Don't you think the sea is only for summer?
It's true that the sea in summer is the best, but I feel that the sea in winter has a different, adult glow than in summer. It's not as crowded as it is during the swimming season, and on clear, sunny days, you can see a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji.
Therefore.
We looked for a comfortable driving route that runs around the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula, centering on Misaki, which is popular for tuna. Why not enjoy an exhilarating drive while praying for good luck at power spots as well as cultural spots and gourmet food!
*All prices shown in this article include tax.
《Click here for this wandering trip route (car & bicycle)》
Today's drive started from the end of the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road, Umahori Kaigan IC. Suddenly, an exhilarating seaside drive begins!
Between the coastline and the prefectural road, there is a promenade that runs from JR Yokosuka Station to Kannonzaki, so you can feel refreshed even when driving on the expressway!
By the way, the storm surge protection wall in the Umahori Kaigan district (approximately 700m) is being used as an art gallery, ``Umikaze Gallery.''
At the end of the two-lane road that became one lane, you will see the parking lot for Verny Water, so let's stop by.
Hashirisui is Yokosuka City's only self-sufficient water source that can draw in approximately 2,000 tons of groundwater per day throughout the year. This spring water was discovered and drawn during the time of Francois Leonce Verny, a Frenchman who was invited to the Yokosuka Shipyard as a naval architect at the end of the Edo period, and the water is still being drawn from the spring without running out. It is said that this water carried onboard ships did not spoil even after crossing the equator.
*Currently, water at the water source is purified using filtration equipment and disinfected with chlorine in accordance with the Water Supply Act.
《Water of Verny》
[Address] 1-2-1 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka City
[Closed days] Open all year round (except during maintenance inspections, etc.)
*The official website can be viewed here .
Once you pass the entrance of Hashirimizu Municipal Elementary School, you will soon see the entrance to Hashirimizu Shrine. The road to the shrine is narrow, so drive slowly so you don't miss it.
The deities enshrined at Hashirimizu Shrine are Yamato Takeru no Mikoto and his wife, his younger brother Tachibana Hime no Mikoto.
Let us introduce you to the legend surrounding the founding of the shrine.
Takeru Takeru of Japan was ordered to go on an expedition to the east and came to this area with his younger brother Tachibana Hime no Mikoto, but they were unable to cross to Boso due to a huge storm. It is said that his younger brother, Tachibana Hime-no-Mikoto, saw this and immersed himself in the water to calm the sea god's anger and ensure safe voyages.
Due to the loving legend of her younger brother Tachibana Hime no Mikoto, in recent years Hashirimizu Shrine has been said to have the benefit of increasing feminine power.
When you climb the stone steps to the main shrine and look back, you'll see the bright blue sea! Unlike the legend, it is a very quiet and beautiful scenery.
Pay attention to the “Osagura” next to the Chozuya!
The sand stored here was brought in small boats from the Goshogasaki east coast, where the shrine of his younger brother Tachibana Hime no Mikoto once stood, and was arranged in a row, and it is said to be good for marriage. It seems that you can take a small amount home with you, and special sand bags can be shared at the shrine office.
《Hashimizu Shrine》
[Address] 2-12-5 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka City
[TEL] 046-844-4122
*The official website can be viewed here .
Further along the road along the coast, you will see the Yokosuka Museum of Art.
A perfect location, surrounded by the lush greenery of Kannonzaki Prefectural Park, with the sea spreading out in front of you. The interior of the hotel is also an open space where you can feel the natural environment.
The purpose of this day was to drive, so I decided to take a look at the art again...
《Yokosuka Museum of Art》
[Opening hours] 10:00-18:00
[Closed] Wednesdays, Thursdays
[Admission fee] Permanent exhibition/general: 310 yen, high school/university students/people over 65 years old: 210 yen, junior high school students and under: free Varies depending on the special exhibition/exhibition.
[Address] 4-1 Kamoi, Yokosuka City
[TEL] 046-845-1211
*The official website can be viewed here .
The restaurant ``Aqua Mare'' attached to the museum is an authentic restaurant produced by chef Yoshimi Hidaka of the Italian restaurant ``Aqua Pazza.'' You can also use the cafe, so we sat on the terrace and had a collaboration menu exclusive to the exhibition.
"Soda Dream" (650 yen) is named after "Rokuro Taniuchi <Weekly Shincho Cover Art> Exhibition: The Treasure of the Showa Era" which is being held until December 15, 2019 (Sunday). A refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail perfect for this day's weather. The original coaster was so nice that I received it without using it.
