Misaki Port - A Quiet Fishing Village Famous for Tuna
The Misaki Port of Miura Peninsula
Saying that summertime in Tokyo is hot is an understatement. It's not just hot. It's intense and uncomfortably humid with many suffering heat strokes. I actually don't mind it much as I much prefer it over our long and cold winters. Still, after a couple of months and I find myself wishing for a breath of cool air. I was also tense with anxiety and the heat wasn't making it any better.
Every summer I find myself wanting to be near water. Whether it be the ocean or near a flowing river, it always feels slightly cooler near these watery places. So one summer day, I venture out to the sea. It's a place I've never been to and I don't know what to expect.
Remote and far removed from the urban jungle of Tokyo, I board the train to Miura peninsula, where I transfer to a local bus that takes me to Misaki Port, a place know for their large catches of tuna.
*Photos taken by myself unless otherwise noted.
Your Guide to Japan
A 2-Hour Train Ride from Tokyo
Venturing out this far by local transportations is not something I would normally do. Who knows if the place is worth visiting. Once I saw the first glimpse of water from my bus seat, all my worries dissipated along with the breeze coming through the bus window.
Today was all about taking it at my own pace. I needed to recuperate from the summer heat and the daily grind of everyday life. So I grabbed myself a map and decided to wander around this sleepy fishing village.
Misaki Port - A Sleepy Fishing Village - The streets exude nostalgia and retro charm.
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Where's My Tuna?
Once we got into town, my stomach started to grumble from hunger and as we passed by numerous tuna restaurants, all we had to do was decide which one to go to. After asking around, a kind merchant in an old-fashioned candy shop told us where the best tuna could be had so we headed towards his recommended eatery.
However once we got there, there was a huge crowd of people waiting outside. It was rather jarring to see so many people as there really weren't many walking around town. I guess they were all waiting in line! After finding out that it would be a 2-hour wait, we decided to go somewhere else. My stomach would not tolerate a 2-hour wait for food.
As we searched for an alternative, my nose followed a delicious scent to a hidden gem that sold smoked tuna. I had to peek inside and as I did, the merchant gave me a couple of pieces to sample. It was absolutely the best-tasting tuna I've ever had in my life and I'm not kidding you one bit! They were marinated and smoked in a delicious sauce and once grilled over the charcoal flames, they tasted more like barbecued ribs but with more umami.
I ended up buy a piece to eat right there and bought 5 pounds to take home with me. With my stomach happy and strength regained, we found a mom-and-pop restaurant that served an excellent rice bowl that consisted of the freshest slices of raw tuna on top of steamed rice. Along with some miso soup and pickled vegetables, it was one very satisfying meal.
Tuna - The Local Delicacy - Most of the restaurants in the vicinity serves tuna in some form and it's the highlight of any trip here.
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As I boarded my bus to go home, I realized how anxious I was about even coming here. But I was glad I came and sometime during this most marvelous day, I had learned how to relax again. Summertime isn't as bad as people say even with the heat.
The summer is fleeting and it'll be gone in a flash, making way for the new season to arrive.
An Island Across the Port - You can take a boat or a bus across the port to a beautiful island, where a lighthouse awaits visitors.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeI really do hope you enjoyed this article. Please feel free to leave your comments here.