What Is Tomyozaki?
Tomyozaki is a cape extending from the eastern side of the Taiji Peninsula. From its elevated position, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Kumano Sea.
The cape is now called Tomyozaki, but historical records indicate that it was once known as Murozaki or Murozaki. In 1636, during the Edo period, a lighthouse using an oil lamp was reportedly established here under the administration of the Shingu domain.
The light helped guide ships and contributed to maritime safety in an era before modern lighthouses and navigation systems existed. It is believed that this historic light gave rise to the name “Tomyozaki,” meaning a cape associated with a guiding light.
Some historical sources also refer to the area as “Murozaki.” One theory suggests that this name is connected to the origin of Muro District, a historic geographical name covering parts of present-day Wakayama and Mie Prefectures.
An Important Center of Traditional Whaling
Tomyozaki was much more than a scenic viewpoint. It was one of the most important command posts supporting traditional whaling in Taiji during the Edo period.
The traditional whaling system developed in Taiji involved many specialized roles. Lookouts searched for whales, while different groups of boats worked together to surround, control, and capture them. Net boats helped guide the whales, while specialized hunting boats approached the animals.
This required careful coordination over a large area of ocean. The lookout stations on the cape therefore played a crucial role in directing the fleet.
From high ground, the lookout teams could observe the movements of whales and communicate instructions to the boats below. Flags and smoke signals were used to transmit information over considerable distances.
For its time, this system represented an advanced form of organized maritime communication. The remains at Tomyozaki provide an opportunity to learn about the sophisticated teamwork and knowledge that supported traditional whaling communities.
Tomyozaki Yamami Lookout Ruins
One of the most important historic sites on the cape is the Tomyozaki Yamami Lookout Ruins.
A Yamami was essentially a high-level observation and command station used during traditional whaling. The lookout team continuously watched the offshore waters. When a whale was discovered, they immediately communicated its location and movements to the whaling fleet using flags and smoke signals.
The lookout was sometimes referred to as “Megane,” meaning “glasses,” reflecting its role as a place from which the vast ocean could be carefully observed.
Because successful whaling depended on finding whales quickly and coordinating numerous boats, having an elevated location with a wide field of view was essential. Tomyozaki and neighboring Kajitorizaki were particularly valuable because of their excellent visibility over the sea.
People known as Yamadanna were responsible for the lookout operation, supported by experienced advisers and other members of the team. Approximately ten people are said to have worked at the lookout. They carefully watched the sea, interpreted the movements of whales, and coordinated their information with the boats offshore.
Former Traditional Whaling Preparation Room
Near the Yamami lookout was a facility known as the Traditional Whaling Preparation Room.
The facility is believed to have been established around 1675 and remained in use until traditional whaling declined during the Meiji period.
The preparation room provided a place where members of the lookout team could rest, prepare meals, and get ready for their work. Their duties began before sunrise, requiring them to remain prepared to observe the ocean at any moment.
According to local tradition, the workers would pray toward the rising sun over the ocean each morning, asking for a safe and successful day before heading to the lookout station.
The original building no longer survives, but the site remains within the quiet woodland. Standing there today, visitors can imagine the people who once waited in this location for signs of whales in the distant sea.
Smoke Signal Stations and Ancient Communication
Several remains of smoke signal stations can still be found around Tomyozaki.
These stations were used to communicate the location and direction of whales to waiting boats. At a time when radios and modern telecommunications did not exist, smoke signals were an essential means of communication.
Tomyozaki was connected to other observation and relay points, including Kajitorizaki, Takatsuka, and Mukojima. Together, these stations formed a communication network that allowed information to travel across a wide area.
These historic remains demonstrate the remarkable level of organization developed by the people of Taiji. Their ability to coordinate observers, signal stations, and boats was essential to the operation of traditional whaling.
A Scenic Walking Trail from Tomyozaki to Kajitorizaki
A walking trail approximately 1.6 kilometers long connects Tomyozaki with Kajitorizaki. The walk takes around 40 minutes at a leisurely pace.
The trail follows elevated coastal terrain and offers spectacular views of the rugged shoreline shaped by the powerful waters of the Kuroshio Current. The rocky coastline and dramatic ocean scenery are characteristic of the southern Kii Peninsula.
The area is also part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, one of Japan’s important protected natural areas. Along the trail, visitors can stop at viewpoints and rest areas to enjoy the scenery.
Some viewpoints are included among the “100 Best Sunrises and Sunsets in Wakayama.” The sunrise over the Pacific can be particularly impressive, attracting photographers and travelers looking for memorable coastal landscapes.
Interpretive signs along the trail also introduce whales, dolphins, and other marine life, allowing visitors to learn about the ocean ecosystem while enjoying the walk.
Kajitorizaki: A White Lighthouse by the Pacific
The trail eventually leads to Kajitorizaki, another scenic cape overlooking the Kumano Sea.
The name Kajitorizaki is traditionally said to come from the way ships used the cape as a navigational landmark. Sailors could use its distinctive position to determine their course and adjust their steering while traveling through the waters of the Kumano Sea.
Today, the cape is developed as Kajitorizaki Park, where a spacious grassy area provides a relaxing place to enjoy the ocean views.
The most recognizable feature is the white Kajitorizaki Lighthouse, which stands beautifully against the blue sky and ocean.
Kajitorizaki Lighthouse
The lighthouse was established in 1899 and continues to serve as a maritime landmark in the Kumano Sea. Its bright white appearance creates a striking contrast with the surrounding natural landscape.
The lighthouse is also a popular photography spot, particularly on clear days when the Pacific Ocean stretches toward the horizon.
The “Married Junipers”
Another notable attraction at Kajitorizaki Park is the pair of ancient trees known as the “Meoto Byakushin,” or Married Junipers.
The two trees have grown close together and appear to support one another. Their ability to survive for centuries despite strong coastal winds has made them a symbol of marital harmony and lasting relationships.
The trees are estimated to be approximately 350 years old. They stand around 10 meters tall, with trunks measuring more than 2.5 meters in circumference.
Their impressive appearance and long history make them another memorable feature of the coastal walk.
A Geological Site of the Nanki-Kumano Geopark
Kajitorizaki is also significant from a geological perspective and has been designated as a geosite within the Nanki-Kumano Geopark.
The relatively flat terrain around the cape was originally formed as a coastal terrace during an interglacial period approximately 120,000 to 130,000 years ago. Subsequent uplift associated with major earthquakes along the Nankai Trough raised the land to its present elevation.
This geological history can be seen in the shape of the coastline and surrounding terrain. Visitors interested in nature and geology can gain a deeper understanding of the powerful natural forces that have shaped the Kii Peninsula over hundreds of thousands of years.
A Unique Place Where History Meets Spectacular Nature
Tomyozaki and Kajitorizaki offer one of the best opportunities in Taiji to experience both traditional whaling history and the natural beauty of the Kumano Sea.
The remains of the Yamami lookout, preparation room, and smoke signal stations provide a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated organization of traditional whaling communities. Walking along the coastal trail, visitors can imagine how people once watched the ocean from these cliffs, searching for whales and communicating with boats far offshore.
At the same time, the spectacular coastline, Pacific Ocean views, historic lighthouse, and ancient trees make the area an excellent destination for nature lovers and photographers.
When visiting Taiji, consider taking the walking trail from Tomyozaki to Kajitorizaki. This approximately 1.6-kilometer route combines history, traditional culture, geology, and beautiful coastal scenery, offering a memorable way to experience the distinctive character of southern Wakayama.