The "1-Day Local Tour" introduces hidden Osaka spots only known to those in the know. This time, we'll be introducing Misaki Town, located at the southernmost tip of Osaka Prefecture and easily accessible from Kansai International Airport! A couple living in Osaka City experienced the town's attractions, including marine activities unique to its location facing Osaka Bay and a barbecue where you can enjoy local ingredients without having to bring anything.
Misakicho is the southernmost town in Osaka Prefecture, bordering Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, it is a naturally rich environment where you can enjoy a variety of leisure activities throughout the year, such as hiking and fishing, and is also known for its seafood.
Although it is the southernmost point, it is about 45 minutes by express train from Nankai Namba Station to the central station, Misaki Park Station, and within about 30 minutes of Kansai International Airport. Furthermore, it is about 12 minutes from Wakayamashi Station, making it easily accessible by train.
The couple participating in this tour are Hong Jing-che, originally from Taiwan, and Yoshizumi Yoko, originally from Kyoto. They often spend their holidays traveling together and snowboarding in the winter, so they're very active.
Guide
Originally from Taiwan, he works at a web production company and enjoys taking photos with his camera wherever he goes.
Originally from Kyoto, he has visited Taiwan five times in the past year and is crazy about Taiwanese cuisine, including daikon mochi.
Misaki Town is dotted with historical spots, such as the "Flesh-Treated Statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi*" at Richiin Temple, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi is said to have had his own beard sculpted. The "Fukei Beach" that appears in the "Manyoshu," Japan's oldest surviving collection of poems, refers to present-day Fuke, and it is clear that the area has been a popular scenic spot since ancient times. This tour starts from Fuke Port.
*The statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi with flesh on its body is currently undergoing preservation and repair work and is not open to the public (restored at the end of March 2026).
The gateway to sightseeing is Sanporuta at Fuka Port. Get around freely and easily with the electric rental bicycle Misarin!
First, gather information at Sanporuta, the Fuka Port Tourist Information Center! It's about a three-minute walk from Fuka Port Station, which is two stations from Misaki Park Station. Here, you can find information about the town's attractions, buy merchandise featuring Misaki Town's twin mascots, Misaki and Misaki-cho, and rent out bicycles called Misarin.
You can choose from two different models of rental bicycles, both of which are electrically assisted. There are eight bicycles available. Adjust the saddle height, put on your helmet, and get ready to go!
I'm happy to be able to rent stylish and beautiful bicycles! There are types that are easy to ride, and the fact that they are electric makes it easy to pedal.
Feel the scent of the sea as you cycle. Only by bicycle can you see the scenery unique to a port town, such as the long embankments, up close.
They discovered a hidden spot where there were few anglers and they could walk very close to the sea. The two of them enjoyed their walk, saying, "The sea breeze is so pleasant."
We also recommend the route to Kinjoji Temple, which is just a five-minute bike ride from Sanporuta. The old-fashioned streetscape continues all the way to the temple, stirring up feelings of nostalgia.
In Tannowa, a town next to Fuka, a cafe in a historic building offers a relaxing space. DELI CAFE is located in a renovated old storehouse near the port and will open in March 2024. In the open space, you can enjoy Basque cheesecake, tarts, cookies, and more with your coffee.
Next up is Hiroshige Coffee Club, where you can enjoy carefully roasted coffee. The DELI CAFE also uses these beans. This shop is located in an old house inherited by the owner, Hiro-nii, from his grandparents, and the garden seating where you can take a break is also popular. They also serve light meals and cakes.
It's fun to take a short break and discuss where to go next.
Both are wonderful because they utilize historical buildings. Many Taiwanese people are impressed by the sight of rows of low Japanese houses!
Take a leisurely stroll on the sea in a canoe. Experience marine activities at the Marine Center.
As you head west along the coast, you'll come across a huge, russet-colored building... It's actually the Osaka Prefectural Youth Marine Center! It provides a place for young people and other prefectural residents to get closer to nature.
In front of the entrance is the jellyfish character "Kuratan." I took a commemorative photo.
The center is a facility where people can learn about outdoor activities through practice, and is used for training and accommodation for elementary and junior high school students and companies, as well as offering experience programs such as canoeing and small yachts.
The two of them immediately went canoeing! A row of colorful canoes stood against the blue sky and sea.
Free rental of life jackets and oars...
We're all set! First, we'll receive a lecture on land.
The center's staff will provide thorough instruction on everything from how to hold the oars to how to paddle through the water.
Unfortunately, due to strong winds on the day we visited, the sailing was cancelled... The attraction is the extraordinary experience of viewing land from a perspective close to the sea surface. As each program is susceptible to the weather, we recommend making inquiries and applications at least one week in advance.
Staff who are knowledgeable about the ocean will carefully teach you the basics, so you can relax!
In addition to canoeing, the Marine Center offers other ocean-related programs, including a cruising experience where you can experience the changes in wind and sea surface, and you can also enjoy sailing depending on the weather.
