The town is served by Kushimoto Station (串本駅 Kushimoto Eki).
From [wiki=492379b2b8f7ac3f7cc8e0ca6254f4b1]Kyoto[/wiki], [wiki=0d70a380fe641d8206c6d43c185b9c23]Osaka[/wiki], and [wiki=53cacedb7eb57c1772f738fae243c472]Wakayama City[/wiki], the quickest way to reach Kushimoto is via limited express train, either on the Kuroshio (くろしお), Super Kuroshio (スーパーくろしお), or Ocean Arrow (オーシャンアロー) services. Cheaper but slower train service is also available and will require one or more transfers. Both express and local services go via the JR Hanwa Line (阪和線), directly connecting to the JR Kinokuni Line (きのくに線), which is also sometimes labeled as the JR Kisei Line (紀勢線). Total fare from Wakayama City via limited express and local is ¥4170 (about 2h10m) and ¥2520 respectively (about 3h40m).
Insider's Tip: on Kushimoto bound trains, ask for a seat on the right side (右側 migi-gawa) of the train to ensure unobstructed views of the coast. Moreover, a viewing car open to all passengers is available on all Ocean Arrow trains.
From [wiki=10b22625bf8918f4fd3ae2f185bd44c8]Nagoya[/wiki], the best way to reach Kushimoto via train is through the limited express 'Nanki' (南紀) leading to Kii-Katsuura Station (紀伊勝浦駅), then transferring to a local train bound for Kushimoto and/or Kii-Tanabe Station (紀伊田辺駅). Local train travel from Nagoya is available but not recommended. Total fare from Nagoya via limited express is ¥9470 (about 4h30m).
Train services run roughly once per hour from the big cities. Further, since all lines are run by JR, Japan Rail Pass holders are covered when riding any of the lines mentioned above.
Driving is a viable (and highly recommended) option, and it will be very useful to have a car when exploring the area. From Wakayama City onward, take the tolled Hanwa Expressway (阪和自動車道) southbound for Shirahama (白浜). Exit at Nanki-Tanabe Interchange (南紀田辺IC), which is currently the last exit, and get on Route 42 bound for Shingu (新宮) following it all the way to Kushimoto. Driving time from the exit is about 2 1/2 hours.
From Nagoya, follow the Higashi Meihan (東名阪自動車道) and Ise Expressways (伊勢自動車道) to get to the Kisei Expressway (紀勢自動車道). Exit at Omiya-Odai Interchange (大宮大台IC), which is currently the last exit, and get on Route 42 bound for Shingu (新宮) following it all the way to Kushimoto. Driving time from the exit is about 6 hours.
Once off the expressway, the route has many winds and turns and follows the coast very closely, and at some points it's quite a steep drop to the ocean, so use extreme caution when driving especially in bad weather. During the summer months, the expressways and Route 42 are heavily traveled by beach-goers coming from the Osaka area, particularly on weekends and holidays. Be advised that this causes lengthy delays, as the roads are not meant for heavy traffic.
The nearest airport is Nanki-Shirahama Airport in the town of Shirahama (白浜) about 2 hours away. There are daily flights to/from Tokyo-Haneda Airport, but international routes are not served. Take a bus to Shirahama Station (白浜駅) take one of the limited express trains mentioned above to get into town.
The nearest international airport is [wiki=6c8823e2938c2923ef72537cd3964e1a]Kansai International Airport[/wiki]. Take a train or limousine bus to Wakayama Station (和歌山駅) and transfer onto one of the limited express trains mentioned above to get into town.
The Kushimoto Coral Communities, designated as a protected wetlands by the 2005 Ramsar Convention, encompasses 574 hectares (3.4 sq. mi) and is home to numerous species of coral and waterfowl. Numerous dive shops along Route 42 offer dive tours and rentals.
