Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
Miura Peninsula offers many attractions for both visitors from Tokyo and Yokohoma, and locals alike.
Since we live in Yokosuka City, my wife and I often go for long drives to the southern part of the peninsula on the weekends. Our last drive there recently was in search of some autumn views.
We took the peninsula’s hilly, winding roads enjoying the views of the green terraced fields bursting with cabbage, radishes and other delicious winter vegetables as we made our way to Miura Beach, a short 30-minute drive away.
At the beach, we found many people enjoying the great weather this fall has brought with it. Though COVID-19 closed the beaches on the peninsula during the summer, children young and old were taking advantage of the off-season to enjoy kite-flying and seashell hunting. Our refreshing walk along the beach gave us a nice breeze and a panoramic view of the ocean clear enough to see straight through to Chiba Peninsula in the distance.
Our next stops were Ena Gulf, a small fishing port, where we strolled for a bit, and then Misaki, another port town on the peninsula.
Misaki is known as “Tuna Town,” as it brings in the second largest annual haul of tuna in the country. The town itself is host to dozens of shops and restaurants offering fresh tuna cuts and tuna dishes. Our walk around the town center brought us to Kainan Jinja Shrine, the main Shinto shrine where many children in formal dress with their parents were visiting for the Shichi-go-san tradition. Seeing the kids reminded my wife and I of taking our daughter some 20 years ago to a shrine to celebrate.
After the shrine we headed to Fisharina Wharf Urari, a market in Misaki Port. Here 13 shops sell various tuna products from raw fish and tuna curry, to maguro toro man, a bun with tuna filling, and even, tuna-flavored ice cream.
After our adventure in Misaki came to an end, we hopped in the car for a quick drive to Aburatsubo Yacht Harbor, set in a calm, beautiful inlet. From here, we got a great view of Mount Fuji above the countless yacht masts. We stood on the harbor taking in the ocean air and watching as the sky and Fuji gradually changed color in the late afternoon light.
The great thing about Miura Peninsula is that it’s an easy drive from Yokosuka Naval Base. This area is a treasure box of tourist attractions, beautiful beaches, cliffy coastlines, amazing produce and the quaint, old-town Japan you may not have imagined. Fall is a great time to nice walks and some exploring. Let’s go!
Kainan Jinja Shrine
Location: 4-12-11 Misaki, Miura City, Kanagawa Pref. Website Tel: 046-881-3038
Fisharina Wharf Urari
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: 5-3-1 Misaki, Miura City, Kanagawa Pref. (a 40-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base) Website (Japanese) Tel: 046-881-6721 (Japanese)
