First, Kumano city is located in the South-east coast in Mie Prefecture in Kansai/West Japan area.

There are strange-looking rocks on the coast. They are the consequences of erosion and weathering effect by sea waves after hundreds of years. Those rocks are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage(Cultural Heritage). And there are stories and tales behind them: 鬼ヶ城

It takes less than 20 minutes to get there by walking from the Kumano Shi train station.

World Heritage 1. Onigajyo(鬼ヶ城)

Onigajyo(鬼ヶ城) in Japanese literally means “ghost town”.

Do you recognize it? I agree that it does looks like a devil.

There is an information center nearby. You can enjoy a marvelous sea view at the Cafe and restaurant there.

Unfortunately, it was almost sunset time when I arrived Onigajyo(鬼ヶ城). Hence, I just stopped at the most representative viewpoint and take out my little iPhone 5s to take a few pictures. After that, I have to get back to my hostel.

World Heritage 2. Shishiiwa(獅子巖)

Shishiiwa(獅子巖) in Japanese literally means “lion rock”. And it does looks like a giant lion head!

↓The Kumano fire festival is held here once a year, this photo is from熊野觀光協會

the 2018 festival will be held on 17 Aug：https://www.kumano-kankou.info/kumano-fireworks/

Shichirimihama(七里御浜)

To get to Shichirimihama, where the lion rock is located, it takes about 20 mins by walking from Kumano-shi train station.

“Shichirimihama has been chosen as one of the “100 Best Japanese Beaches”. Extending over 25km, it has been designated as part of the Kumano Yoshino National Park.”  —Kumano City Tourist Association

There was no body there except me. (OK…I admit there was one single person passed through.)

I was sitting on the rocky shore, daydreaming, staring at the sunset, taking pictures of myself, listening to the sound of sea waves. It was soothing since I don’t have to think about which place for the next I had to rush for.

I live a busy life all the time. It’s been so long since the last time I calm myself down and actually do nothing.

At that time, my journey in Kansai(West Japan) lasted for 14 days. When I travel, I used to plan a journey which is long enough. The upside of it is that I don’t have to always worry about how much time is left and I have to rush to the next destination. I can stay in a comforting place to do nothing as much as I want to. And somehow it’s a way to discover the beauty of a little town. After all, we are traveling for taking a breath and escaping from the hustle of daily life, aren’t we?

And more…

Although Kumano area is not a place for shopping and playing, you can have fun by visiting the stunning landscape there. For example, the terrace（丸山千枚田）, the “city on the sky”（赤木城跡）. Besides, it’s great to go hiking on the Kumano Kodo(Kumano ancient trail).

↓the “city on the sky”赤木城跡↓, this picture is from伊勢志摩経済新聞

↓the terrace丸山千枚田↓, this pictures is from 熊野觀光公社