*Akashachi (赤鯱) [http://www.akasyachi.com]
*Ai Shop [http://www.kushimoto-aishop.com]
*Aqua Meister Kushimoto (アクアマイスター串本) [http://www.a-meister.com]
*Boat Diving S.E.B [http://www.boat-diving-seb.com]
*Club Do Diving Center (クラブドゥダイビングセンター) [http://www.club-do.com]
*Coral Queen (コーラルクイーン) [http://www.coralqueen.co.jp]
*Dive & Boat Porpoise (Dive & Boat ポーパス) [http://www8.ocn.ne.jp/~porpoise]
*Dive Resort Tako (ダイブリゾート田子) [http://www.za.ztv.ne.jp/bwfqa8jm/index.html]
*Dive Station, Kushimoto Branch (ダイブステーション串本店) [http://www.shionomisaki.com]
*Divers Shinkai (ダイバーズシンカイ) [http://www.fukaumi.jp]
*Diving Boat Nakiri [http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~nakiri2]
*Inana DBS Club (イナーナDBSクラブ) [http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~shoyu]
*Kamiura Seaside Club (上浦シーサイドクラブ) [http://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~sea-side]
*Kushimoto Diving Park (串本ダイビングパーク) [http://www.kushimoto.co.jp/diving]
*Kushimoto Marine Center (串本マリンセンター) [http://www.kmcscuba.com]
*Nanki Seamans Club (南紀シーマンズクラブ) [http://www.aikis.or.jp/~nsc-2007]
*Orange House (オレンジハウス) [http://www.orange-h.net]
*Sea Friend Arita (シーフレンド有田) [http://www.julia.ne.jp/cook]
*Sea Mate (シーメイト) [http://www.seamate.com]
*Seanon Diving Service (シーノンダイビングサービス) [http://www12.ocn.ne.jp/~seanon]
*Suichu O-Sanpo Club (水中お散歩クラブ) [http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~osanpo-club]
Oheji Trail (大辺路街道 Ōheji Kaidō) - the trailhead starts in the community of Tanami (田並), located in the western part of town. Oheji is actually a coastal branch of the bigger Kumano Kodo Road (熊野古道), a Heian-era pilgrimage road linking the 3 Grand Shrines of Kumano (熊野三山): Nachi Taisha (那智大社), Hongu Taisha (本宮大社), and Hayatama Taisha (速玉大社).
*Mt. Kasane Trail
Koza Sightseeing Association Canoe Rental (古座観光協会カヌーレンタル Koza Kankō Kyōkai Kanu Rentaru) [http://www.kumanogenki.com/osusume/koza/index.html]- offers kayak + gear rentals for use on the Koza River. Be sure to plan ahead in the warmer months as reservations fill up quickly. Courses available: 5km/hr (¥1500), 8km/2hr (¥2000), 12km/3hr (¥3000), 16km/4hr (¥4000). Taxi fare to starting area not included. Seasonal. Reservations Tel. 0735-72-0645 (Japanese only). Reservation window located inside Koza Station, rental pickup located outside Koza Station.
As with most small Japanese towns, many businesses (especially restaurants) do not take credit cards. Be on the safe side and secure enough cash before heading into town.
That said, people with cards issued in Japan may be able to use ATMs these local banks:
*Daisan Bank (第三銀行)
*Kinokuni Bank (きのくに銀行)
*Kiyo Bank (紀陽銀行)
Major international currencies may be exchanged at the Kushimoto Post Office (串本郵便局 Kushimoto Yūbin Kyoku), located just off of Route 42 near the Lawson Convenience Store in Central Kushimoto. Be advised that they may not be able to exchange large sums of money (¥50,000+).
As the case with the rest of Japan, most local post offices have ATMs that take major international cards and have English menus.
A-Coop Supermarket (Aコープ) - Chain supermarket, good selection of bento boxes and fresh sushi to-go. On Route 41, across the street from Kushimoto Junior High School.
*Eiden - Electronics. On Route 42 just before Hashigui-Iwa.
*Matsuda Souvenir Shop (松田土産物店) - Convenient location and good selection of food and non-food gifts. Outside Kushimoto Station.
*Okuwa Shopping Center (オークワ) - 24-hour grocery store. Biggest selection of clothing, housewares, and 100-yen goods in town. On Route 42 just after Kushimoto Station
*Tsutaya - Books, music, and movies. On Route 42 across from the Okuwa Shopping Center.
*Wakamatsu-ya Bakery (若松屋) - local bakery with the good selection of pastries and desserts. On Route 42 just after Tsutaya
Awabi (アワビ) - abalone
*Ise-ebi (伊勢海老・イセエビ) - Japanese spiny lobster, highly prized.
