The views of the rich nature of Kumamoto, with its sea and mountains, show a beautiful view, which is sometimes mysterious. The three spots to be introduced this time are known as sunset spots. They are places where tourists and photographers from all over the country visit to catch a glimpse of this beautiful sunset. The superb view point, which is about 30 minutes away from Kumamoto city, is worth visiting with its surrounding spots!

Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Okoshiki Beach, which extends along Route 57, is a scenic spot that Kumamoto boasts having throughout Japan. It has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets spots in Japan." The fantastic sights drawn by the setting sun and the tideland are valuable sights that can be seen in only a few days of the year when the good weather, sunset and tides overlap. The most recommended view in Okoshiki Beach, which spreads over about 10km along the national road, is the view from the observation point at the tidal land. Even if it is not the time of the setting sun, the scenery is spectacular enough to try visiting.

Because it is not a scene that you can easily meet in your daily life, the impression when you actually see it is special!

The view from the observation point on the mountain which was made to look at the Okoshiki Beach (the photograph when the tide is high)

There is a fence around the observation point, and there is a toilet and a parking lot, so you can spend your time comfortably.

If you see the signboard along the national road, the road going up to the observation point continues in front of it

The way to the observatory, there is a narrow road looking like some agricultural roads, but keep going without hesitation

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When it comes to the pleasures encountered in the middle of the trip is visiting “Roadside station” or "Michi no Eki". "Roadside station Uto Marina Oshikikikan" is about 10 minutes away from the observation station at Okoshiki Beach. The seasonal limited menu which uses seasonal seafood including the famous seafood bowl that can be eaten on the 1st floor at 'Fisherman's Cafe' “Ryōshi shokudō” is proud of the volume and it’s freshness! The assortment of the product center is full of regional specialties ranging from fresh fish that swim, to processed foods such as seaweed, agricultural products, and souvenirs.

The "Fisherman's Cafe" is close to the fresh fish corner of the food fair where the fresh fish that were caught just on that day. How about buying some fresh fish that swim in the market after a meal?

"Kakiage fried rice set meal" (880 yen) using seaweed that can only be found in the nearby sea. It’s an over-the-top bowl that contains 2 pieces of deep-fried chicken with plenty of fresh vegetables and squid. As for the soup of the side dish, there is no doubt in the deliciousness of the shellfish soup with the thick Asari clam!

This is the "Cuttlefish" provided at the "Fisherman's Cafe". The staff says that it’s delightful even if it was sliced raw made as sashimi.

A variety of fresh vegetables are lined in the hall. You will magically cheer up if you eat the fresh vegetables grown one by one by the hands of the producer with great affection and care.

Citrus fruits that are special products of Uto are lined up with various varieties. It is also interesting that each producer has a description of its taste and food tasting. We want you to taste it one by one.

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"Einootsurugi" is on the way heading from Matsubashi direction to (sankaku-houmen) triangle direction along Route 266. Founded in 713, the name “Ei no Otsurugi” is derived from the story when the god of sea, which is worshipped in this shrine, came to the Uto peninsula riding a ray, It is said that after that it was enshrined and build on the tail of the ray. Every year around the beginning of August, many tourists come to see Shiranui that floats above the sea.

The torii, which is built in the sea, is a symbol of the Einootsurugi, which has been welcoming sea gods for over 1300 years since its foundation in 731.

The shrine built towards the sea on a small hill shows that it has been carefully preserved.

In the center of the precinct there is a sumo ring. Looking at the history of sumo wrestling that had been strongly considered as a deity, it can be proof that "“Ei no Otsurugi shrine" has been loved by local people for a long time.

It is said that once in a year on the 1st of August (lunar calendar), if you look at the sea from here, you can see "Shiranui", and the usually quiet precincts become so full of life until around morning.

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The small bakery "Ogawa Pan" is built along Route 266. Mr. Ogawa, who is the shop owner, started making bread because she reviewed her own eating habits after giving birth to her child. The bread is made on the concept of “delicious, safe bread” consisted of wheat produced in the prefecture called  “Minami no Megumi” and natural yeasts of organic raisins, Tanegashima’s “Sugar”, Okinawa Prefecture’s brown sugar “Kibitaro”, and also the domestic rapeseed oil as the main raw material. "Ogawa bread" can be enjoyed by the people who have or don’t have allergies. It is a spot we want you to stop by in your drive.

The most popular melon bread (150 yen) using Yotsuba butter

The bread with the gentle taste that uses natural yeast has a great popularity as it gets sold as soon as it’s displayed.

The bread made by Mr. Ogawa, the shop owner, has a taste that is now a must for people living in the area.

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“Narcissist Hill” is known as the scenic spot of Mt.Kinpu. It is a familiar stop spot for bikers and road bikers. There are orange fields, paddy fields, the urban area of Tamana City, and the Ariake Sea which spreads in front of the eyes, and the beautiful scenery that overlooks Unzen Fugendake in Nagasaki Prefecture that extends far away. Although this place is privately owned, it is open to the public; the owner has said that he wants a lot of people to enjoy the beautiful scenery. When visiting, let’s look at this lovely view for a long time while protecting the manners.

"Narcissist Hill" is a private land, so try to protect the manners while visiting

It is a scenic spot where you can see Unzen Fugendake in Nagasaki Prefecture on the other side of the sea when the weather is fine.

After buying a drink at a vending machine, have a break on the bench. This place is biker’s reliable place.

"KOKOPELLI" is located about 15 minutes from the Narcissist hill. The café is quietly set amid the mountainside of Mt. Kinpu, amid the landscape of the calm village that changes color with each season. The reason why fans that live out of the prefecture still show up to this place, which was opened 20 years ago, to these days is the exceptional food made with safe ingredients and the warm and natural character of the shopkeeper. If you eat a dish with the rich green that delights your five senses, you will feel this special connection with nature, and with no doubt you will have a wonderful time.

When the weather is nice, you can also eat on the outside terrace. Nourishing your energy for tomorrow with a clear air and a dish made with love.

The shopkeeper himself remodeled an old-fashioned house that has been neglected for many years and opened "KOKOPELLI". People who live in Kumamoto and of course tourists, we would be glad if you visited this place.

As the storekeeper says, “I like old things,” there is a space for selling bowls and antiques that adds some taste to the shop.

In the spacious store, in addition to the table seating, there is also a tatami mat room for the children to relax.

The salad with plenty of special vegetables is a great feast. Toppings are homemade pesticide free barley grown by the shopkeeper.

The recommended "Tapas plate" (the photo on the menu is 1300 yen) is a plate with olive oil, fresh fish and vegetables and plenty of color in a pot. Soak the home-made Naan with the soft and sticky texture in the oil where the taste of the material is condensed and eat it (※ menu changes with the season).

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How was the scenic spot that can be reached in just 30 minutes from Kumamoto city?

After enjoying the beautiful natural beauty, please enjoy the special taste that you can only meet there, and spend a time of relaxation that satisfies your mind and body.