Visit Wakayama The Official
Wakayama Travel Guide

Susami Station is located around 25 kilometres down the coast on the Kisei Main Line from the beach resort of Shirahama. Begin your ride from Susami to explore Wakayama's southern tip.

Follow the road as it winds down the coast and through the mountains. Stop for refreshment in this modern coffee shop overlooking the ocean. The café is an ideal spot for a morning coffee—it opens at 11:00—or for a leisurely lunch.

The road continues to hug the coast as you ride down to this oceanside rest stop station. The facility has a large restaurant, a shop selling local produce, restroom facilities, and the only aquarium in Japan specialising in crabs and shrimps.

This marine park has a large aquarium housing a wide range of marine life from vibrantly coloured coral reef fish, sharks, rays, and a tank of sea turtles. Head to the Underwater Observation Tower to view fish in their natural habitat, and ride the glass-bottomed sightseeing boat further out into the ocean. The coral communities in the Kushimoto waters are registered under the Ramsar Convention.

After exploring the sea around Kushimoto, ride further down the coast to the southernmost point in Honshu—Japan's largest island. Climb up to magnificent views of the ocean at the top of the 120-year-old lighthouse, relax on the large lawn, and enjoy a bowl of rice topped with the highly regarded Kindai Maguro tuna sashimi.

From the cape area, cycle across the Kushimoto Bridge with its distinctive loop to the small islet of Kii-Oshima. Stop off at Pan to Cafe nagi. The bakery and café's extensive menu of pizza slices, bread and cakes use homemade wheat, local fruits and vegetables, and water from Kushimoto.

Ride back over the Kushimoto Bridge and follow the coastal road. Pedal through the town of Kushimoto to this stretch of otherworldly rocks set out at sea. The jagged and pointy formation appears like a bridge and is a popular spot for taking photographs.

Much more than just "shaved ice" as it is commonly translated, Kaki-gori is the quintessential Japanese summer dessert. Made from high-quality ice, the texture is smooth, almost creamy. The dessert can be customised with syrups, and, depending on the store, fresh fruit.

Around five kilometres further up the coast from Hashigui-iwa Rock is the town of Koza. The Kozagawa River that runs through the town and deeper into the mountains is known for its emerald green, crystal clear water. In summer, head down to the water's edge and cool off in the river. Don't forget your towel.

Follow Route 43 into the mountains to reach Takinohai—a waterfall and bedrock river channel. Jagged and pockmarked with numerous potholes, it makes for an impressive sight. The water is so clear that fish are visible in the fast flowing water.

Ride the winding mountain paths back down towards Route 371, and continue along this larger road to discover the Ichimai-iwa Monolith. Sitting beside the Kozagawa River, this hulking rock is 100 meters high. The locals refer to it as Japan's Uluru.

Park your bike at the Michi-no-Eki rest stop station at the site of the monolith. The facility has a restaurant serving local food and a small shop selling local specialities.