Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The cape juts into the Pacific like a declaration, its edges ragged with erosion, its heights offering views that compress the coast into a single panorama. From here you'll see how the Sanriku coastline folds and unfolds—headlands giving way to bays, rock towers standing isolated where softer stone has surrendered. The lighthouse stands white and stark against the sky, its beam still operational, though GPS has made its guidance obsolete. Grass grows thick on the cape's spine, bending perpetually eastward from constant wind. You'll walk trails that run along cliff edges where safety railings feel optimistic—a single cable strung between posts, nothing between you and a fifty-meter drop. Gulls nest on the sea stacks below, their colonies turning the rocks white with guano, their collective voice a constant argument against the wind. The viewing platform cantilevered over the edge gives you the sensation of floating above the rocks, nothing but air between you and the waves below. Bring a telephoto lens to capture fishing boats navigating between the stacks, their small hulls dwarfed by geology. On clear days you'll see twenty kilometers up and down the coast, the land's irregular meeting with the sea laid out like a topographic map made real.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Misaki Beach.
Photos
Misaki Beach is primarily known for its coastal viewpoints rather than as a swimming destination. The rocky terrain and exposure to Pacific Ocean currents make swimming challenging and potentially dangerous. Most visitors come for the scenic overlooks and photography opportunities. If you're looking to swim in the Kuji area, consider Kuji Bay Beach instead, which offers calmer, more protected waters. Always check local conditions and warning signs before entering any water along this coast.
Misaki Beach is best visited during clear weather conditions when visibility is optimal for enjoying the coastal viewpoints. Late spring through early autumn (May to October) typically offers the most reliable weather and comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography. The area can be visited year-round, but winter brings cold winds and potential snow. Check weather forecasts before visiting, as fog can obscure the scenic views.
Misaki Beach is located near Kuji city in northern Iwate Prefecture. From Kuji Station, the beach is most easily accessed by taxi or rental car, as local bus service to specific coastal viewpoints may be limited. The drive typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the exact location along the Misaki coastline. If using public transportation, inquire at Kuji Station or the local tourist information center for current bus schedules and routes to coastal areas.
Misaki Beach itself has minimal facilities, being primarily a scenic coastal area. However, nearby Kuji city offers various accommodation options including business hotels, ryokan, and guesthouses, along with restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. Kuji is particularly famous for its sea urchin (uni), which is in season during summer months. Many coastal restaurants offer stunning ocean views alongside regional dishes. For the best selection of services, plan to base yourself in Kuji city center.
Misaki Beach's coastal viewpoints offer dramatic perspectives of the rugged Sanriku coastline, where steep cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean. The area showcases the raw, untamed beauty characteristic of northern Iwate's shore, with rocky outcrops, wave-sculpted formations, and expansive ocean horizons. These elevated vantage points provide excellent opportunities for seascape photography and observing the power of the Pacific. The relative remoteness means fewer crowds compared to more developed tourist areas further south along the coast.
