KII-NAGASHIMA FISHING TOWN PILGRIMAGE WALK/RELAXING WALK THROUGH FISHING VILLAGE - Soak Up the Atmosphere and Step Back in Time with Local Guides

Written by Vern Begg
About the Author:

Trying new experiences and meeting people is what drives my passion for traveling. In Japan, there is always something new to try and the friendly nature of Japanese people ensures that these opportunities will be fun and educational. The best experiences are always those that combine food, nature and culture into a day to remember.

Japan is a country with deep traditions that permeate the culture wherever you go. When you get to the coastal areas, the sea and the culture of the fishing industry are always ever present. In Mie Prefecture, there are numerous traditional fishing villages that offer a glimpse into the past. I was looking forward to seeing and learning more about some of this traditional culture when I visited Kihoku Town to go on a walking tour with some local guides.

Caption: Ueda-san explainingthe significance of a very small shrine.

I was met at the meeting point by some young local guides and transferred by car to the starting point of the walking tour in the Kii-Nagashima District of Kihoku Town. When we arrived, the lead tour guide joined us. He was a friendly and energetic fellow and he introduced himself in English as Ueda-san. This is the traditional Japanese way of respectfully addressing someone by his or her family name with -san added for politeness. As is normal in Japan with foreigners, my guides addressed me as Vern-san to be similarly polite.

Caption: This local fish shop hosted our sampling of fresh seafood.

The walking tour would take us around Uomachi (“fish town” in English) and one of the first stops was at a traditional fishmonger’s shop where some friendly ladies were preparing fresh fish for us to eat. When we entered the shop, the aroma was fantastic and I couldn’t wait to try some of the local catch. 

Caption: One of the fish shop ladies was grilling fresh samples for us.

While the ladies were busy preparing the fish, my guides explained what we would be eating. They told me one of the fish was barracuda and they were pleased to learn that I had never tried it before. The fish was grilled to perfection and all of the samples were very tasty.

Caption: The barracuda and tai (sea bream) were super fresh and delicious.

Caption: Some of the local tour guides enjoying the samples of fresh fish.

We had our fill of the fresh seafood and it was a great atmosphere in the fishmonger’s small shop. The ladies who prepared our food were lovely hosts to our group and glad that we had enjoyed the food that they made for us. We were ready to start walking after getting our healthy helping of protein.

Caption: A beautiful boat with the Enoura Bridge in the background.

After leaving the fish shop, we made our way along the water toward the Enoura Bridge. There were numerous fishing boats docked in the bay and I was intrigued by the design of the bridge. Ueda-san explained that it was a unique drawbridge design with a center section that could be raised and lowered straight up-and-down. 

He also told me that there are many type of fisheries in Kii-Nagashima and that the most common kinds of fish to be caught are mackerel, horse mackerel, grunt, sardines and bonito. The variety of fish in the local waters make Kii-Nagashima a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts year-round. 

Caption: The views of Enoura Bay were stunning.

Caption: A bronze statue of Yugaku Hamaguchi.

Just before our walking tour moved into the streets of Uomachi, we came upon a statue of a very important looking person. It was a bronze statue of Yugaku Hamaguchi, a renowned faith healer from the area who claimed to be able to provide protection from evil spirits and cure diseases by moving his hands through the air.

Caption: Ueda-san led us down the narrow streets and paths of Uomachi.

The next part of the tour was through the narrow streets and walkways (“airo” in Japanese) that traverse the village. Kihoku Town has many historical homes and buildings and most of them were constructed with no gaps between them. This style of construction was used to reduce damage to the buildings in the event of an earthquake. 

Caption: The narrow pathways between the homes have a very historical feel to them.

As we walked through the village, the ancient streets were densely packed with traditional homes. My guides did a wonderful job of leading me on a relaxing journey back in time. The pace and vibe of the tour was mellow and comfortable as I soaked in the atmosphere of Uomachi. 

Caption: The torii gate at the entrance to Nagashima Shrine.