Relax by the Sea and Savor Wakamatsu’s Best

Sea, Hot Springs & Local Flavors: A Coastal Escape Course

The Wakamatsu North Coast is the perfect summer getaway, offering pristine beaches, fresh seafood, scenic farmland, and stunning seaside hot springs. Whether you explore it all in one day or stay overnight, this coastal area invites you to enjoy nature, flavors, and unforgettable ocean views.

Duration : Full day

Transportation : Car & Walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Iwaya Beach

  2. Kaneyasu Ryokan Restaurant

  3. Tanaka Farm Soft Serve Stand

  4. Kamenoi Hotel Genkainada (Hot Spring)

  5. Cape Tōmigahana

🚩START!

Kyushu Expressway – Kurate IC

By car (30 minutes)

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1. Iwaya Beach

🏖️ A White-Sand Beach Stretching 1.5 km

Surrounded by the Hibikinada Sea, Genkai Sea, and Dokai Bay, the Wakamatsu North Coast offers some of the region’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Its fine white sand and beautiful sunsets attract visitors year-round, and water sports shops are nearby. In summer, the beach is lively with seaside stalls and swimmers.

📍 Basic Info

On foot (5 minutes)

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🍤 Savor Fresh Squid & Seasonal Seafood with an Ocean View

2. Ryokan Kaneyasu

Established in 1928, this long-loved coastal ryokan is famous for its dishes made with fresh seafood brought to the nearby Iwaya Fishing Port. From luxurious courses featuring abalone and tiger pufferfish to casual lunch options, the menu suits every appetite. The most popular dish is the live squid sashimi course (Feb–Nov, market price), served in private rooms overlooking the sea.

📍 Basic Info

By car (2 minutes)

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🍦 Seasonal Soft Serve Available Only April–November

3. Tanaka Farm

Operated by a long-running local farm, this small shop serves house-made soft ice cream featuring seasonal ingredients like blueberries, watermelon, and sweet potatoes. The flavors change throughout the year. Their October–November “Extra Rich Pumpkin Mont Blanc Soft Serve” (limited quantity) is popular too.

📍 Basic Info

By car (2 minutes)

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4. Kamenoi Hotel Genkainada

♨️ Oceanfront Open-Air Bath with Stunning Views

This hilltop hotel offers breathtaking views of the Genkai Sea and its own natural hot spring drawn from 1,500 meters underground. The large bath includes an outdoor onsen facing the ocean. Day-use bathing is available from 11:30 to 15:00 (final entry 14:00).
Spring quality: Sodium–Calcium Chloride Hot Spring.

📍 Basic Info

On foot (5 minutes)

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5. Cape Tōmigahana

🌅 A Charming Cape Perfect for Sunset Walks

Walk north along the shaded path from Kamenoi Hotel to reach the Myōkenzaki Lighthouse. The surrounding area, called Tōmigahana, overlooks the rocky coast known as Senjōjiki and offers one of the best hidden sunset spots along the Genkai Sea. On the east side, a cozy rest area features benches made from local cedar.

📍 Basic Info

Pick Up!

Descending the steps near the lighthouse leads to Misaki Shrine. Local lore connects the shrine’s deities with the beauty of the setting sun, and many visit seeking blessings for harmony in marriage. Continue further to reach the rocky Senjōjiki shore for tide-pool exploring.

⛩️ Misaki Shrine – A Blessing for Marital Harmony

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By car (35 minutes)

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Kyushu Expressway – Kurate IC

🏁GOAL!

  • A bowl of udon noodle soup topped with green onions, tempura, beef, and a fish cake, served alongside onigiri rice balls wrapped in seaweed.
  • A modern building with glass doors and windows, decorated with flags and signs, including a cartoon tiger mascot wearing a white hat and cape, outdoors on a sunny day with trees in the background.
  • A dessert served in a tall glass with various toppings like fruit, beans, and cookies, viewed on a tray with a blurred background.
  • Young girl dressed in traditional Japanese attire hitting a large taiko drum during a cultural festival.