[Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture] Top 10 Tourist Spots! It’s Not Just About Tuna!

[Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture] Top 10 Tourist Spots! It’s Not Just About Tuna!

When you think of Miura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Misaki Port and its famous tuna, right? Located at the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula, Miura City is a popular tourist destination known for its thriving fishing and agriculture industries, offering delicious tuna and being easily accessible from central Tokyo.

While tuna might steal the spotlight, Miura City has much more to offer, including attractions like Aburatsubo and Jogashima. In this guide, we’ll showcase a selection of must-visit spots in Miura City. Get ready to satisfy both your appetite and your sense of adventure in Miura!

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[Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture] Top 10 Tourist Spots! It’s Not Just About Tuna!

1. Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park

The first tourist attraction is Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park, located on the western side of Miura City. The park features seven zones, including Penguin Island, where you can observe penguins up close; Sea Lion Island, home to playful sea lions; and Fish World, which showcases around 400 species of fish.

The indoor ocean theater Fantasmium hosts popular dolphin and sea lion shows, including the unique Dolphin Horror Show—a must-see performance unlike any other.

A standout feature of the park is its pet-friendly policy, allowing visitors to bring their pets along. There’s even a dog park equipped with pet showers and water stations, so no furry friend has to stay home.

Visitors can also use various discount coupons available on the official website for a budget-friendly experience.

2. Miura Beach

Miura Beach is a representative tourist destination in Miura City. Located along Kaneda Bay, it boasts a spacious coastline bustling with visitors during summer as a popular swimming spot.

Every August, the beach hosts a fireworks festival that lights up the night sky with around 3,000 fireworks. Just a 10-minute walk from Keikyu Miura Kaigan Station, it offers excellent accessibility.

The nostalgic beach houses and food stalls lining the coast make it a family-friendly spot. Additionally, Keikyu Railway offers a special “Miura Beach Pass” during the summer, making it an affordable and convenient day trip destination.

3. Horseback Cave (Umanose Domon)

Located in the southwestern part of Miura City, beyond the Jogashima Bridge, Horseback Cave is a striking rock formation created by sea erosion. Standing 8 meters high and 2 meters thick, its natural, rugged beauty and the large hole resembling an archway are awe-inspiring.

As it’s situated at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula, the views are breathtaking. Capturing a photo of Horseback Cave in the frame makes for a perfect travel memory.

Note that the cave’s structure is fragile, so climbing on it is dangerous. Wear comfortable clothing and enjoy the scenery safely.

4. Jogashima Prefectural Park

Another highlight of Jogashima Island, located at the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula, is Jogashima Prefectural Park. Spanning 14.6 hectares, the park features open spaces, observation decks, and rest areas. The western coast is a habitat for cormorants and is designated as a natural monument by the prefecture.

The park is also a renowned spot for daffodils, with 100,000 double-flowered daffodils blooming during the season. Every year, a Daffodil Festival is held, featuring fresh local produce and various events.

The park offers stunning views of sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for couples.

5. Jogashima Lighthouse

Jogashima Lighthouse is located on Cape Nagatsuro, on the western side of Jogashima, and is a charming Western-style structure with a striking white facade. It’s a well-loved tourist destination in Miura City.
While the lighthouse is typically closed to the public, there are occasional opportunities to go inside. Despite its modest height, its position at an elevation of around 30 meters offers breathtaking views. On clear days, you can spot landmarks such as Izu Oshima, the Boso Peninsula, and even Mt. Fuji.
The area around the lighthouse has been developed into a park, featuring a plaza, slides, and rest areas. For those who enjoy nature, there’s a walking path extending beyond the park that lets you explore more of Jogashima’s natural beauty.
Getting there is convenient, with a roughly 35-minute bus ride from Keikyu Misakiguchi Station. From the final bus stop, it’s just a short walk, making the route easy to navigate.

