The rugged one-kilometer coastline facing the Kumano Sea was created by earthquakes and powerful wave erosion. According to legends, an oni (a Japanese falktales monster) lived in the rugged cliff-face now called Onigajo, and the various caves that look out to sea still seem to offer a perfect dwelling place for demons. The cliff also features a huge rock 25 meters high known as “Shishi-iwa” that resembles a lion looking out to sea.

• 5-minute ride to the Onigajo Higashiguchi bus stop from Kumano-shi Station on the JR Line

Tategasaki is a huge wall of rock jutting into the entrance of Nigishima Bay and offers spectacular views of waves advancing into the Kumano Sea.

• 90-minute walk from Nigishima Station on the JR Line

This gorgeous stretch of curving coastline extends twenty-five kilometers from Kumano to Shingu, covered with the beautiful stone known as “Mihama pebbles.” The drive along the national coastal highway offers good views of the spectacular scenery.

• A short walk from Atawa Station on the JR Line

This facility was constructed based on Gonbei- san, who actually lived here and is a character in a famous folk song: “When Gonbei plants his seeds, crows will begin picking one out of every three….” A Japanese garden and items associated with Gonbei-san are exhibited here.

• 7 minutes by car from Aiga Station on the JR Line

Water reflecting the fresh greenery of summer and autumn leaves in the fall, and cliffs covered by virgin forests, create the mysterious beauty of nature. You may also enjoy a cruise on a jet boat. Doro Gorge is noted for Rhododendron indicum in May.

• Take the Nanki-Koiki bus, Kumano Kodo–Seiryuso Line to the Doro Ohashi bus stop, from Kumano-shi Station on the JR Line

Kumano Old Road has been designated as a World Heritage Site. Formerly a route for pilgrims journeying between shrines on Kumano Sanzan Mountain, regarded as the home of the gods Hongu, Shingu, and Nachi, the Kumano Old Road is now used as a hiking trail. The cobblestone road, blanketed with moss, winds through a cypress forest, and occasionally historical ruins and guideposts are visible along it.

• (Magose course) 10-minute ride to the Washige bus stop from Aiga Station on the JR Line

This is a park located in Kiho Town where sea turtles are a protected species. You can very closely observe sea turtle families. Products with sea turtle character images can be purchased here.

• 10-minute walk from Kiida Station on the JR Line

Here, Japan’s lost rural landscape can be seen as it formaly was. Over 1300 rice paddies terraced into the mountainside create a beautiful landscape that varies with the seasons.

• Take the Nanki-Koiki bus, Kumano Kodo–Seiryuso Line to the Senmaida•Tori-toge Iriguchi bus stop, from Kumano-shi Station on the JR Line