The area around Katsuura Marine Park, located in Unohara, Katsuura City, is a rias coast with many inlets and rock holes (pool-like) for sardine fishing and for ikebana (Japanese sardine). There are also many small tunnels connecting the small coves, and the coastal cliffs that can be seen from the tunnels have remarkable geological formations and interesting topography.
In 1980, the “Katsuura Underwater Observation Tower,” a unique facility that allows visitors to look directly under the sea, was built, allowing them to observe natural fish. The “Sea Museum” is located just in front of the tower, so it would be fun to visit there as well.
The photo shows the Katsuura Underwater Observation Tower, the Katsuura Lighthouse on the opposite side of Katsuura Bay, and Cape Yawata Park. The sea is usually associated with summer, but in winter, when the plankton is low and the sea is calm, the water is clear and cobalt blue, creating a beautiful scene.
To get there by train, take the limited express Wakashio from Tokyo, which takes about 90 minutes. Change trains at Katsuura Station and walk about 15 minutes from Ubara Station. By car, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station via the Aqua-line. It is a good place to go for a drive on a sunny day. In winter, there are few tourists, so if you like the sea and would like to see the underwater world, why not visit?
© Source travel watch