Makurazaki(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Nishinoomote City, the best choice for ocean views is Nemuro Port Hotel, located directly on Nemuro Bay. Its modern Japanese design blends floor-to-ceiling windows with tatami rooms, offering panoramic sea vistas. For a more intimate experience, Nishinoomote Hot Spring Inn features private open-air baths overlooking the Pacific, using natural sulfur springs believed to soothe muscles and stress. Both hotels provide authentic local charm and easy access to fishing ports and seafood markets.

The port district near Nemuro Bay is ideal for staying in Nishinoomote City. It’s close to Nishinoomote Station and the ferry terminal, with convenient access to fresh seafood restaurants and night markets. The area remains quiet and less touristy, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility. Nearby Shincho District preserves Meiji-era wooden buildings, where you can stroll through old alleys, visit local shrines, and enjoy traditional crafts—ideal for cultural immersion.

Visitors should not miss the early morning fish market at Nemuro Port, where fishermen sell freshly caught bluefin tuna and yellowtail daily. Try tasting raw slices right after the catch. Another highlight is the Spring Festival at Nishinoomote Tenmangu Shrine, famous for its fan dance ritual, where participants wave paper fans adorned with sacred symbols. You can also join a Satsuma pottery workshop, crafting locally inspired ceramics using traditional techniques passed down for generations.

Must-try dishes include Nishinoomote bluefin tuna sashimi, renowned for its rich, buttery texture due to pristine waters. Another local favorite is Satsuma pork cutlet rice (Sagamihashi), made with succulent black Kagoshima pork, crispy fried outside, and served with savory soy sauce. Don’t miss the Nishinoomote tofu soup, prepared with mountain spring water and seasonal wild vegetables—perfect for warming up during winter. Head to Taisho Street Night Market for authentic street food flavors.

Yes, Nishinoomote City is highly suitable for families. The Nemuro Bay Children’s Aquarium offers touch pools and interactive marine education programs, allowing kids to meet starfish and clownfish. During summer, the Nemuro Sea Festival includes family scavenger hunts and sandcastle contests. The Nishinoomote Forest Trail has child-friendly signage and scenic overlooks, great for gentle hikes. Many hotels, like Nishinoomote Bay Resort, offer kids’ pools and evening storytelling sessions—perfect for memorable family time.

For couples, consider Oceanfront Private Suite Villas with private balconies facing the Pacific, ideal for watching sunsets together. Some boutique inns offer candlelit dinner packages featuring local bluefin tuna and Satsuma sake. Enhance romance with a sunset cruise around Nemuro Bay, gliding past lighthouses and fishing boats as dusk falls. Alternatively, book a private hot spring suite with a glass-walled bath overlooking the sea—perfect for a serene, intimate evening under the stars.

Nishinoomote City has no airport. The closest is Kagoshima Airport (KOJ), about 70 km away. Take a bus or taxi—approximately 90 minutes—to reach the city. Local transportation relies on city buses, connecting Nishinoomote Station, the port, and downtown. Renting an electric bicycle is recommended for exploring coastal routes without parking worries. Many hotels offer free shuttle services, making travel seamless.

Visit Nishinoomote Cape, the southernmost tip of Kyushu, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean—ideal for sunrise views. Nearby White Bird Rock resembles a soaring crane and is a popular photo spot. Nishinoomote Wetland Park is a haven for migratory birds, especially red-crowned cranes and roseate terns in winter. At low tide, the shallow coral reefs emerge, perfect for snorkeling and beachcombing along the scenic coastline.

Capture the sunrise over Nemuro Bay between 5:30–6:30 AM, when golden light reflects off fishing boats and the lighthouse. The lantern-lined path at Nishinoomote Tenmangu Shrine is stunning during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Explore the historic wooden streets of Shincho District, with weathered facades and hanging copper bells creating vintage ambiance. For minimalist shots, the white cylindrical lighthouse at Nishinoomote Cape against deep blue waves makes a striking composition—perfect for drone photography.

The Nemuro Sea Festival (August) features fireworks, boat parades, and the energetic Haita Odori dance performed by hundreds. The New Year’s First Sunrise Ceremony at Nishinoomote Cape draws thousands welcoming dawn atop the cliff. During the Satsuma Pottery Festival, artisans demonstrate kiln firing live, and guests can paint their own ceramics. These events reflect deep-rooted traditions and offer immersive cultural experiences for visitors.