you can see as you walk through the town are also a highlight.

④ “KatsuoNoTempaku” where you can experience the food culture of Daiozaki

The `` KatsuoNoTempaku Koya'' of ``Katsuo no Tempaku'' is located in Nakiri, Daio Town.

According to the fourth generation president, ``The bonito ibushi hut itself was built in 1945, but the bonito flakes themselves seem to have been made for much longer.''

You can take a tour (reservation required) of the historic ``Katsuo Ibushi Hut''.

Of course, at the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy bonito flakes in a very delicious way♪

*Fee is 2,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for junior high school students, and 1,000 yen for elementary school students (tax included)

Mr. Kato also participated in the tour!

On the tour, you can learn not only about the special manufacturing method of bonito flakes, but also about its history and culture.

Since ancient times, the Nakiri district of Daio Town has been a major producer of bonito flakes, which are one of the offerings and offerings to the gods at IseJingu Grand Shrine.

However, it seems that there are only three ``bonito flakes'' producers left in Nakiri today.

Among these, we continue to produce `` KatsuoNoTempaku'' using the traditional ``hand volcano'' method.

Mr. Kato also smiled as he heard the president's humorous talk about bonito flakes.

I'm curious as to what kind of story you'll hear♪

``The manufacturing method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but we place great importance on preserving age-old traditions,'' says the company president.

After learning a lot about the history and culture of bonito flakes, it's finally time for tasting.

You'll be happy to see, hear, smell, and actually taste the charm of bonito flakes to your heart's content!

Mr. Kato was impressed when he tried the Ichiban Dashi and said, ``The aroma and umami are amazing! You can tell that it has been thoroughly smoked!''

``I study about body building on a daily basis, and one thing I learned is that for Japanese people, ``dashi'' is important.If you have an exceptionally delicious bonito flakes soup stock, it will increase your motivation to build your body. !”

At the end of the tour, you can enjoy ``okakagohan''.

Enjoy the rice cooked in an Iga-Yaki earthenware pot, sprinkled with freshly shaved fragrant bonito flakes, and enjoy!

In fact, this rice bowl has been praised by famous Michelin chefs from all over the world.

In fact, when a chef came to visit Ibushigoya, he was so impressed that he ordered a second helping many times, which led him to start using ` KatsuoNoTempaku Tempaku'' in his restaurant. The president told us about an incident.

It's amazing how `` KatsuoNoTempaku'' has gained fans around the world.

① Enjoy the scenery of Ago Bay! Miyako Resort Okushima Aqua Forest

The appeal of Miyako Resort Okushima Aqua Forest is that you can relax in your room while enjoying the spectacular view of Ago Bay that stretches out in front of you.

This room is a suite called "Aqua Vista."

It is located on the 7th floor, the top floor of the hotel, and the suites were apparently renovated in July 2020.

``The view of Ago Bay from the large windows is really beautiful. It's soothing,'' Kato said, enchanted.

<Astronomical observation>

Miyako Resort Okushima Aqua Forest is equipped with a large-scale astronomical telescope, allowing you to closely observe Shima's beautiful starry sky.

The stars that can be observed change depending on the season, so you can enjoy it by saying, ``Last time I came in winter, so this time I'll go and observe the constellations in summer.''

*Opening hours are 19:00-21:00. Free for hotel guests. Closed in case of bad weather.

<Dinner buffet>

A dinner buffet where you can enjoy seafood unique to Ise-Shima, Ise's local dishes such as tekone sushi and Ise-Udon.

What should I eat? I'm confused.

*Prices are 4,840 yen for adults, 3,390 yen for children, and 2,600 yen for infants (tax and service charge included)

Prices vary depending on the year-end and New Year holidays and seasons.

For more information, please contact Miyako Resort Okushima Aqua Forest.

②If you want to see the sunset, this is the place! Kirigaki Observatory

About a 5-minute drive from Miyako Resort Okushima Aqua Forest, you will arrive at Kirigaki Observation Deck, which is a famous spot for sunset views.

The sight of the sun setting over Ago Bay, which boasts one of the most beautiful ria coastlines in Japan, is mesmerizing.

``All the spots I visited on this trip were wonderful♪I realized that Daio-cho in ShimaCity has a lot of charm!I would like everyone to visit,'' says Kato. .

Please come and visit Daio-cho ShimaCity where you can enjoy picturesque and beautiful scenery.