Inaba Family Merchant House

This is the residence of the Inaba family that ran a successful business in Kumihama which prospered as a marine traffic hub after coming under direct control of the shogunate in the Edo era. Built 130 years ago, the main residence is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan and is open to visitors for free. At the 215-year-old Ginshosha, you can enjoy the famous botamochi rice cake while looking at the garden. You can also try making incense or pottery in the atelier renovated from a rice storehouse.

Kotohikihama Beach ～ Tateiwa Rock ～ Roadside Station Tenki Tenki Tango ～ Onaru Ancient Burial Mounds and Byobuiwa Rock / Tango Matsushima ～ Inuga Cape Trail ～ Kyoga Cape ～ Kozaki Observation Deck (Kamanyu Observation Deck)

Rent an e-bike at Yuhigaura-Kitsuonsen Station and go on a cycling tour around the geopark. Designated as a natural monument and scenic spot of Japan, Kotohikihama is known for its white sand beach that draws a gentle curve for 1.8 km.
The sand is dry and makes harp-like sounds when you walk on it on a sunny day because it contains few impurities. To preserve this environment, local volunteers clean the beach every day.

Head eastward on National Route 178 along the sea, and you will see the huge Tateiwa Rock standing on the sea. Having formed over 15 million years ago due to submarine volcanic activities, it is known for its rough surface with columnar joints. On the hill of Onari Ancient Burial Mounds on the east side, there is a legend that says Prince Maroko Shinno fought oni (Japanese demons) in Tango at the order of the emperor and trapped them inside the rock. It is said that their cries are still heard on nights with strong wind and waves.

♫ Shiho’s comment

Feel the earth’s heartbeat
The Tateiwa Rock looks more overwhelming in real life than in the picture! This huge monolith reminds me of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. Magma rose up from beneath the earth to 20 meters above ground. I can’t help but feel the earth’s energy!

Take a lunch break at Tenki Tenki Tango, the northernmost roadside station in Kyoto. Popular menu items include the seafood rice bowl (¥1,600 incl. tax) and sashimi set (¥1,400 incl. tax) made with locally produced Koshihikari rice and seafood from the Sea of Japan. Turban shells shimmered in soy sauce (¥780 incl. tax) and boiled turban shell livers (¥500 incl. tax), both made with turban shells from coastal waters, are also delicious.

A little further from the Tateiwa Rock, you will see the Byobuiwa Rock standing like a folding screen on the sea. It was formed by magma that entered the soft tuff stratum over 15 million years ago. The surrounding strata have since eroded to make the rock look as it is today. There is an observation deck along National Route 178.

As you cycle further on National Route 178 and pass through the Inugasaki Tunnel, beautiful scenery of Tango Matsushima with complex ria coastlines will unfold before you. The view of islands extending eastward resembles that of Matsushima, one of Japan’s three most scenic spots, after which the place was named.

Park your e-bike at the Tango Matsushima Observation Deck and head to the Inuga Cape Trail. After a 20-minute walk, you will come across a breathtaking view of a huge rock on the sea. The rock was named after its shape that resembles a dog lying down.

Head to Kyoga Cape, the northernmost cape of the Tango Peninsula and Kinki Region. From there, you will now head southward. The cape is surrounded by sheer cliffs with columnar joints. A white lighthouse was built in 1898 to help ships in this rough area. It is designated as a heritage of industrial modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Called the Kamaya coastline, the coastline from Kyoto Cape to Kozaki offers a breathtaking view. Take a break at the Kozaki Observation Deck and enjoy the magnificent view of the coastline. As the sun sets beautifully behind the Tango Peninsula, cycle for 60 minutes to Ine Bay where you will spend the night.

Boathouse tour by boat taxi ～ Walk around Ine

Start the second day with a walk around nostalgic Ine Bay. The boathouses of fishing families that surround the bay are designated as a preservation district for groups of traditional buildings. Boathouses are family houses with boat hangers. Local fishermen can guide you around the area on their boat (boat taxi: ¥1,000 incl. tax per person; at least two people required).

♫ shiho’s comment

Heart-warming town
Ine is a nostalgic town where you feel as if you are at your grandmother’s. Should I go fishing or play at the beach? Or should I explore the boathouses? I got excited like a child on summer vacation.

After getting off the boat taxi, cycle around the town by e-bike. Large baskets hanging from the houses to the sea (called mondori) are traps to attract fish with bony fish parts as baits. They give you a glimpse of life in the boathouses. You can also find cafes and seafood restaurants around the beach.

Kamiseya Village

Travel a little further to the Seya Highland to discover a beautiful rural scenery only few people know about. Go southward on National Route 178 from the boathouses in Ine, turn right at the Hamiguchi intersection, and go up Prefectural Route 621 and 75. A rural scenery will unfold before you, making you feel as if you have traveled through time. The rice terraces in Kamiseya Village offer spectacular views every season.

Amanohashidate Activity Center

Try marine activities if you come to Amanohashidate. SUP (stand up paddle boat) allows you to enjoy the peaceful view of Miyazu Bay while on water. Amanohashidate SUP costs ¥3,000 for adults (junior high school students and older) and ¥2,000 for children (elementary school students) (incl. tax). You must be at least six years old.

Pine forest ～ Chionji Temple ～ Amanohashidate Viewland

Cycle through Amanohashidate, a pine-covered bridge over the sea, by e-bike. Located on the other side of the bridge, Chionji Temple (freely accessible) was built in 904 at the order of Emperor Daigo. It is one of the three main shrines enshrining Manjushri in Japan.
Lastly go to the Amanohashidate Viewland Observation Deck to enjoy the view of Amanohashidate, known as the “flying dragon view”. There you can try the mata-nozoki, the custom of bending forward to view the scenery upside-down through your legs. After getting off the lift, you can return the e-bike at Amanohashidate Station and head home.