*Katsuo (鰹・カツオ) - bonito (aka skipjack tuna) caught through local "kenken" style fly fishing. One of Kushimoto's more important exports.
*Kinkan (キンカン) - kumquats, abundant in late winter.
*Mikan / Ponkan (ミカン・ポンカン) - relative of the mandarin orange and tangerine, found anywhere and everywhere during colder months.
*Maguro (鮪・マグロ) - tuna
*Sazae (サザエ) - sea snail
*Tobiuo (飛魚・トビウオ) - flying fish
*Zori-ebi (ゾウリエビ) - Japanese mitten lobster
Daikichi (大吉) - Branch of the fairly well-known yakitori chain. Across the street from Kushimoto Station. ¥1500 per person up.
*Kuroshio Sushi (黒潮寿司) - Kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi restaurant, fairly cheap prices and good selection. Safe bet for tourists who don't speak Japanese. Down the street from the Okuwa Shopping Center toward Hashigui-Iwa. ¥130 per sushi plate up.
*Hikochan (彦ちゃん) - Local izakaya that takes advantage of the local seafood. Known for Ochazuke Rice & Tea Porridge (お茶漬け), Miso Yakisoba (味噌焼ソバ), Minced Bonito (鰹たたき Katsuo Tataki), and of course various kinds of sushi. Down the street from Kushimoto Station. ¥1500 per person up.
*Oak (レストランオーク) - Fairly drab and uninspired family restaurant chain serving typical Japanese and Western meals. Next to Tsutaya. Full meals ¥1000 up.
*Sun Doria (サンドリア) - Locally owned family restaurant. As the name states, they specialize in Japanese-style doria (casseroles), but also carry standard Japanese and Western fare. Down the street from the Kushimoto Cultural Center (串本文化センター Kushimoto Bunka Senta). Full meals ¥1000 up.
*Udon Hashigui (うどん橋杭) - Serves a full selection of udon. Shrimp Tempura Udon is probably the best in town. Across from Hashigui-Iwa. ¥600 up.
*Yakiniku Juju (焼肉樹樹) - Tabletop charcoal grills, serves kuroge wagyu beef (黒毛和牛). On Route 42, near the turnoff for A-Coop and Kushimoto High School. ¥1500 per person up.
Log House Sun Villa
*Resort Oshima
Ebisu Inn
*Minshuku Hashigui
Kushimoto Royal Hotel (串本ロイヤルホテル Kushimoto Roiyaru Hoteru)[url=http://www.daiwaresort.co.jp/english/17_kushi.html].]Set atop a hill overlooking the harbor, this is the best bet in town in terms of size, amenities, location, and convenience. Rooms are modern and available in Western and Japanese styles. Be sure to get a room that faces the harbor. Pool, hot springs, arcade, karaoke box, banquet halls, and restaurants on hotel grounds. Average rates ¥7000 to ¥20,000 per person per night. Internet and package discounts available. Off of Route 42 near Kushimoto Station and Okuwa Shopping Center / Walking distance from Kushimoto Station, but will require walking up a hill / Shuttle from station available / Free parking.
*Kushimoto JR Station Hotel. If you arrive at Kushimoto JR Station late or tired, this hotel can't be beaten for convenience or price, as it is actually located in the station. In fact, all you do is exit the station, turn right, then let the same nice JR lady who just took your train ticket walk over and check you into the hotel. The rooms are clean and cost only ¥2500, but don't expect luxurious surroundings and be aware that it can sometimes feel like passing trains are actually right there in the room. Train schedules are posted in the hallways of the hotel.
*Hotel Submarine
*Hotel San Marin
*Urashima Harbor Hotel (浦島ハーバーホテル Urashima Hâbâ Hoteru)[http://www.urashimachain.co.jp/ha-ba-/index3.htm[/url]. As the name implies, this hotel is right by the water, however it could have probably taken better advantage of it. The exterior seems utilitarian and almost jail-like, but interior is a little more welcoming. Be sure to get a room that faces the harbor. Pool, hot springs, restaurants, and banquet halls on hotel grounds. Average rates ¥10,000 per person per night, includes breakfast. Off of Route 42 near Eiden and Kushimoto Hospital / 15 minute walk from Kushimoto Station / Free Parking.