'''Cape Ashizuri''' (______ ''Ashizuri-misaki'') is the southernmost point of the island of Shikoku, Japan.
Understand
The cape is a part of the '''Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park''' (_____F_a_C________ ''Ashizuri-Uwakai -kokuritsuk?en''), and the cliffs here featuring a sparkling white lighthouse are a popular sightseeing point. The small town of Ashizuri lies just north of the cape, at the intersection of two highways. The cape is only a few kilometers away and easily reached on foot along a seaside walking oath.
Get in
From the east, there are occasional direct buses from Kochi (4h40m; ¥4000) and the nearest train station Nakamura (1h30m). If heading north towards Sukumo, Uwajima and Matsuyama, you will have to take a bus to Tosa-Shimizu and transfer there. Hitchhiking is also a viable option.
Get around
All the attractions in the area are concentrated at the tip of the cape and can easily be covered on foot.
See
The cape itself has been turned into a pleasant park of sorts, with wooded paths winding from point to point. Entry is free.
'''Tengu-no-Hana''' (_V_____@, lit. "Devil's Nose") is the main observation point, from where you can contemplate the thousands and thousands of miles of ocean stretching out from here to California.
The paths are marked with occasional signs for the rather underwhelming '''Seven Mysteries''' (___s_v_c), including supposedly bottomless wells (drop a coin and see!) and such.
A statue of '''Nakahama "John" Manjir?''' stands in front of the park; see the box to the right for the story behind it, just waiting to be turned into a Hollywood film. A small museum dedicated to John Manjiro can be found in the village nearby, around 20 min by foot from the statue.
'''Kong?fuku-ji Temple''' (________), on the left side of the road right before the park, is one of the largest temples on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage and worth a visit. Reputedly founded by Kobo Daishi himself back in 822, most buildings are in fact rather new.
Buy, Eat & Drink
You can find the usual assemblage of souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes right outside the entrance to the park.
Sleep
The town of Ashizuri has a number of hotels, ryokan and minshuku. Kongofukuji also offers '''lodging for pilgrims''', but beds are limited and ''bona fide'' pilgrims have priority over scruffy backpackers.
'''Ashizuri Youth Hostel''' (_________x_g, tel. 08808-8-0324), in Ashizuri town, offers basic accommodation in ''tatami'' rooms starting at ¥2900. Quite small (capacity 20 people) so book ahead.
'''Ashizuri Resort''' (___________]_[_g_Atel.0880-88-1185) is located on top of the Ashizuri Peninsula and has great views across the ocean. It's about 15 minutes by car to Ashizuri Cape. It is quite isolated so you really need your own transport to get there and it is best to do any shopping in Tosashimizu town before driving up. Accommodation is all self catering and the cottages and apartments are fairly well equipped. Prices depend on the number of people staying but are around the ¥3-4000 mark. There's an outdoor swimming pool which is open in the summer season."Resort" is bit of a misnomer, but for the price it's good value, especially if you're traveling in a family or group.