//
Town in Kansai, Japan
Photo: (WT-en) Lit1981 at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Kushimoto (串本町 Kushimoto-chō) is a small coastal town in Wakayama Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. It is a useful base for exploring and enjoying the activities of the prefecture's extreme south. In relation, the town sits on the southernmost point of Japan's main island of Honshu, which serves as tourist attraction itself.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
橋杭岩
A legendary set of rock formations that stretch out sea for about 850 meters, and is pretty much ingrained into the town's identity to both locals and visitors.
トルコ記念館
As the signs outside Kushimoto JR Station proclaim, Kushimoto is the official "Town of Japanese-Turkish Friendship." This proud history began in 1890, when the Turkish frigate Ertugrul crashed on the rocks off O-shima Island during a typhoon, after visiting Yokohama to conduct talks between the rising Empire of Japan and the declining Ottoman Empire. The museum is small and its information is only in Turkish and Japanese, but there is a good collection of artifacts and photographs and from an outdoor terrace, you can see the rock which sent more than 500 Turkish sailors to a watery grave. Don't miss the nearby Turkish souvenir stand, which serves delicious Turkish ice cream!
日米修交記念館 Nichibei Shūkō Kinenkan
A museum commemorating the first actual arrival of an American ship in Japan—the USS Lady Washington in 1791—taking place decades before Commander Perry's more famed 19th-century landing. Also houses a small collection of memorabilia of the town's American Sister City (Hemet, California). Exhibits have English-language recordings and materials.
樫野埼灯台 Kashinozaki Tōdai
Japan's oldest stone lighthouse and is still in use. Also known for being the home of an Englishman who tended to the area, planting daffodils that continue to bloom to this day.
古座町 Koza-chō
This town was independent until 2005 and continues to maintain its own identity. The scenery along the waterway that bisects the town, the Koza River, is quite picturesque.
串本大橋公園 Kushimoto Ōhashi Kōen
Small park with a wooden overlook structure allowing for views of Kushimoto Harbor and the channel between Cape Shiono-Misaki and Oshima.
串本海中公園 Kushimoto Kaichū Kōen
See the local sea life through its underwater exhibit built underwater and through a glass bottomed boat ride.
重畳山 Kasane-san
A high peak. The park at the summit has a playground and has a breathtaking overlook of Kushimoto Harbor, the Kushimoto Big Bridge, Oshima Island and more. A popular destination for day-hikers and BBQ parties.
串本応挙芦雪館 Kushimoto Ōkyo Rosetsu kan
This art museum prides itself as being Japan's smallest. Houses a fine collection of "India-ink" paintings by Ōkyo Maruyama and his disciple Rosetsu Nagasawa.
大島港 Ōshima-kō
The site of the annual Boat Race Festival is not much to look at, but it offers an amazing view of Kushimoto Harbor and the rest of the mainland, and the mountains that background everything else. The road to get here is semi-treacherous.
本州最南端の地 Honshū Sainantan no Chi
A grassy area that denotes the southernmost point of Honshu and serves as the festival grounds for the annual Fire Festival. Nearby watchtower offers views of the area.
潮岬灯台 Shiono Misaki Tōdai
Built in 1873 and at 19.55 meters, this Meiji-era lighthouse served as an important marker for ships entering Osaka Bay.
七川ダム Shichikawa Damu
Recreational area popular during the cherry blossom viewing season with spectacular views.
海金剛 Umikongō
Rock formations taking on strangely recognizable shapes, such as pyramids and lion masks. Declared in 1983 by Asahi Shimbun newspaper as one of Japan's 100 Most Important Natural Treasures for the 21st Century.
(赤鯱)
アクアマイスター串本
コーラルクイーン
ダイブリゾート田子
ダイブステーション串本店
串本ダイビングパーク
串本マリンセンター
南紀シーマンズクラブ
オレンジハウス
水中お散歩クラブ
大辺路街道 Ōheji Kaidō
Oheji is a coastal branch of the bigger Kumano Kodo pilgrimage (熊野古道), a Heian-era pilgrimage road linking the 3 Grand Shrines of Kumano (熊野三山): Nachi Taisha (那智大社), Hongu Taisha (本宮大社), and Hayatama Taisha (速玉大社).
古座観光協会カヌーレンタル Koza Kankō Kyōkai Kanu Rentaru
Offers kayak + gear rentals for use on the Koza River. Be sure to plan ahead in the warmer months as reservations fill up quickly. Courses available: 5 km/hr (¥1500), 8 km/2 hr (¥2000), 12 km/3 hr (¥3000), 16 km/4 hr (¥4000). Taxi fare to starting area not included. Seasonal. Reservations Tel. 0735-72-0645 (Japanese only). Reservation window located inside Koza Station, rental pickup located outside Koza Station.
Fire and fireworks show with music.
メルキュール和歌山串本リゾート＆スパ
Set atop a hill overlooking the harbor, this is the best bet in town in terms of size, amenities, location, and convenience. Rooms are modern and available in Western and Japanese styles. Be sure to get a room that faces the harbor. Pool, hot springs, arcade, karaoke box, banquet halls, and restaurants on hotel grounds.
ビジネスホテル串本駅前店
If you arrive at Kushimoto JR Station late or tired, this hotel can't be beaten for convenience or price, as it is actually located in front of the station. The rooms are clean and cheap, but don't expect luxurious surroundings and be aware that it can sometimes feel like passing trains are actually right there in the room. Train schedules are posted in the hallways of the hotel.
串本ホテル サブマリン
第三銀行
きのくに銀行
紀陽銀行
By train
The town is served by Kushimoto Station (串本駅 Kushimoto Eki).
By car
Driving is a viable (and highly recommended) option, and it will be very useful to have a car when exploring the area.
Anything in Central Kushimoto is easily accessible by foot, however the more interesting attractions outside town will not. Taxis are available at Kushimoto Station.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Shirahama · Regional · SHM
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Kushimoto and Japan.
Travel tipsCheck if you need a visa for Japan in 2026. Discover visa-exempt nationalities, eVisa eligibility, stay durations, and how to use Visit Japan Web QR codes.
7 min read
Travel tipsPlan for Japan's new travel costs in 2026. Learn about the ¥3,000 international departure tax, tiered hotel taxes in Kyoto, and Mt Fuji trail fees.
7 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
ItinerariesPlan a trip to Japan with kids in 2026. Discover a family-tested 10-day itinerary with theme parks, bullet trains, and practical parenting tips.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.