Things To Do
in Kihō
Kihō is a small coastal town on the southern edge of Mie Prefecture, tucked into the Kii Peninsula where fishing ports, rice paddies and citrus orchards meet a rugged Pacific shoreline. The town is a quiet base for exploring the rich natural and spiritual landscapes of southern Mie—nearby pilgrimage routes, coastal vistas and forested hills. Daily life centers on local seafood, small izakaya and seasonal festivals that reflect a slower, community-focused pace.
Visitors will find a relaxed, safe rural Japan with limited services but strong local character and easy access to larger regional attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting Kihō's vibrant local markets, where fresh produce and handcrafted goods fill the stalls. Enjoy breakfast at a traditional café, sampling local delicacies. Take a peaceful walk to visit nearby temples, absorbing the serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
Have lunch at a cozy restaurant offering regional specialties such as fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby nature trails or visiting a local museum to learn about Kihō's cultural heritage. Capture scenic views of the coastline and rural landscapes.
Dine at a local izakaya, savoring a variety of small dishes paired with sake or local beer. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, watching the sunset paint the sky. End your evening with relaxing at your accommodation, perhaps trying a traditional Japanese bath.
Begin with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a boat tour along Kihō's coast. Discover hidden coves and marine wildlife, including colorful fish and maybe dolphins. Learn about the local fishing industry from knowledgeable guides.
Have lunch at a seaside café, enjoying freshly grilled fish caught that morning. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving in clear waters to explore coral reefs and underwater plants. Alternatively, visit a marine research center to deepen your understanding of the ecosystem.
Return to town for a relaxing dinner featuring the day's catch, accompanied by local sake. Take an evening walk along the beach, listening to the calming sound of the waves. Finish the day by stargazing on a clear night near the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍣Mid-range seafood dinner for one | $20-35 |
| 🚌Local bus/train fare (short ride) | $2-6 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short trip) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Budget inn / mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unspoiled coastal scenery and easy access to nature
- Fresh local seafood and agricultural products
- Low tourist crowds and authentic rural Japanese culture
- Good base for exploring Kumano Kodo and the Kii Peninsula
- Limited public transportation and fewer services than in cities
- Fewer dining and nightlife options
- Language barriers can be an issue in small businesses
- Weather-related disruptions (typhoons/rain) in summer
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention or apologize)
- "〜はありますか？ (〜wa arimasu ka?)" - Do you have ~? (useful for asking about items or menu availability)
- "ベジタリアンです (Bejitarian desu)" - I am a vegetarian
Places to Visit in Kihō
Visit one of these nice places.
Photos of early-morning fishing boats returning, nets and working fishermen with soft light—excellent for atmospheric coastal portraits.
Sweeping viewpoints along the scenic coastal road where the Pacific meets rugged shoreline; great for wide-angle seascapes and sunrise/sunset shots.
Traditional wooden structures, torii gates and tranquil grounds framed by trees—good for details and cultural portraits.
Seasonal patterns in rice paddies (spring transplanting and autumn harvest) and orange groves that offer colorful, pastoral compositions.
Mossy stone paths, forest canopies and ancient waymarkers on nearby pilgrimage trails—ideal for moody nature photography.
Food in Kihō
Kihō Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught fish—served raw as sashimi or simply salt-grilled—available at markets and family izakaya along the coast.
Must-Try!
Sweet local mikan and plum (ume) products—jams, juice, pickles and sweets—sold at farm stands and markets in season.
A coastal set meal featuring rice, miso soup, pickles and a main plate of seasonal fish or shellfish—good value and widely available.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small port-side markets with early-morning fish sales and occasional stalls selling grilled seafood, onigiri and local tangerines—best visited early.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, temples or older establishments—look for a genkan (entryway) and provided slippers.
Keep noise low in public spaces, speak in moderate tones, and avoid loud phone conversations on trains and in shops.
Follow simple customs—bow, wash hands at the chozuya (water basin), and be respectful when photographing ceremonies or worshippers.
Use polite phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' for thank you and 'sumimasen' to get attention—residents appreciate respectful behavior and effort with language.
Safety
Tipping in Kihō
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be confusing; excellent service is included. Small gifts or returning change with a polite thank-you is sufficient if you must express gratitude.
Cash (Japanese yen) is king in rural Kihō—many small shops and cafes are cash-only. IC transit cards and credit cards are accepted in some places, but bring enough cash and a mix of payment methods for flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures, flowering cherry and plum trees inland, and pleasant hiking weather —ideal for outdoor exploration and festivals.
June–August is warm and humid with heavy rainfall in June (tsuyu, the rainy season) and potential typhoons late summer; beaches are busy and the sea is warm, but bring sun protection and be mindful of weather advisories.
September–November offers comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage in upland areas; autumn is a rewarding time for hikes and coastal photography with clearer skies after typhoon season.
December–February are cooler but generally mild on the coast; inland hills can be chilly. Fewer tourists mean quieter accommodation and clear crisp days good for walks and onsen visits.
Kihō at Night
Hiking in Kihō
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Part of the ancient pilgrimage network crossing the Kii Peninsula—offers forested trails, historic waymarkers and cultural sites. Varying lengths suit day hikes to multi-day treks.
Short coastal walks and ridge paths that provide dramatic sea views and opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Numerous small trails winding to local shrines and waterfalls—ideal for quieter, shorter hikes and experiencing rural nature.
Airports
How to reach Kihō by plane.
The closest regional airport (in neighboring Wakayama Prefecture) offering domestic flights and easier access to the southern Kii Peninsula; reachable by car or longer bus/train combinations.
Major international airport near Osaka; offers many domestic connections and international routes—a longer drive or train journey but a common entry point for international travelers.
Located near Nagoya; an option for travelers coming from the east or central Japan with good domestic connections by train and highway to Mie Prefecture.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many rural Japanese towns, Kihō has an aging population with strong community ties and long-established local businesses.
Local economy centers on fishing, agriculture (rice and citrus), and small-scale food production.
Local shops, restaurants and service providers are family-run and community-focused.
Visitors are often domestic travelers exploring the Kumano pilgrimage routes, coastal scenery and onsen towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Community and school baseball are very popular across Japan, with local teams and seasonal tournaments drawing attention.
Coastal fishing—both commercial and recreational—is a central activity; some spots are suitable for surfing when conditions allow.
Outdoor walking and pilgrimage-style hiking on the Kumano Kodo and local forest trails are popular pastimes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kihō.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited in rural coastal towns—temple-style set meals (shojin ryori) are rare. Look for vegetable side dishes, rice, miso soup (confirm dashi base) and simple salads, and ask politely with the phrase 'Watashi wa bejitarian desu' when ordering.
Cross-contamination from fish and soy is common. Bring needed staples or snacks, learn key allergy phrases in Japanese, and carry a translated allergy card. Larger towns nearby will offer more options.