Ako Misaki is a small peninsula where you can enjoy views of Shodo Island and the Ieshima Islands among others of the Seto Inland Sea. Nearby the peninsula there is also a nice hot spring district, from where we recommend viewing the first sunrise of the year!

Ako Misaki has been known for its picturesque scenery since ancient times…
Beyond the tori gate of Iwatsuhime Shrine (designed to face the sea) you can see Shodo Island stretching out.

This is Tatamiiwa, one of Ako Misaki’s famous sights. The sand bank road leading to the rocks appears and disappears according to the tide.

Actually, this location is famous for its sublime sunrises.
The sun climbs up right next to the Ieshima Islands.

It’s a spot where you can see an impressive first sunrise of the year together with the Tatamiiwa.

Ryokans (Japanese Inns) with ocean views line Ako Misaki’s shoreline, and the hot spring district with a pleasant ambience continues on…

Also, along the alleyways towards the shore, you can find a variety of stylish accessory shops lined up. This road is called “Kirakira-saka” (‘Glistening hill’).

Cafe-restaurants and new houses stand in a row along the ocean near the end of the peninsula – the scene is somewhat different to the usual image of “a peninsula”.

In recent years, probably due to having been certified as a ‘Lovers Holy Ground’ (implemented by an incorporated NPO region revitalization center), the location is gathering attention as a popular date spot.

Also, Ako Misaki is known not only for its sunrises but also for its beautiful sunsets, and has been recognized as being among Japan’s 100 finest sunset locations.

The sunset during winter is especially beautiful – you can see the evening sun even from the Tatamiiwa sand bank.
This photograph captures a parent and child who came to see the moment when the sun set…

A great plan would be to come see the sunset on the last day of the year and then stay over at the hot springs district.
How about experiencing the first sunrise of the New Year at Ako?
Location: 2-1 Misaki, Ako city, Hyogo Prefecture
URL: http://www.ako-kankou.jp/visit/detail.html?id=944

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka

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Written by

Hironobu Matsuoka

Hironobu Matsuoka / Photo-writer Born in 1974 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and currently living there, Hironobu is the president of Mediapolis Inc. "I travel around the country in Solar King, an eco-camping car that has a solar power generator, and film the beautiful scenery of Japan in high-definition. I want to move around the country as much as possible and leave behind videos of precious Japanese nature and scenery for future generations to enjoy. Although I travel all over the country, I love my home area of Setouchi." 'Healing Japan TV' - Traveling virtually around the country through 'healing videos'.

http://www.healing-japan.tv/

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