I was able to get a taste of Kanagawa's beauty and grandeur a few months after arriving in Japan four years ago. A friend of mine invited me on my very first day-trip. We traveled about an hour south of Yokohama to a city called Miura.
At the southernmost tip of Miura is a port town called Misaki. Misaki is famous for its picturesque ocean view and its delicious tuna. As a huge fan of ocean views and tuna, it was no surprise I fell in love at first sight. After having a delicious tuna bowl meal and experiencing the small, fishing town vibes, I couldn't have been more satisfied, but there was more.
We then took a five-minute ferry to a nearby island called Jogashima and hiked our way to the top of the cliff for a splendid view of the ocean and nearby islands. I was so impressed that I knew I had to return one day.
I didn't expect to be returning with a family, but here we were after a short train and bus ride. This would be my second time in Misaki, but my husband and daughter's first time. I hoped they could see the beauty that I saw, and to my surprise they did!
Our daughter loved the short ferry ride to Jogashima island, and my husband loved the quiet calm of the island. Although we arrived after three, which meant most establishments were closed for the day, the crashing of the waves and the swishing of the tall grass were more than enough entertainment for us.
My husband booked us a room at a seaside ryokan (Japanese-style hotel), and we were met with awe as we entered our room. There was a wall-length window showcasing the jagged rocks and powerful ice blue water. I didn't want to close the curtains for fear that the scene wouldn't be there in the morning.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, we had to go back to the mainland to find dinner, and we were lucky that an establishment was open for us to take out dinner. The hospitable owner stuffed our container with free tuna and sides, as my husband chatted with her.
That night, we had a feast of raw tuna, teriyaki tuna, toroman, and torotoro ni. We were all stuffed and satisfied.
In the morning, I was equally afraid and excited to make my second trek to uma-no-se. Although a bright sunny morning, I know the sun would be unforgiving on us and a one-year-old, so I held my breath, hoping we would make it in one peace.
Drenched in sweat, we gasped in awe when we finally emerged from the hiking trail that had nearly eight-foot tall grass and flora on each side. Blue, green, and brown for miles. It was still breathtaking four years later, and I felt refreshed as we made the trek back to the hotel.
We hope to return one day and stay at least two days next time to be able to explore other parts of the island and Misaki. But, we'll probably visit earlier in spring or later in fall.
Leave a comment below with your favorite day-trip spot in Japan! I'd love to hear about it.
0 comments