Kiho, town in Minamimuro District, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Kiho is a small town in the Minamimuro district of Mie Prefecture, located near the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula with views of the Pacific Ocean. The town features old wooden houses, narrow streets, and green hills, creating a quiet rural landscape where daily life moves at a relaxed pace.
Kiho was formed in 1951 from the merger of several villages, with roots in the Edo period when the region was controlled by the Kii Tokugawa clan. After World War II, the town grew as the population increased, with a paper mill becoming a major employer in the local economy.
Kiho carries its identity as a fishing town, with local harbor buildings and narrow streets that reflect generations of seafaring life. Visitors can see how the community still maintains its connection to the ocean through daily work and local food traditions.
The town is easily accessible by the Kisei Main Line train, which connects to larger cities, and by highways for driving visitors. Quiet streets and simple layouts make it straightforward to explore on foot and discover local spots at your own pace.
Part of Kiho lies within a national park and offers access to UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Visitors often walk ancient paths used for centuries by pilgrims, passing through mountains, forests, and coastal views.
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