Susami-cho, Wakayama Prefecture (Wakayama-ken)
Affiliated on May 3, 1976 /Population: about 5,203 (As of 1st , May 2008) /
Area: 174.71㎢
Please ask for information at Civil Activity Promotion Office (Shimin Katsudo
Shinko-shitsu) (TEL : 824-1181).
[Story of the Sister City Affiliation]
Neyagawa City (Neyagaswa-shi), which has the overpopulation problem with decreasing nature, and Susami-cho in Wakayama Pref., which is rich in nature but has the depopulation problem signed on the friendship city relationship agreement on May 3rd, 1976 in order to cooperate each other to solve such problems together.
Located in the south-southwest of the Kii Peninsula (Kii Hanto), Susami-cho is a seaside town facing the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent view of its rias coast is designated as the Prefectural Natural Park of Kumano Kareki-nada Coast (Kumano-Karekinada Kaigan Kenritsu Shizen Koen) and is one of the featuring spots of the town. The coastline that extends about 27 km with rocks and cliffs is one of the top fishing spots in Kansai area. The place also draws many divers who seek the nature under the sea.
[History]
The town has been thriving since 6th century as the core of the south area of Kii Peninsula and used to be under the direct control of Kishu Clan in Edo Period.
It held Kuchi-Kumano Magistrate's Office, and was the center of the municipal administration ruling the wide area of 157 villages and 19,373 koku (unit of rice = about 180 litter/koku) . Susami-cho was established in 1955 by the incorporation of one town and two villages, Susami-cho (town), Otsugawa-mura (village), and Samoto-mura. The present town was formed by affiliating Esumi-mura in 1959.
[Features]
Eight Featuring Landmarks of Susami (Susami Hakkei)(designated in 1981)
1. Waterfall of Dewdrops (Shizuku-no Taki)
Green leaves color the beautiful two-staged waterfall with the length of 30 m in spring and with red and yellow leaves in autumn.
2. Inazumi Island (Inazumi-to)
The island was named after the legendary story that the rice crops of provision were piled up on the land in the event of the conquest of the eastern areas by Emperor Jinmu. The island, with the circumference of 1 km, and overgrown with subtropical plants is also designated as a natural monument of the country.
3. Okanokuroshima (Black Rock Island of the Shore) and Okinokuroshima (Black Rock Island of the Offshore)
The waves crashing from both sides, which are called married couple waves ((Meoto-nami) can be seen at high tide. There is a legend that the pirates of Kumano hid their treasury in the cave of Okinokuroshima.
4. The Ancient Road of Kumano (Kumano-kodo), Nagae Slope (Nagae-zaka)
There is an old stone guidepost engraved "Mountain to the right, Kumano Road to the left" along the steps to the teahouse 200m away from Nagae Slope. This reminds us of existence of the old road.
5. Kamiyama Old Tumulus (Kamiyama Kofun) and the view of Susami Bay (Susami-wan)
The old tumulus discovered in 1970 on the hill of west of Susami Bay is estimated to be of the 6th century. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the bay from here.
6. Karekinada Open Sea (Karekinada) observed from Shiokibashi Bridge (Shioki-bashi)
The majestic view of Karekinada Open Sea extends after passing the border of Susami-cho from Hioki-gawa River on the Route 42. The bridge spanning the nearby valley is Shiokibashi Bridge.
7. Cape Esuzaki
The island has a cluster of primeval forest of acorn and Chinese juniper tree. Cape Esuzaki is designated as a natural monument of the country. The circumference is about 2km long and there is a recreation walkway.
8. Hirose Ravine (Hirose Keikoku), Koto Falls (Koto-no Taki)
Hirose Ravine of the tributary river of Susami Rive has more than 10 falls and cascades. This place is one of the perfect spots of hiking course.
[Tour and Accommodation]
Address: 4089, Susami, Susami-cho, Nishimure-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Tel: 0739-55-2004
Neyagawa City will partially subsidize the accommodation charge when those who live, work or go to school in Neyagawa City use the accommodation facilities in Susami Town (some facilities are excluded). Please ask for more information at Town Affiliation Liaison Council for Neyawata City and Susami Town (Neyagawa-shi Susami Toshi Teikei Renraku Kyogikai) (Citizens' Activities Promotion Division (Shimin Katsudo Shinko Shitsu) TEL : 824-1181).
[Access]
1. by railway
Approx. two hours and 20 min. by limited express train "Kuroshio" from JR Tennoji Stataion to get off "Susami" Station
2. by car
Approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes from Osaka via Hanwa Expressway Nanki Tanabe IC and via Route 42 to Susami-cho
