Wakanoura Bay: A Treasure House of Scenic Beauty

The scenery of Wakanoura Bay is continually changing. When the water recedes, the tidal flats appear, shimmering and subtly shifting by the minute. When the tide returns, the water replenishes the bay, and the old stone bridge casts its ancient shadow on the surface of the water. The mountain cherry trees surrounding the bay accent the shrines and temples, enveloping the tidal garden in green and with the autumn foliage, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue bay.During the annual grand festival, a colorful procession parades through the town and is seemingly absorbed by the scenery. Many poets have been inspired by Wakanoura’s beauty, as it is believed that the goddess of waka (Japanese poetry), resides in the bay. Their poetic musings are captured in Japan’s oldest collection of poetry, the Manyoshu, with one poet noting, “If only I could take this scenery home”. Wakanoura Bay continues to captivate visitors with its beauty and rich history of nurturing Japanese culture and arts.