Cape Ashizuri 足摺岬

A two-kilometer seaside hiking trail snakes through the rugged landscape of Cape Ashizuri in Kochi Prefecture , overlooking the powerful surf below. Many mysterious places associated with Kobo Daishi, the influential Japanese Buddhist monk also known as Kukai, are scattered along the trails here.

You'll get great views of the landscape, waters, and horizon from the century-old lighthouse or the Tengu-Nose Observatory. Kongofukuji Temple, which Kukai reportedly established in 822, is a prime sightseeing destination.

Access the area from Nakamura Station and take a bus, about one hour and 40 minutes, to the cape.

Nakamura Station is on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, one hour 45 minutes away from central Kochi. Note that JR passes cannot be used on this line. Using public transportation is easy, but renting a car gives you more flexibility.

Sitting atop a cliff overlooking the sea at Cape Ashizuri is Kongofukuji Temple. Kongofukuji is worth visiting because it's one of the grandest temples on the 88-temple pilgrimage that runs for 1,200 kilometers around Shikoku , and you're likely to see pilgrims dressed in white and paying their respects en route to the next temple.

The waves are big and powerful around the cape, and the area west of Ashizuri is considered a prime surf-fishing spot. At night, this area is also fine stargazing territory, since there are no lights obscuring the sky.

Take a break and slide into onsen waters at Ashizuri Hot Spring, a foot bath on the main road with views of the ocean below. You can also get out on the water on a glass-bottomed boat off Tatsukushi beach to view the coral and sea life off the cape.

If you'd like to spend the night, there are also some lovely ryokan, traditional inns, glamping facilities, and hotels in this area, such as the Ashizuri Kokusai Hotel and the Ashizuri Thermae Hotel.

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