Everyone deserves to have beautiful moments in life. What better way than to go to scenery that looks straight from a movie? If you are hoping to have a magical moment, I recommend going to Cape Tenjinzaki (天神崎) in Tanabe (Wakayama Prefecture).
Let me ask, do you watch anime? Are you a big fan like I am by any chance? If so, you know that one of the classic anime opening and ending credit scenes have animation that involves a beautiful blue sky being reflected in clear shallow water that expands for miles on end. You can see it in Tokyo Ghoul with the opening theme scene, Hunter X Hunter in the sixth ending credit scene, Mirai Nikki in the second ending credit theme, and one of my personal favorites, Parasyte, in the opening very briefly if you pay close attention. Least to say, this is very popular in anime. I find that a lot of these animes that use the scene of the expansive sky being reflected in water all have the purpose of making their audience go through some sort of self-reflection as they watch. Just as one’s reflection in water forces them to look at themselves, this specific scene also encourages self-reflection on the inside, as well as introspection. So I thought, why not truly live the experience for myself?
Zaki is located on the north side of Tanabe. This beautiful sea is connected directly to the Pacific Ocean as it expands for miles and miles on end. While you can see the area where your reflection is shown in the water, you will find that the area of Tenjinzaki expands for quite a bit. As you view nature while walking through Tenjinzaki, you will also find a path where there are people fishing further down the line, along with a shrine at the very end where you can pray or make a wish.
The Caring for Tenjinzaki Foundation is a project that works to protect Tenjinzaki by taking care of the nature in the area as well as respecting the critters and animals around. They hope that those who choose to visit also respect the area and do not leave trash around.
This organization started in 1974 when citizens decided to volunteer to help restore the area rather than continue building and polluting around it. They understand that the environment is something that once damaged, cannot be fully restored to its original condition, thus the protectors of Tenjinzaki bought the land from the government and did their absolute best to make a Tenjinzaki movement to further protect the land. I personally believe that Tenjinzaki would not be as lovely a place to visit without the kindness that these people had in their hearts to preserve and protect this land.
If you are going to travel to Tenjinzaki to experience this beautiful sight, you can get there by taking the train to Kii-Tanabe station. From there, to get to Tenjinzaki, you must walk 35 minutes. It may sound long at first, but as you walk, you get to see so much of this rural city and so much beautiful nature. Time passes by extremely quickly. Especially if you are going with a friend! Before you know it, you’re already there and are looking at your reflection in the water.
I’ve been to Tenjinzaki a few times now at this point and was so excited to write about it. I got the idea after speaking with a friend who is highly terrified of flights but stated that she wanted to visit Salar De Uyuni, “The Salt Flat of Uyuni”, in Bolivia. When I started telling her about Cape Tenjinzaki, she was very surprised as a national Japanese citizen to have never heard about Tenjinzaki. She became excited that she could get the same experience without having to get on the plane. I was happy to spread the word of Tenjinzaki as a citizen who lives in Tanabe part time.
A few weeks ago I decided to ask another friend who also lives in Tanabe if she would be willing to get up and walk there with me at 4 in the morning. Luckily, my friend is an early riser and loves walking almost as much as I do. So with those thoughts in mind, we woke up at 4 AM, got her a coffee from Lawson, and we were off. Walking and talking as the sun was rising was definitely a special memory for both of us. Time flew by as I filled her in on some of the latest Webtoons I was reading and made up romantic scenarios for meeting her future boyfriend.
As we got closer, we noticed signs that directed us to the area as we trailed along the pathway. I had never noticed before, but there were many signs that explained the history of Tenjinzaki as well as some notable facts about it- one of which can be seen in the picture below.
Because it extends for miles and we entered through a sideway, we were able to view the sea as we made it to the area where we could see our reflections.
By the time we arrived there, the sun and moon were both visible at the same time, making the scenery even more beautiful than it already was. Silly me completely forgot about high tide and was so surprised that I could not see my reflection in the water. Even without seeing my reflection, it was still a wonderful moment as we stood in silence and looked out at the beauty before us. This was my fourth time visiting and it was also my first time to go during the morning hours, so this was a very special moment for me as we stood and stared out at the view. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind, one being about the future and what it holds. It was nice to stand there and get lost in thought. After walking around the rest of Tenjinzaki, we walked to a local café that we had never seen before to get a cheap breakfast set and finish up our mini adventure. After, we went home and slept for a looonnnngggg time. Overall, I give this movie magic moment a 10 out of 10! I really want to recommend going to Tenjinzaki if you desire to see beautiful scenery and sort out your thoughts.
Here is a picture of my friend (the one that introduced me to Tenjinzaki) when we went around sunset time! (There will be MANY people around this time as it is the best time to catch your reflection in the water). Whether morning, afternoon, or evening time, I think everyone should visit Tenjinzaki.