《Aquamare》
[Business hours] 10:00-20:00 / Lunch 11:00-15:00 (LO) / Dinner 17:00-20:00 (LO)
[Regular holiday] First Monday of every month (open if Monday is a holiday)
[Address] Yokosuka Museum of Art, 4-1 Kamoi, Yokosuka City
[TEL] 046-845-1260
*The official website can be viewed here .
When you leave the Yokosuka Museum of Art and turn left at the next traffic light, you will see the Kannonzaki Natural Museum. Surrounded by a rich forest of evergreen trees and the only rocky coastline in Tokyo Bay, Kannonzaki is a natural treasure trove where you can truly experience its diversity. In addition to researching and breeding rare creatures, the museum also holds many nature observation sessions and events for children.
《Kannonzaki Natural Museum》
[Opening hours] 9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
[Closed] Mondays (the next day if Monday is a holiday)
[Admission fee] Adults (16 years and older): 400 yen / High school students: 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen / Infants (4 years old and older): 100 yen *Free for children under 3 years old
[Address] 4-1120 Kamoi, Yokosuka City
[TEL] 046-841-1533
*The official website can be viewed here .
Godzilla first landed in Shibaura, Tokyo. However, there seems to be a scene in the movie where it is announced that ``Godzilla has been discovered in the sea 15 miles northeast of Kannonzaki, moving toward the northwest!'', and there is also a scene that says ``Godzilla's first landing was at Kannonzaki''. There were rumors that.
That's why there is a 1/10 scale footprint of the original Godzilla left next to the bus terminal behind the museum.
Kannonzaki Park, which is rich in nature, is perfect for enjoying a leisurely stroll while watching the ships passing by on the sea.
The gently curving coastline road is also comfortable to drive!
After driving along the road away from the sea for a while, turn left at the ``Uraga Ekimae'' signal. As I ran past Uraga Dog, I saw a small ferry. This is the ``Uraga Ferry'', which is also said to be the symbol of Uraga!
It has a long history, dating back to around 1725 as a way to travel between the towns of Uraga, which were separated by a port. There is no timetable, and when the ferry is on the opposite shore, you just press the call button and the ferry will come to pick you up.
《Uraga Ferry》
[Business hours] From around 7:00 to around 18:00
[Closed] December 31st to January 3rd *Closed during stormy weather or ship inspections
[Fee] Adults: 200 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen, Children under 1 year old: Free, Bicycles, etc.: 50 yen
[Address] Higashi Ferry Port: 2-19-10 Higashiuraga, Yokosuka City, Nishi Ferry Port: 1-2-19 Nishiuraga, Yokosuka City
*The official website can be viewed here .
Once you exit the JR Kurihama Station onto National Route 134, you will finally reach the Miura Coast.
The sea is a busy beach in the summer, but in the winter it's quiet and the endless sandy beach feels great!
And something strange... What is that?
Yes, this is ``dried radish'', a winter tradition on the Miura coast.
This is the process of drying daikon radish to make Takwan, a specialty of Miura City, and it is also a spectacular sight that has been selected as a Miura Landscape Asset!
It is said that daikon radish dried in the sun on the coast retains its flavor and makes delicious takwan.
I wanted to drive along the coastline a little more, so at the "Miura Kaigan" traffic light, I turned left onto Prefectural Route 215.
From here on, the scenery is completely different from the open Miura coastline, and you will be driving on a road with many ups and downs, alternating between small fishing ports and hills. The road is basically one lane in each direction with a center line, but the road is narrow in many places, so please be careful when driving.
There are apparently three tidal flats on the Miura Peninsula, and one of them, the Ena Bay Tidal Flat, came into view.
The reed communities that grow on both sides of the three small rivers are a treasure trove of creatures that live in the crab family. Migratory birds also come here from autumn to winter.
When you get to the top of the hill, the view opens up and you can see Mt. Fuji beyond the spacious fields!
yeah? It tends to be hazy, so it's a little hard to see in the image...
but it's okay. As the weather gets colder, the air will become clearer, so the chances of seeing Mt. Fuji will definitely increase. The Mt. Fuji you encounter in Miura looks surprisingly large and majestic, so don't be surprised if it suddenly appears!
One of the attractions of the scenery at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula is the vastness of the sky.
This place is near the "Tsurugisaki" bus stop. On clear days, you can see the Boso Peninsula across Tokyo Bay beyond the endless radish fields.
If you go down the steep slope that passes under Jogashima Ohashi Bridge, Misaki Fishing Port is just around the corner.
