A Rare Marine Environment
The waters around Kushimoto are strongly influenced by the Kuroshio Current, one of the major warm ocean currents flowing northward along the Pacific coast of Japan. As a result, this area at the southern tip of Honshu is home to an unusual combination of temperate and subtropical marine life.
The region is also known for being one of the world’s northernmost areas where extensive table coral communities can be found. The coastal waters around Kushimoto are recognized under the Ramsar Convention for their important wetland and marine ecosystem. The Stella Maris allows visitors to cruise through this valuable natural environment and observe its underwater scenery without having to dive.
In the clear waters, visitors may see brightly colored damselfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, porgies, porcupinefish, and many other species. Depending on the season and conditions, lucky passengers may even spot a sea turtle swimming through the water.
One of the Northernmost Coral Areas
The coral communities around Kushimoto are different from the typical coral reefs associated with tropical islands. Despite Kushimoto’s relatively high latitude, warm water carried by the Kuroshio Current allows coral communities to flourish along the coast.
Table corals, including species such as Acropora hyacinthus, form important habitats for a wide variety of marine life. Temperate and tropical fish can be found living side by side in these waters, creating an unusually diverse underwater environment.
This combination of marine species and coral communities makes Kushimoto valuable not only as a tourist destination but also as an important area for marine research and environmental conservation.
During the Stella Maris cruise, knowledgeable staff provide explanations about the marine environment and the creatures living beneath the surface. This makes the experience enjoyable for both adults and children while also offering an opportunity to learn about the unique ecology of Kushimoto.
The Stella Maris Cruise
The Stella Maris departs from the boat boarding area at Sabiura Port within Kushimoto Marine Park. The usual cruise travels toward coral observation points off Sabiura and Arida, areas included within the Ramsar-designated marine environment, before returning to the port.
The regular cruise takes approximately 25 minutes. When sea conditions make the offshore route difficult, the boat may instead operate a shorter cruise within the sheltered bay, which takes around 15 minutes.
Because the route and operation of the boat can change depending on weather, waves, and sea conditions, visitors are advised to check the latest operating information before their visit.
A Window into the Sea
One of the greatest attractions of the Stella Maris is its underwater observation area. Large windows below the waterline provide a direct view of the surrounding marine environment, allowing passengers to watch fish swimming among the coral.
The experience can feel almost like stepping inside a giant aquarium. Unlike diving or snorkeling, however, passengers do not need special equipment or swimming skills. This makes the Stella Maris particularly appealing to families with young children, older travelers, and anyone who would like to experience the underwater world in a relaxed way.
On days when the water is especially clear, the scenery can be breathtaking. Sunlight filters through the blue water, illuminating coral communities and schools of fish and creating an almost dreamlike underwater landscape.
Discover Kushimoto Marine Park
The Kushimoto Marine Park offers much more than the Stella Maris cruise. The complex includes an aquarium, an underwater observation tower, diving facilities, a restaurant, and accommodation cottages, making it possible to enjoy a full day surrounded by the natural beauty of the sea.
Designated as Japan’s first marine park in 1970, Kushimoto Marine Park has welcomed visitors for decades. It provides a valuable opportunity to learn about, observe, and experience the rich marine environment of Kushimoto.
Kushimoto Marine Park Aquarium
The aquarium displays approximately 400 species and 4,000 marine animals from the waters around Kushimoto. Large tanks recreate the marine environment influenced by the Kuroshio Current, featuring colorful tropical fish and coral.
One of the highlights is the 24-meter-long underwater tunnel. As visitors walk through the tunnel, sharks, rays, and large pelagic fish swim overhead and around them. Seeing large fish such as tuna and sharks pass close by creates an impressive sense of being surrounded by the ocean.
The Popular Sea Turtle Park
Kushimoto Marine Park is also well known for its efforts to raise and breed sea turtles. The facility has achieved notable success in breeding loggerhead sea turtles across multiple generations.
