Destination

Magnificent view of Hashiguiiwa Rocks along Kushimoto coast in Wakayama

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One of the joys of self drive is serendipitous discovery. This was what had happened to me as I drove along the Kushimoto coastline in the Wakayama prefecture. While Hashiguiiwa Rocks (橋杭岩) is a well-known place, it was not on my trip itinerary. What was in the plan was the trip to Kii Ōshima island (紀伊大島). I found Hashiguiiwa Rocks as I was driving out of Kii Ōshima island to my next destination; which was just a short drive away. The jutting rocks along the coast had caught my attention and I drove to the parking bay to take in the magnificent sight.

According to the info on the signboard, Hashigui-iwa Rock was formed by waves cutting the soft mudstone strata, after the rising magma had spread into the mudstone strata and solidified. The scattered stones on the coast are debris of Hashigui-iwa Rock which were carried away by a tsunami.

Formation of Hashiguiiwa Rocks signboard
Formation of Hashiguiiwa Rocks signboard

I spent some time strolling along the coast admiring the spectacular view and taking multiple photos. As it was low tide, there were many other people roaming around the shoreline coming very close to the rocks.

Kushimoto coast in Wakayama
Kushimoto coast in Wakayama

After the stroll, I decided to patronize one of the shops and bought and an orange ice cream, oranges being one of the specialities of this region. As I was preparing to leave, I realized it was sunset time. I could see the gentle sun rays on the rocks, time for a few more shots.

Hashiguiiwa Rocks along Kushimoto coast in Wakayama
Hashiguiiwa Rocks along Kushimoto coast in Wakayama

 

Ja
KL

Destination

Self drive to Wakayma fruit farm Morien

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One of the destinations that I tend to include in every free and easy trip would be a stop at a farm. I guess this is part my interest to get back to nature, to be able to pluck and taste fruit that has ripen naturally with the full sweetness of the fruit. This time round, I included a visit to Aritakyohomura Mori Orchards (巨峰村森園, tel: 0737-32-3843, 〒643-0313和歌山県有田郡有田川町川口1054-24) as part of my Wakayama self drive itinerary.

Aritakyohomura Mori Orchards is located in the Arida district or Arida-gun (有田郡) in the Wakayama prefecture.

Arida-gun is probably more well known as a farming area as the 2 main industries there are agriculture and forestry. The farms located deeper inland and away from the Wakayama coast. At the Arida Komine village, there are 20+ farms occupying about 40 hectares of farmland. This area is famous for its mandarin oranges or mikan (有田みかん). Other fruits cultivated here include the grape, peach and pear.

Map of Arida Komine Village

As you drive inland from the Wakayama coast, you will reach the JA Arida Farmers’ Market first, which is a short distance away from the expressway junction. Inside the market, which really is a small building, are various local produce on sale from different farmers.

Picture of JA Arida Farmers' Market
JA Arida Farmers’ Market
Picture of grapes on sale
Grapes on sale

As you approach Morien, you will see a small hut with some senior ladies manning the hut. They are helping to guide visitors to the various farms in this area. From this point onwards, there are coloured lane markings on the road – blue, yellow and red. You will be able follow the coloured line marking to reach the farm you are heading to. Morien is easy, the nearest from the hut, just a very short distance from this hut.

Direction arrows at Arida Komine Village
Direction arrows at Arida Komine Village

At the entrance on the right, there is a small counter under a white tent serving as a registration desk. Upon registration and payment, you would be issued a basket and a pair of scissors. Just behind the registration desk is a shed where the farm produce is being sold. On the left is a big resting area, where you can rest and relax.

Picture of Registration counter
Registration counter
Picture of resting area
Resting area

Immediately on the path behind the registration area, you will find a grape orchard with a sitting area. There are around 10 kinds of grapes grown in Morien.

Picture of grape orchard with sitting area
Grape orchard with sitting area
Picture of grapes in the orchards
Grapes in the orchards

You will also find mikan, pear and persimmons grown here.

Picture of Pear
Pear
Picture of Persimmons
Persimmons
Picture of Mikan (Mandarin Oranges)
Mikan (Mandarin Oranges)

And yes, I also found this little truck with it’s top chopped off. I was wondering if it was an abandoned truck but realized it had been adapted for use in the fruit orchards.

Picture of adapted truck
Adapted truck

Hope that you will have fun strolling in Morien too!

Ja
KL

Destination

Visit to Morino Nakano Fruit Farm in Aomori

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One of the activities that I had always been looking forward to is to go fruit picking at a fruit farm. However, I never seem to be able to get this into the itinerary. So, when I was in Aomori for a free and easy trip, I put in both the visit to the Hirosaki Apple Park and to Morino Nakano Kajuen (森の中の果樹園, 080-1821-3059).

Morino Nakano Fruit Farm is located within Hirosaki in the Aomori prefecture. It is quite a short drive north, around 30 minutes, from the Hirosaki city area. You would be driving along Route 30 heading north, in the general direction of Mt. Iwaki. From Route 30, you will be making a right turn into a side road leading to the fruit farm. There are signboards near to and at the right turn.

Picture of signboard to Morino Nakano Fruit Farm (森の中の果樹園)
Signboard to Morino Nakano Fruit Farm along Route 30
Picture of signboard to Morino Nakano Fruit Farm along side road off Route 30
Signboard to Morino Nakano Fruit Farm along side road off Route 30

It was a cloudy morning with some drizzle as I drove to the fruit farm. It took me a while to find the find the farm as I was looking for a farm building and a demarcated parking area. The “building” was more of a shed with a small signboard in front. You can park your car around the grass patch just behind the shed. Yes, free parking.

Entrance of Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Entrance of Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Map of Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Map of Morino Nakano Fruit Farm

Once you have parked, you can make your way to the shed. This is where you will buy your ticket, which costs 1,200 (yen) during the off-peak season and 1,500 (yen) during the peak season for an adult ticket. You will be issued with a basket and a pair of scissors. You can also get a pair of boots plus an umbrella here if you need them. This ticket allows you to pick as much fruit as you can eat on the spot plus a small quantity to take away.

As you were passed the basket and scissors, you would have been briefed to only pick fruits from the trees with a pink ribbon. And off you go to the fruit orchards to pick the fruits.

Peach plantation at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Peach plantation at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Peach tree at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Peach tree at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Grape plantation at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Grape plantation at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Grapes at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Grapes at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm

 

I had a great time roaming through the different fruit orchards. I had my pick of different varieties of peaches, grapes, prunes and plumes, Pity there weren’t any strawberries. I guess I need to visit again during a different season.

Fruit picking at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm
Fruit picking at Morino Nakano Fruit Farm

 

Ja
KL