When you arrive at Misaki Fishing Port, the first thing you need to do is eat your fill.
Misaki boasts one of the largest tuna catches in Japan, so there are many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious tuna dishes. After much deliberation, I decided to go to the Fish Market Restaurant located at the Misaki Fisheries Regional Wholesale Market in Miura City.
The restaurant is located on the second floor of the wholesale market, so you can enjoy freshly purchased and freshly cut fish. Of course, you can also enjoy fresh seafood other than tuna...
First up is the classic ``tuna red meat pickled rice bowl'' (1,430 yen). It's a happy meal with plenty of lean tuna marinated in a special aged sauce and crab miso soup.
If you're feeling a little greedy, we also recommend the ``Daily Sashimi and Grilled Fish Set Meal'' (1,650 yen). The grilled fish of the day was salt-grilled tuna kama. It's voluminous and fills you up!
《Misaki Fish Market Restaurant》
[Business hours] Weekdays 6:00-15:00 (14:30LO), Saturdays and holidays 6:00-16:00 (15:30LO), Sundays 5:00-16:00 (15:30LO) *Preparation Closed from 10:00 to 11:00
[Closed] Wednesday
[Address] 2nd floor, Misaki Fisheries Regional Wholesale Market, Miura City, 5-245-7 Misaki, Miura City
[TEL] 046-876-6022
From here on, I parked my car in a public parking lot and took a walk around Misaki town.
You can easily explore the area on foot, but if you have an ambition to cross the Jogashima Ohashi Bridge, try renting a bicycle. The reception is located on the port side of "Urari Marche" next to the public parking lot.
In addition to Urari Marche, ``Miura Bicycle Rental'' has ports at Misakiguchi Station, Miura Kaigan Station, Jogashima, and Aburatsubo, so it is very convenient to drop off your bicycle. Since it is an electric assist bicycle, you can easily climb up hills.
*Advance reservations are recommended on holidays.
《Miura Rental Bicycle/Urari Port》
[Business hours] 9:00-17:00
[Closed days] Open all year round
[Address] Inside Urari Marche, 5-3-1 Misaki, Miura City
[Telephone number] 046-881-6721
[Fee] 1 day use: 1,600 yen, 3 hours use: 900 yen, extension fee: 300 yen (per hour), drop off fee: 500 yen
*The official website can be viewed here .
First, let's say hello to Kainan Shrine. This is a historic shrine that is said to have been built in the early Heian period, and on the grounds there is an 800-year-old ginkgo tree that is said to have been hand-planted by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
There is a legend that ``Kainan'' = ``Difficulty'', and many people visit here in hopes of receiving blessings for academic success and passing exams.
I found "Misaki tuna fortune" in front of the main shrine!
The idea is to catch tuna using a toy fishing rod, and the first fish fee is 300 yen. The tuna paper mache is perfect as a souvenir.
By the way, the fortune I caught was "Daikichi".
《Kainan Shrine》
[Address] 4-12-11 Misaki, Miura City
[TEL] 046-881-3038
*The official website can be viewed here .
After visiting the shrine, I stopped by Chakki Rako Misaki Showakan in the downtown area.
Housed in a storehouse-style merchant house that has been in operation since the end of the Edo period, the museum exhibits materials on Misaki's traditional performing art ``Chakkirako,'' as well as nostalgic scenes from the Showa era.
The exhibits change seasonally, but are filled with items that are nostalgic for a certain generation, such as cathode ray tube televisions and tea tables, and new everyday tools for young people.
《Chakki Raco Misaki Showakan》
[Opening hours] 10:00-16:00
[Closed] Wednesdays and Thursdays
[Price] Free
[Address] 2-11-3 Misaki, Miura City
[TEL] 046-882-3156
*The official website can be viewed here .
After a leisurely ride through the downtown area of Misaki, head up the steep slope towards Jogashima.
The Jogashima Ohashi Bridge, which crosses over to Jogashima, requires a toll for cars, but is free for bicycles and pedestrians. What's more, there's an added bonus of being able to enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the bridge!
Unfortunately, it was foggy at this time, so I couldn't see it in the image, but I could see Mt. Fuji beyond Misaki Wholesale Market.
After crossing the bridge, go straight down the hill and visit the Hakushu Memorial Hall at the foot of the bridge.
Hakushu Kitahara, a poet known for writing lyrics such as ``Machiboke,'' moved to Misaki at the age of 27. It seems that Hakushu only stayed for about 10 months, but the warm climate of Misaki seems to have been deeply ingrained in Hakushu's heart.