At the Sea Turtle Park, visitors can observe turtles of many different sizes, from tiny hatchlings small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to large individuals weighing more than 100 kilograms. Feeding experiences and special opportunities to see young turtles are also popular with visitors.
A particularly memorable turtle was Kapurun, a rare white loggerhead sea turtle that was once kept at the facility and became beloved by many visitors.
See the Ocean from the Underwater Tower
The Underwater Observation Tower is another must-see attraction at Kushimoto Marine Park. Located approximately 140 meters offshore, the tower allows visitors to observe the natural sea at a depth of about 6.3 meters.
The underwater observation area offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding marine environment. Coral communities grow around the tower, and visitors may see more than 70 species of fish when conditions are favorable.
One of the most spectacular sights is the large school of porgies that can gather around the tower. Hundreds of fish moving together in the clear water create an impressive natural spectacle that is difficult to experience in an ordinary aquarium.
The marine life also changes with the seasons. In spring, visitors may encounter butterflyfish and clownfish. Summer brings species such as moorish idols and other tropical fish, while autumn can offer a particularly diverse range of colorful marine life. In winter, clearer water often provides excellent visibility and a quieter, more serene underwater atmosphere.
Enjoy Local Seafood at Acropora
After exploring the marine attractions, visitors can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant Acropora. The restaurant offers seafood dishes inspired by the local cuisine of Kushimoto and the southern Wakayama region.
Large windows provide views of the Pacific Ocean and the underwater observation tower, creating a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy both their meal and the scenery.
Popular choices include tuna rice bowls and ramen made with a flavorful broth from grilled sea bream. Other regional favorites include Wakayama-style ramen and rice bowls topped with locally sourced baby sardines.
Whether stopping for lunch between activities or simply taking a break while enjoying the ocean view, Acropora is a convenient way to experience the flavors of southern Wakayama.
Find a Special Souvenir
The aquarium shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs and original merchandise inspired by the marine life of Kushimoto Marine Park. Visitors can find marine-animal-themed goods as well as specialty products from the Nanki region.
Many items are available only at the park, making the shop a great place to find a unique souvenir and take home a lasting memory of your visit to Kushimoto.
Diving and Overnight Stays
For visitors who want to experience the ocean more actively, Kushimoto Marine Park also has a diving park and accommodation cottages.
Diving sites are located close to the park, with options ranging from introductory experiences for beginners to more advanced diving. Snorkeling and whale-watching activities are also available, offering additional ways to discover the rich marine environment around Kushimoto.
Staying overnight makes it possible to enjoy the coastal atmosphere at a more relaxed pace and experience even more of the natural beauty of southern Wakayama.
Getting to Kushimoto Marine Park
By car, Kushimoto Marine Park is approximately 20 minutes from the Susami-Minami Interchange on the Kisei Expressway.
Visitors traveling by public transportation can take a free shuttle bus from JR Kushimoto Station or use the Kushimoto Town Community Bus. The nearest bus stop is Kaiyo Koen-mae, located directly in front of the marine park.
Experience Kushimoto Beneath the Waves
The Stella Maris semi-submersible sightseeing boat offers an easy and memorable way to discover the underwater world of Kushimoto. Without needing to swim, snorkel, or dive, visitors can observe coral communities and marine life from a comfortable underwater viewing area.
The coral communities protected within the Ramsar-designated area, together with the remarkable ecosystem created by the Kuroshio Current, make Kushimoto a truly special marine destination.
Combining a ride on the Stella Maris with the aquarium, underwater observation tower, restaurant, and other attractions allows visitors to spend an entire day discovering the many sides of Kushimoto’s ocean environment.
For anyone traveling through the Nanki region of Wakayama, a visit to Kushimoto Marine Park and the Stella Maris is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of Japan’s southern coastline from a completely different perspective. Come and enjoy an unforgettable underwater walk through the seas of Kushimoto.