The southern part of Osaka along the sea from Kishiwada city to Misaki town is known as Minami-senshu. There is so much in store that you would wish you could keep it all to yourself – for instance, visit the Kansai International Airport, a beech forest that is designated as a quasi-national park, or go fishing in the sea, or ease yourself in one of the hot springs. In early autumn, you can't miss the excitement of the Danjiri Festival, which is one of Japan's most dynamic festivals.
The beautiful mountains of Minami-senshu
Along the border of Osaka and Wakayama is the "Mt. Izumi Katsuragi Beech Forest " or "Mt. Inunaki". It is a popular hiking spot for its beautiful greenery and ravine of Inunaki River. Halfway up Mt. Inunaki is the "Inunakisan Shipporyuji Temple" which is famous for autumn colors and a place for Shugen-do (religious ascetic practices). At the 48 waterfalls you may come across people practicing their religious ascetic. Near the beginning of the hiking course is the "Inunakiyama Onsen" – a hot spring that is known as Izumisano's secret hideaway.
Marine time in Minami-senshu
You can experience fishing at the "Tajiri Ocean Community Center" - squid, flounder, blue crab, octopus, conger, sea bream, flat fish, etc. After you fish-away at the Osaka bay, bring it back to shore and enjoy a nice seafood barbeque (advance reservations required). Sunday morning markets are also held so you could easily buy fresh seafood as well. A variety of seafood including squilla and blue crab are sold at the "Izumisano Fisheries Cooperative Open Market". The best time to go is the auction right after 2:30 pm because that's when the freshest products come in.
The bay area
5km offshore of Senshu is the island airport – "Kansai International Airport". Just watching the planes departing and arriving from the observation hall is exciting. The "Nishikinohaama Bathing Beach" has been chosen as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful beaches whereas "Tokimeki Beach" has been chosen as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful sunsets. The "Southern Beach (Rinku Minamihama Bathing Beach)" stage a glorious fireworks display in summer and "Pichi-Pichi Beach" is a famous spot also – all are on the opposite shore of the airport.
The Danjiri Festival – you can't miss it!
One of Osaka's most famous festivals is the "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" that has a history of 300 years. 21 floats that weigh about 4 tons each make a dynamic run through the city from the "Kishiwada Castle" to "Kishiki Jinja Shrine". If you miss the season, you can always visit the "Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan " to experience the excitement with real-size danjiri (floats). By the way, danjiri is not something that appears only in Kishiwada, but in all autumn festivals all over Minami-senshu.