Take a stroll along Tokimeki Beach and enjoy a hands-free barbecue! Savor carefully selected local ingredients
You can walk to Tannowa Beach, also known as "Tokimeki Beach," which is close to the Marine Center. There is a well-maintained promenade, so it's easy to get around.
Tokimeki Beach, along with Pichi Pichi Beach in neighboring Hannan City, is known as one of Osaka Prefecture's most precious swimming beaches. During the swimming season from July to August, the beach is bustling with many people, especially families, and beach huts are set up. From spring to early summer, you can enjoy clam digging.
On clear days, you can see the Kansai International Airport and connecting bridge, as well as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. There is a beach volleyball court set up on the sandy beach, so anyone can enjoy playing.
They walked along the shore, enjoyed collecting seashells, and seemed to be enjoying their time in nature.
Taiwan is also surrounded by the sea, but the sea in Japan is just as beautiful. Next time I come, I'll have to bring my sandals! (laughs)
There are designated areas on the beach where you can have a barbecue. Please enjoy within the designated areas and be mindful of etiquette.
This time, I ordered a hands-free meal kit from the local restaurant "Fermentation and Sake Ichigoya." They set up the necessary equipment and tables at the specified location and time.
The main meats are wild boar meat from Misaki Town and Naniwa Kuroushi, a type of black wagyu beef that is representative of Osaka. The menu also features a lineup unique to the local area, including sea bream and bigfin reef squid caught in the town, and vegetables grown without pesticides in the surrounding area (photo shows a serving for two).
Ichigoya stocks sake from all over Japan and serves fermented dishes that go perfectly with it. They actively use homemade fermented seasonings and local ingredients, aiming to revitalize the local area through food. This commitment can also be seen in the rice balls in the barbecue set. On this day, the ingredients were "salted salmon with lemon" and "misaki sea bream marinated in koji." The ingredients and cooking methods change depending on the season.
We'll even set up the charcoal and start the fire for you, so you can get started right away. The colorful ingredients are lined up on the grill.
As soon as they put the freshly grilled meat into their mouths, they couldn't help but smile. Mr. Hong was surprised, saying, "We eat wild boar in Taiwan, but this meat has a strong meaty flavor and is very tender." Mr. Yoshizumi also commented, "It has no odor at all and tastes sweet."
"I think Taiwan and Japan have in common the fact that they both have delicious food. But the ingredients we had today are all ingredients that you can only get here," said an impressed Hung. It seems the restaurant has captured the hearts of this food-loving couple, who also love to travel.
It was a luxurious experience enjoying the local seasonal flavors while looking out at the ocean before us.
Not only did it save me the hassle of shopping, preparation, and cleanup, but I was also happy to be able to enjoy the taste that only a professional can provide.
For us, Misaki Town was a "second side of Osaka" that we hadn't yet discovered. It's close to Kansai Airport, so we'd like to recommend it to our friends as a place to spend another day before heading back to Taiwan.
Fermentation and Sake Ichigoya BBQ Set
- Ingredients cost: 5,500 yen (tax included) per person
- Rental fee: 3,000 yen (tax included) per person
- Chef on-site plan: 20,000 yen (tax included) per case
- How to apply: Please make a reservation by phone, official LINE, or official Instagram DM.
A great view! Relieve your travel fatigue at Ryugukan, an inn serving seasonal cuisine
If you're looking to take your time and enjoy Misaki Town, we recommend the "Sunset Inn Ryugukan," which was founded in 1904. Located on a hill overlooking the sea, there are rooms where you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset depending on the direction. You can also enjoy seasonal dishes made with plenty of locally caught fish.
Reflect on the day while surrounded by the dazzling sunset of the "Top 100"
The sunsets in Misaki Town have been selected as one of the "Top 100 Sunsets in Japan," and the area from Nagamatsu Coast to Tokimeki Beach is particularly well-known as a sunset spot. Misaki Town is also the only place in Osaka Prefecture where a natural coastline remains. It is an extraordinary moment to reflect on the day while immersed in the embrace of nature.
Misaki Town has a variety of attractions, including food, nature, and historical exploration. It still has a lot of potential as a "hidden marine resort." It's easily accessible from Osaka city, so why not add it to your travel list?
Recommended guided tours
[DeepExperience] Right next to Kansai Airport! Enjoy cycling and marine activities in Misaki Town, a beautiful port town with beautiful ocean views
- About 35 minutes from Kansai International Airport! Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Misaki Town's sea and mountains by bicycle.
- Guided tours of fishing towns and ancient ruins provide educational and inspiring experiences.
- Even beginners can enjoy safe marine activities guided by professionals.
- Enjoy the unique flavors of Misaki Town with seafood dishes and BBQ made with fresh local ingredients.
- We will provide you with a memorable experience with spectacular, photogenic views, including sunset spots.
*This article was migrated from “Shittonka Osaka.” The information provided is current as of December 2024 and may differ from current conditions. Please check the official websites of each store or facility for the latest operating hours and details.
Photo:Izumi Maeda
Edit:Rie Tomimoto
Direction:NINGEN Editorial Department(NINGEN Inc.)