Owase, a Hidden Fishing Port in Japan: A Secluded Paradise Even More Niche Than Okinawa!

✨ Why is Owase worth your trip? 🏯 The timeless charm of "Japan's oldest fishing port": Millennia-old stone walls, wooden warehouses, and indigo waters collide, transporting you back to the Edo period. 🌊 The "Sky Sea" spectacle: Japan's only coastline where mirages can be seen with the naked eye. In the misty mornings, it's like stepping into a Miyazaki anime! 🦜 A town coexisting with pelicans: Thousands of wild pelicans circle the port, offering a heartwarming feeding experience and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. 🚤 Top 5 must-see spots in Owase! 1️⃣ Owase Lighthouse (Owase Todai) near JR Owase Station Highlight: Japan's westernmost lighthouse, with a white tower and red lantern room, creating a stunning "red and white" contrast at dusk. The cliffside path below the lighthouse, with the crashing waves, is incredibly therapeutic. Admission: Free (reservations required for the lighthouse's internal exhibition, 500 yen) Tip: Arrive before sunrise to capture the first rays of sunlight on the lighthouse! 2️⃣ Hagiri Island (Hagirishima) Highlight: A 10-minute boat ride to the island, where you can snorkel in fluorescent blue waters! With only 16 households on the island, the primeval forest and crystal-clear sea create a Japanese version of "Survivor." Boat fare: 800 yen/person one-way (reservations required on the Owase City Tourist Association website) Hidden gem: Borrow a surfboard from the villagers and experience "Japan's last undeveloped waters"! 3️⃣ Itchiku Kubota Art Museum Highlight: A ceramic master's dream world! The indoor courtyard is surrounded by bamboo groves, and the giant ceramic installation "Sea" is breathtaking, a perfect fusion of art and the ocean. Admission: 2,000 yen (half price for students) Recommended combo ticket: + Owase City Museum (500 yen) to unlock more secrets of the fishing port's history! 4️⃣ Nishizaki Park Highlight: Overlooking Japan's steepest coastal cliffs (wear non-slip shoes!). The park's "Anchor of Love" inscription is a must-see for couples. Best time to visit: Cherry blossom season in April-May, and July-August for nighttime views of the Milky Way. 5️⃣ Owase Fish Market "Umi no Ichi" Highlight: The lively fish auction starts at 5 am, offering a glimpse into authentic Japanese fishing culture! Freshly caught seafood is processed on-site, and you can enjoy a feast for around 5,000 yen! Must-try: Grilled pelican legs (crispy outside, tender inside), vinegared mackerel donburi (refreshing and appetizing), and seafood donburi (only 1,500 yen for a portion for three!). 🗺️ Suggested one-day itinerary Morning: "Umi no Ichi" Fish Market → Relax at a traditional Japanese-style cafe (try the rich and fragrant "Owase roasted coffee"!) Lunch: "Taiya" Izakaya by the port → Must-try "Yaki Tobiuchi" (grilled pelican) + "Owase-style sushi" Afternoon: Owase Lighthouse → Nishizaki Park cliffside path → Snorkeling at Hagiri Island Evening: Return to the city, check in to the "Seto Inland Sea Inn" hot spring resort, enjoy a private bath, and gaze at the stars! 🍴 Local Food Recommendations ✅ Recommended: "Obaachan no Takoyaki" street food: 300 yen/skewer, featuring special sauce and chewy octopus, perfect for a late-night snack! Whale bone broth ramen: Rich and flavorful broth made from locally caught whale bones. Proceed with caution! (Environmentalists, please reconsider.) ✅ Not Recommended: "Wagyu Donburi" near tourist spots: Often advertised as Wagyu but mostly domestic A4, low value for money. It's better to buy seafood at the market and cook it yourself! 📌 Travel Tips ⚠️ Transportation: From Tokyo/Osaka, take the Kintetsu Limited Express "Shima Line" + bus, approximately 4 hours. Book early bird tickets in advance! 🎒 What to bring: Swimsuit and waterproof bag for Hagiri Island, non-slip hiking shoes for the cliffside path. 🌸 Seasonal highlights: Cherry blossom season in March-April, typhoon season in July-August (affects boat trips), and autumn foliage in November! 🛳️ Owase, a hidden gem even few Japanese locals know about! Here, there are no crowds of tourists, only pure sea breezes, historical charm, and fresh, delicious food. If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, follow this guide and embark on a secluded and healing journey!