Day 748: November 19, 2023
Sunday – 4-Day Osaka Solo Trip D2
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| It's a beautiful sunny day |
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| Mr. Toshi made today's breakfast |
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| Heading out for today's road trip |
Today marks my first full day in Osaka, and it's been a warm and inviting Sunday. Mr. Toshi, as always, treated the family to another delightful breakfast, and this time, I managed to capture the sumptuous meal in a picture. Over breakfast, our conversation veered towards their recent trip to Wakayama during Ms. Sawa's birthday. Before I knew it, we found ourselves on a spontaneous road trip to Wakayama Prefecture.
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| Kinokawa Service Area Southbound |
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| Kitano District as seen from the roadside station |
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| We went out to stretch for a bit and also walk the family dog, Yomo |
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| Yomo enjoyed the front seat with me. |
Our journey kicked off with a stop at the Kinokawa Service Area Southbound in Kitano, Wakayama City (和歌山市), where we could stretch and take a brief break. The drive southward to the town of Yura via Route 24 turned out to be quite an adventure. The narrow, one-car-width road led to numerous stops to yield to other vehicles, adding a delightful element of fun to our road trip.
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| Driving through National Route 24 |
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| Shirataki Marine Park |
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| This place is referred to as “The Aegean Sea of Japan” |
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| Shirasaki Observatory |
In Yura (由良町), we explored a series of breathtaking coastal destinations that truly showcased Wakayama’s natural beauty. Our first stop was Shirataki Marine Park, a seaside area known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged limestone cliffs that gleam white under the sun. We visited the Shirasaki Observatory, which offered an elevated perspective of the surrounding area. From there, we could see the deep blue sea stretching endlessly, with waves crashing gently against the white limestone rocks below. It was a breathtaking moment that perfectly captured the beauty of Yura’s coastline.
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| Roadside Station “Shirataki Marine Park” |
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| We tried the soft cream at the roadside station |
Just beside it was the Roadside Station “Shirataki Marine Park”, a convenient rest stop offering local snacks, fresh produce, and souvenirs that celebrate the region’s fishing culture. It also provided an observation deck where travelers could take in panoramic ocean views while enjoying the sea breeze.
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| Michinoeki Shirasaki Ocean Park Auto Camping Ground |
Next, we passed by the Michinoeki Shirasaki Ocean Park Auto Camping Ground, a popular spot for campers who wish to spend the night by the coast. The site offers a peaceful environment surrounded by dramatic cliffs and stunning seaside vistas. It was easy to see why it’s often called the “Aegean Sea of Japan,” as the scenery resembled that of a Mediterranean paradise.
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| Tatago Rock |
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| Obiki District |
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| Ōhama (Black-tailed Gull Breeding Ground) |
Our last stop in the area was Shirasaki Manyo Park, a scenic viewpoint and leisure area inspired by the ancient Manyoshu poetry anthology. The park features walking paths, small shrines, and viewing spots where visitors can appreciate both nature and culture at once. The place had a great view of the Tatago Rock and Ohama.
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| Back to Wakayama Prefectural Route 24 |
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| Next stop: Yuasa |
On our return journey, we made a memorable stop in the town of Yuasa (湯浅町), renowned as the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce. Walking through the Yuasa Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings felt like stepping back in time, with its preserved Edo-period wooden houses and narrow streets. The town’s historical charm, combined with its rich culinary heritage, made it a fascinating stop before we continued back home.
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| Yuasa Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings |
Our exploration in Yuasa felt like walking through a living museum that preserves Japan’s history and craftsmanship. Known as the birthplace of soy sauce, the town combines cultural richness with old-world charm, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Japanese life.
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| It felt like I went on a time travel back to the Edo Period |
We began our visit at the Yuasa Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, a beautifully preserved area that maintains the atmosphere of the Edo period. As we walked along its narrow streets lined with wooden merchant houses, white-walled storehouses, and traditional latticed windows, it felt as though time had slowed down. The quiet ambiance and well-preserved architecture reflected the town’s deep historical roots and pride in its heritage.
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| Kadocho Soy Sauce Factory |
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| We made sure to buy soy sauce here |
Next, we headed to the Kadocho Soy Sauce Factory, one of the oldest soy sauce makers in Japan, established in 1841. The factory still produces soy sauce the traditional way, using wooden barrels and long fermentation processes. The air was filled with a rich, earthy aroma that spoke of years of careful brewing and dedication to craft.
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| Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum |
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| Inside Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum |
Inside the Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum, we learned more about the origins and evolution of soy sauce production. The displays featured historical brewing tools, fermentation barrels, and informative panels that explained each stage of the process. It was fascinating to see how such a simple condiment could have such a deep cultural and historical background.
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| Kitamachi Fureai Gallery |
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| The artworks on display when we visited |
Our final stop was the Kitamachi Fureai Gallery, a small cultural center that exhibits local artworks and crafts. The gallery provided a refreshing change of pace, showing how Yuasa continues to nurture creativity while honoring its traditions.
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| Gakeppuchi |
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| Mr. Toshi explained all the dishes and told me which one to try |
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| I chose the Shirasu-udon set meal |
We ended the day with dinner at Gakeppuchi, a popular seaside restaurant known for serving local specialties. I ordered the Shirasu-udon set meal, made with freshly caught whitebait and served over warm udon noodles. The taste was simple yet exquisite, perfectly capturing the essence of coastal Wakayama cuisine. It was a satisfying conclusion to a day filled with history, learning, and unforgettable flavors.
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| 2nd Aridagawa Rakuichi |
As darkness set in, we made our way to the town of Aridagawa (有田川町) for the 2nd Aridagawa Rakuichi / Aridagawa Fireworks Festival, a stroke of luck as it had been postponed from yesterday due to strong winds. The day concluded with our return home around 8 PM, followed by another late-night chat with Mr. Toshi over beer, a cherished routine from the day before.
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| Back home to Mr. Toshi's home in Kumatori, Osaka |
In reflection, I am profoundly thankful to my Japanese family for introducing me to these off-the-beaten-path destinations, rarely explored by foreign tourists. This weekend has been a truly enriching and well-spent adventure.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 107
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 107
Japan Diaries 4: Day 747
Roadside Station “Shirataki Marine Park”
Shirasaki Marine Park
Yuasa Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings / Denken District
Kadocho Soy Sauce Factory
Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum
Kitamachi Fureai Gallery
Japan's Awesome Manhole Cover
A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps
10 Things to Do in Wakayama City
10 Things to Do in Yura
10 Things to Do in Yuasa
10 Things to Do in Kumatori
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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