4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Misaki Town – Stroll Along Osaka’s Southwestern Tip Overlooking Awaji Island

Have you heard of Misaki Town in Osaka Prefecture? Located about 10 km southwest of Kansai International Airport, Misaki Town sits on the southwesternmost tip of Osaka Prefecture facing Osaka Bay. Misaki Town has a charm different from the well-known sightseeing spots of Osaka’s urban areas—why not visit and discover its unique appeal?

1. Misaki Town’s No. 1 Leisure Spot “Misaki Park”

Although its name is “Misaki Park,” this facility is more than just a park—it is a leisure complex that includes an amusement park, zoo, aquarium, and pool. For those from the Kansai region, you might recall the episode featuring the dolphin short trainer on the TV show “Detective! Night Scoop.” The dolphin short trainer was so admired that people repeatedly attended the shows, sent in their requests, and even met the trainer, which made for a popular broadcast.

Of course, the most popular attraction is the dolphin show, where you can witness the dolphins’ graceful jumps. Since this multipurpose facility is located on a hill facing the sea, it is highly recommended for those wanting to experience a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park all in one place. You can enjoy a variety of experiences for a whole day. Most rides in the amusement park zone are suitable even for young children. As the name “Misaki” suggests, you can also enjoy beautiful scenery.

2. Watch the Sunset at “Sennan Rikai Park”

“Sennan Rikai Park” is home to the only beach volleyball court in Japan, and the All Japan Beach Volleyball Championship has even been held here. At this park, you can try playing beach volleyball in a match format. It is a great spot to challenge yourself with family; organizing a team-based beach volleyball match with prizes is sure to create a lively atmosphere.

Selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Sunsets,” why not enjoy the beautiful sunset while engaging in marine sports such as yachting? You can also enjoy beautiful views of Kansai International Airport and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture.

3. The Historical Architectural Treasure in Momoyama Style “Funamori Shrine”

Funamori Shrine has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is famous for a large camphor tree with four trunks said to be 800 years old—a rare camphor tree that is also designated as a natural monument by Osaka Prefecture. For those who watched NHK’s historical drama “Sanada Maru” about Sanada Yukimura, this important location might strike a chord with you.

This shrine is also part of a temple complex commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Known for the lavish and splendid Momoyama culture of Hideyoshi’s era (such as the golden tea room), the construction of this temple adopted the Momoyama style, and its design has been preserved to this day.

4. “Kan'noruji” with Its Beautiful Ginkgo Tree

Kan'noruji is a temple associated with the Ishiyama Campaign. Its ginkgo tree on the temple grounds is a natural monument of Osaka Prefecture, with an estimated age of 700 years. It is also selected as one of “Osaka’s 100 Greens.” This sacred tree is a must-see.

Within walking distance, you can also explore Hojuji—which displays fossils of Nauman Zō elephants, Chinese celadon, and Izumi Tsuboishi—as well as Kunidama Shrine with its tiled hanging scrolls, making a temple tour a worthwhile activity.

◎ Sammary

Have you been tempted to visit Misaki Town? With its charm distinct from Osaka’s urban areas, even those who have never visited the surrounding region may discover a different kind of enjoyment by stepping off the beaten path. Take this opportunity to fully savor the allure of Misaki Town—it is sure to be a wonderful trip.

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