6. Misaki Fish Market

A visit to Miura City wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the Misaki Fish Market. Officially known as the Miura City Misaki Fisheries Regional Wholesale Market, it handles tuna brought in from distant waters and seafood caught locally near the Miura Peninsula.

The market is especially famous for its frozen tuna trade, with 400 to 1,000 tuna processed daily. Visitors can watch the bidding process from an observation walkway on the second floor, offering an impressive view of the massive tuna lined up for auction. To see the market at its liveliest, visit between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

The second floor of the market also features a dining hall where visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, including, of course, tuna! The prices are reasonable, and the unique menu items are a must-try.

7. Tsurugisaki Lighthouse

Tsurugizaki Lighthouse, located on Tsurugizaki Cape in southeastern Miura City, is an octagonal lighthouse built in 1825. Designed by Richard Henry Brunton, often called the "Father of Japanese Lighthouses," it stands about 17 meters tall with a light intensity of 450,000 candelas, making it the largest lighthouse in Miura City.

Originally built of stone, the lighthouse collapsed during the Great Kanto Earthquake but was later rebuilt using white concrete.

The lighthouse sits amid Miura City’s serene farmlands, creating a striking contrast against the blue sky. The nearby rocky coastline also offers a unique perspective of the lighthouse from below, making it a perfect photo spot.

8. Kainan Shrine

Located near the Miura City Hall, Kainan Shrine is the main guardian shrine of the Miura Peninsula. It enshrines Fujiwara Sukemitsu, his wife Emikadohime, and the local deity, known for blessings related to maritime safety and bountiful fishing.

The shrine’s 800-year-old ginkgo tree, shaped like a dragon, has earned it a reputation as a spiritual power spot. The tree changes with the seasons, and different blessings are said to be bestowed depending on the time of year, making it worth visiting repeatedly.

Kainan Shrine also hosts various annual events, such as the summer Reitaisai Festival featuring the famous "Oneri Shishi" lion procession, the Yakumo Festival, and the women-only Chakkirako dance. Visiting during these events adds a special touch to the experience.

9. Komatsugaike Park

Looking to enjoy nature in Miura City? Komatsugaike Park, a lush green space built around Komatsugaike Pond, is a prime spot for observing migratory birds on the Miura Peninsula.

Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, plant observation, or even fishing for crucian carp. In spring, the park comes alive with Kawazu cherry blossoms, making it a perfect place for a leisurely picnic under the blooms. The park’s location, midway between Keikyu Miura Kaigan Station and Misakiguchi Station, also makes it an ideal spot for capturing photos of cherry blossoms alongside passing trains.

During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Season, the Miura Kaigan Sakura Festival is held, featuring a special tent near Miura Kaigan Station where you can purchase Miura City’s specialty products and fresh local vegetables. Some items are exclusive to the festival, so don’t miss out!

10. Underwater sightseeing boat "Rainbow Fish"

The final spot is the Underwater Sightseeing Boat "Nijiiro Sakana-go", which offers the unique experience of feeling like you’re walking beneath the sea. Departing from the Urari Market, located next to the Misaki Fish Market, the boat passes under the Jogashima Bridge and heads toward Miyagawa Bay, a scenic viewing area. From the ship’s windows, you can observe numerous fish swimming by.

While sailing, you can also enjoy views from the deck or feed seabirds. Opting for an evening cruise rewards you with stunning sunsets, making it a perfect date activity.

The boat operates one trip per hour, with a journey duration of about 40 minutes. Discounts are available for groups of three or more, making it a cost-effective choice for families. Be sure to add this unique attraction to your Miura Peninsula itinerary!

Summary

We’ve highlighted 10 must-visit attractions in Miura City, but this charming destination offers even more, with its many coastal areas and scenic spots. Visiting once may not be enough—you’ll want to return again and again.

To make your trip even more enjoyable and affordable, consider using Keikyu Railway’s "Misaki Maguro Pass" or the "Miura Peninsula 1-Day & 2-Day Passes", which come with various perks. Why not plan a relaxed trip using trains and buses for a refreshing change of pace?

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