A secluded beach, the finest sake and folk songs in Tanabe

Are you planning to go to the beach this summer? If so, are you thinking about going to Shirahama in Wakayama? Wait! I have a suggestion. Instead of Shirahama, why not go to Ogigahama? It’s very close to Shirahama, in the neighboring city of Tanabe. It’s not nearly as big as Shirahama, but only the local people know about it, so it’s not crowded at all! You can have all the space you like and of course it is free to enter!

Is there anything else to do in Tanabe city? Absolutely! You can buy the same sort of souvenirs sold at Shirahama, such as products made with Wakayama’s famous ume and mikan. You can go hiking at Hiki-Iwa, an area of rocky hills near the city center that offer spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and mountains. Or, you can visit one of the many beautiful temples; Japan’s famous warrior monk Benkei spent time at one of them, and the founder of Aikido trained at another. There are also countless hot springs around the city, even on the banks of a river. If you are staying the night, there are many cheap inns and hotels.

There is one more important reason to visit Tanabe city, and that is eating at Kanteki. Kanteki is a small tavern a few minutes walk from the station that serves the freshest fish and the finest sake, as well as interesting versions of familiar meals such as niku jagga with deer meat instead of beef. The staff are always friendly and the local fisherman and farmers who eat there will persuade you to join them in singing local folk songs before the night is over. Of all the places I have eaten in Japan, I can say Kanteki was the best!