The poem monument erected below the Hakushu Memorial Hall has a passage from ``Jogashima no Ame'' engraved in Hakushu's handwriting. It is said that there are more than 60 monuments of Hakushu's poems across the country, but it is said that there are only two places where Hakushu gave permission for the monuments to be erected during his lifetime, and where he himself wrote the inscriptions: here and at Mitoji Temple (Shiraishi-cho, Miura City). .
《Hakushu Memorial Hall》
[Opening hours] 10:00-16:00
[Closed days] Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays, and other days determined by the Miura City Board of Education
[Price] Free
[Address] 374 Jogashima, Miura City
[TEL] 046-881-6414
*The official website can be viewed here .
If you're a little tired from going back and forth to Jogashima Ohashi Bridge, take a break at Misaki Donuts in the Misaki Ginza Dori shopping street.
It is now a popular store with branches in Zushi, Kamakura, and Hayama, but its main store is, of course, Misaki.
More than 20 types of donuts are lined up in the showcase, including daily specials and seasonal limited edition items! The dough, which is made by adding soy milk to flour and eggs, and the filling are all handmade. The chewy and fluffy texture created using bread-making techniques will fill you with a happy feeling with every bite.
The restaurant is a renovated 80-year-old traditional house and has a very relaxing atmosphere. There is also a large table seat on the second floor, so it is recommended for a relaxing cafe time.
《Misaki Donuts Misaki Main Store》
[Business hours] Weekdays 11:00-17:00/Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-18:00
[Regular holiday] Wednesday *Excluding busy seasons such as spring break, Golden Week, summer vacation, year-end and New Year holidays, etc.
[Address] 3-3-4 Misaki, Miura City
[TEL] 046-895-2410
*The official website can be viewed here .
A resort-like lawn, tropical-style trees, and exotic buildings. Kaze Kobo is a resort craft facility where you can experience a variety of "manufacturing" such as pottery, glass crafts, and vegetable dyeing.
Basically, the workshop is free to tour. On weekends, each classroom holds a one-day trial course, so why not find a craft that interests you and go out?
This is a glass workshop. In the one-day experience, you can try glassblowing, sandblasting, dragonfly beads, etc. (Reservation required)
At the pottery workshop, you can experience both pottery on the potter's wheel and hand-made pottery. (Reservation required)
On the day I visited, the teacher was kneading the soil. The work requires a lot of strength, so for the one-day trial course, the teacher will prepare soil that has been kneaded in advance.
《Kaze Kobo》
[Business hours] 10:00-17:00
[Closed on] Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open on holidays)
[Address] 1893 Misakicho, Miura City
[TEL] 046-874-5617
*The official website can be viewed here .
The sun is about to set, so let's hurry to the next spot.
The last place I visited that day was Nagai Uminote Park (Soleil Hill).
The vast grounds feature a variety of attractions such as go-carts and a Ferris wheel, events using a water stage, and craft experience classes, as well as facilities such as a farm where you can experience harvesting, a barbecue area, an auto campground, and a restaurant. is fulfilling. It's a place where everyone from children to adults, families, couples, and groups can have as much fun as they want.
There are so many things to do in the park that you won't be able to see it all in one day, but on this day it was almost dusk. The sun is about to set behind the vast hills. Still, I wanted to visit Soleil Hill because there is a spectacular view point at sunset!
The highlight is "Hoshimi no Oka" next to the auto campsite. It is today's most spectacular spot where you can see Izu Oshima and Mt. Fuji across the majestic ocean. Mt. Fuji was often hazy and difficult to see clearly, but the silhouette of the evening view stands out beautifully.
Then, the bright red sun sets next to Izu Oshima.
From here it is approximately 4 km and 10 minutes to the Hayashi IC on the Miura Jukan Expressway. I realized once again how convenient it is to be so close to Yokohama. However, it was a secret that I decided to stay the night there next time because I could smell the delicious barbecue smell coming from the campsite next door.
By the way, there are bungalows and hot bath facilities, so even those who are not very good at outdoor activities can rest assured!
*The campground will be closed for the winter from December 2019 to February 2020, but there will be special operations during some periods. Please check the website for details.
《Soleil Hill》
[Business hours] (March to November) 9:00 to 18:00 / (December to February) 9:30 to 17:00 *Hot bath facility "Umi to Sunset Bath" 10:00 to 21:00 (last Admission time 20:30)
[Closed days] Open all year round
[Admission fee] Free *Parking fee (regular car 1,000 yen)
[Address] Yokosuka Nagai 4
[TEL] 046-857-2500
*The official website can be viewed here .
