Wakayama Photo Library

The Charm of Shionomisaki Lies in Its "Wide-Open Emptiness"

When people think of Kumano, deep forests and stone-paved ancient trails often come to mind. A little further south from there lies Shionomisaki, located in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It's the southernmost cape of Honshu, jutting dramatically out into the Pacific Ocean.

In contrast to the ancient trails you walk wrapped in the forest's humid air, at Shionomisaki the sky and sea take center stage. With few obstructions in your view, just walking here puts your mind at ease. Stopping by at the end of your Kumano journey leaves you with just the right lingering impression.

Three Must-See Views at Shionomisaki

1. Grassy Hills and a Horizon That Looks Round

Atop the cape stretches a wide, open meadow of grass. The view opens up nearly 360 degrees, and on clear days the horizon seems to curve in a gentle arc. It's a place where you can honestly feel, "Ah, the earth really is round."

The grassy field is a corridor for the wind. You can spread out a leisure sheet and relax, or simply stand and listen to the sound of the wind—either is plenty enjoyable.

2. A Seaside Scene with a White Lighthouse

On the cape stands a lighthouse that has long watched over the safety of ships. The combination of blue sea and white lighthouse is popular with photographers. Whether you can tour the inside of the lighthouse, and the hours it's open, can change by season, so it's a good idea to check the official information before you visit.

3. Rugged Rocks and the Kuroshio Sea

Around the cape, waves crash against rocky shores and cliffs. The color of the sea, influenced by the Kuroshio Current, shifts with the weather and time of day. Some footing is unstable, so avoid pushing into areas without fences or onto rocks—put safety first as you take in the view.

A Half-Day Stroll Around Kushimoto

For Shionomisaki alone, half a day is plenty, even at a leisurely pace. If you have more time, we recommend connecting it with the classic spots in the Kushimoto area.

A car is the most convenient way to get around, but if you're using public transportation, services can be limited. Check return times in advance and plan with plenty of buffer.

Things to Know Before You Visit

Dress with the Wind in Mind

Since the cape has nothing to block the wind, strong-wind days are common. Even in summer, a light layer is reassuring. Hats are easily blown off, so bring one with a chin strap or keep it in your bag. There's little shade from trees to block the sun, so sunscreen and sunglasses come in handy.

Make the Weather and Time of Day Work for You

Since the appeal here is the vastness of the sky, you'll want to check the forecast the day before and the morning of your visit. Low-angle light in the morning and evening makes both the sea and the grass look beautiful. However, footing gets harder to see after dark, so be cautious about moving around after sunset.

To Round Off Your Kumano Journey

The stillness of the forest you walked through on the ancient trails, and the openness of the sea you feel at Shionomisaki. Experiencing these two back to back brings the depth of the land of Kumano into clearer focus. To stand at the southernmost tip of Honshu with the same feet that walked the paths of prayer—a journey arranged like that is sure to stay in your memory.

*Facility hours, fees, and transportation schedules are subject to change. Please check the latest official information before heading out.*

Image: 和歌山フォトライブラリー (via 和歌山フォトライブラリー)