This little-known secret is located in the fishing village of Kuki-cho in Owase City, Mie Prefecture.

The following is an in-depth travel guide for the fishing village of Kukicho in Owase City, Mie Prefecture. This hidden fishing village retains the charm of an Edo-era fishing port and a tranquil, uncommercialized atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. --- ### **1. The unique charm of Kuki-cho** - **Historical Background**: Kuki-cho is one of the oldest fishing villages in Owase City. It was once the base of the "Kuki Navy" in the Edo period. It still retains the unique stone roads, wooden warehouses and traditional festivals of fishing villages. - **Secret place label**: There are almost no foreign tourists and even Japanese locals know little about it. It is suitable for travelers who like to explore the original ecological culture. - **Natural Landscape**: Backed by green mountains and facing the Pacific Ocean, the fishing port, reef coast and fishing village buildings are interwoven into a picture. --- ### **2. Traffic Guide** **How ​​to get to Kukicho? ** - **Starting point**: From Nagoya or Osaka, take the JR Kisei Main Line to **Owase Station**. - **Transportation**: - **Bus**: Take the **Kuki Line** bus in front of Owase Station (about 25 minutes) and get off at the last stop "Kuki-cho" (there are fewer buses, so please check the timetable in advance). - **By car**: Drive about 15 minutes from Owase Station and locate "**Mie Prefecture Owase City Kukicho**" on the navigation. - **Note**: The roads in the fishing village are narrow, so it is recommended to explore on foot. --- ### **3. Must-see attractions and experiences** **1. Kuki Fishing Port** - **Features**: The scene of fishing boats returning to the harbor in the early morning is full of life. You can take pictures of traditional scenes of fish trading and fishermen mending fishing nets. - **Time**: It is recommended to visit between 5:00-7:00 to experience the morning light of the fishing port. - **Easter Egg**: **Kukisaki Lighthouse** near the port is a great spot to overlook the Pacific Ocean. **2. Exploring the history of the Kuki navy** - **Kuki Navy Archives** (small folk exhibition hall): - Displays ship models, weapons, and nautical charts of the Kuki clan navy during the Edo period. - **Keyword**: Ask the locals "Is there any information about the Kuki navy?" - **Kuki Shrine**: - A small shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of the sea. The thousand-year-old trees and torii gates in the shrine are perfect for taking pictures of the tranquil atmosphere. **3. Cobblestone Road and Old Houses** - **Walking route**: A narrow cobblestone road extending inland from the fishing port, with wooden warehouses and houses on both sides, some of which are 200 years old. - **Recommended shooting locations**: Shooting reflections on the stone pavement after rain, or capturing the warm tones of the fishing village at dusk. **4. Kukicho Coast** - **Reef Coast**: You can explore the intertidal zone at low tide and look for starfish and shells (be careful not to slip). - **Secret Beach**: Ask the locals, "Is there a hidden beach?" (Is there a hidden beach?) and they may point you to a deserted beach. --- ### **Four. Local food recommendations** - **Fisherman's Cuisine**: - **Seasonal sashimi**: Buy fresh catches (such as bonito and Ise lobster) directly from fishermen, or go to the family restaurant "**Kaimei-tei**" to enjoy the fisherman's set meal. - **Kusaya**: A salted grilled fish specialty of Kuki-cho, with a rich flavor (suitable for lovers of strong flavors). - **Coffee break**: - **Chicha Jiugui**: A retro coffee shop run by an elderly couple. Handmade pudding and brown sugar milk coffee are recommended. --- ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Fishing Village B&B**: - There are no hotels in Kukicho at the moment, but you can book **Kukicho B&B** in advance (contact the Owase City Tourism Association) to experience the life of a fisherman's family. - **Nearby Accommodation**: - Return to Owase city and stay at **Suga Ri Onsen**, a sea view hot spring hotel (20 minutes by car) to relieve travel fatigue.