Kushimoto, Wakayama, Japan

Photography by Michael Kenna
Hashikui Rocks, Kushimoto, Honshu

Kushimoto (串本町 Kushimoto-chō?) is a coastal town located in the Higashimuro District of Wakayama Prefecture in western Japan. The town has the distinction of being the southernmost point of the Japan’s main island, Honshū. The central area of town is on a narrow isthmus, surrounded on both sides by the Pacific Ocean. Kushimoto is bordered by the towns of Susami on the west, Kozagawa on the north, and Nachi-Katsuura on the east.
On April 1, 2005 Kushimoto absorbed the town of Koza, from Higashimuro District, to become the new town of Kushimoto.
The former town of Kushimoto was part of Nishimuro District, but the town has strong ties with the city of Shingū and Higashimuro District, both for political and economic reasons. The town became part of Higashimuro District upon this merger.

Water sports
The surrounding wetlands and coastal areas in Kushimoto are designated areas of conservation through the Ramsar Convention of 1971. They have since become popular spots for scuba diving, with numerous diving establishments along National Highway 42.
A merger in 2004 incorporated the former town of Koza into Kushimoto. Located in the east of Kushimoto, Koza is home to the Kozagawa River. The river, regulated by the Shichikawa Dam, is one of three rivers in southern Wakayama Prefecture known for kayaking.
Though waves are relatively tame compared with worldwide standards, Kushimoto is a popular surfing spot for locals and people from the bigger cities in the Kansai area.

Photography by Koichi
Waters outside Kushimoto

found on monoplanet.com