Most people know sakura or cherry blossoms to peak around late March to early April, but these lovely flowers can actually be seen blooming as early as mid-February. Known as kawazu sakura, this type of cherry blossoms can usually be seen gracing the coastal regions of Miura in Kanagawa and Kawazu in Shizuoka. What’s more is that with the Keikyu Misaki Maguro Pass, you can enjoy round-trip tickets from Shinagawa to Miura, a tuna meal from one of the 32 participating restaurants, and free entry to one leisure facility, too! Below are two sample itineraries you can follow when using the pass.
How to Use the Misaki Maguro Pass
The Misaki Maguro Pass is an all-inclusive discount ticket that allows you to explore areas along the Keikyu Line for a very reasonable price. (JPY 3,500 from Shinagawa Station at the time of writing.)
When you buy the pass, you will be given tickets A, B, and C.
Ticket A is for transport, which allows you round-trip access on the Keikyu Line—from the station where you bought the ticket to the terminal station Misakiguchi. The ticket can also be used when riding Keikyu buses.
Ticket B can be exchanged for a free meal at a restaurant of your choice (32 options available), while Ticket C can be used to enter one of the participating leisure facilities. The list of participating restaurants is included in the pamphlet you receive.
Read more: Best Places to See Kawazu Sakura
Where to Buy the Misaki Maguro Pass
Tickets are available at these stations on the Keikyu Line: Shinagawa, Yokohama, Keikyū Kamata, Keikyū Kawasaki, Kamiōoka, and Kanazawa Bunko. Prices vary slightly depending on the station where the tickets are bought.
*The pass allows stopovers between Shinagawa and Misakiguchi stations, but going back and forth is not allowed.
Misaki Maguro Pass Sample Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Miura Kaigan & Jogashima (Sakura – Sushi – Sea – Hot Spring)
- Miurakaigan Station (Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival)
- Komatsugaike Park
- Iroha Sushi
- Jogashima Park
- Umanose Domon
- Kirara no Yu
- Jogashima Lighthouse
Itinerary 2: Miura Kaigan & Aburatsubo (Sakura – Sashimi – Marine Park)
- Miurakaigan Station (Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival)
- Komatsugaike Park
- Fresh Fish Restaurant Shiosai
- Aburatsubo Marine Park
Misaki Maguro Pass Attractions
Miurakaigan Station (三浦海岸駅)
As soon as you exit Miurakaigan Station you will see cherry blossom trees. There are benches in the area and on a sunny day, it’s perfect for basking in the warmth of the sun and the relaxing atmosphere cherry blossoms bring. Stalls selling food and sakura goods can also be found in the area.
Komatsugaike Park (小松ヶ池公園)
Komatsugaike Park is a 16-minute walk from Miurakaigan Station and along the way, you will see sakura trees and nanohana shrubs. The red Keikyu train the rushes past every few minutes also adds to the dreamy atmosphere.
When you reach Komatsugaike Park, you will find plum as well as cherry blossoms. There’s a pond in the center where you can just relax and take in the view. During festival dates, food stalls are also in the area, making it a good spot for a light snack.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Google Maps
Iroha Sushi
There are a number of restaurants in Miura Kaigan where you can exchange Ticket B of your Misaki Maguro Pass for a hearty meal. The ones closer to the beach tend to be busy on weekends, however, and you might have to line up for an hour or so. Iroha Sushi is close to the station, and while it looks small from the outside, the restaurant actually has two floors and serves good sushi.
Jōgashima Park (城ヶ島公園)
In winter, there isn’t much to see in the park. It is, however, spacious and has a view of the ocean. Some people were laying out mats to sleep, while others were running around and playing with kids. If you’re on a solo trip, the park makes a very nice reading spot. I think the best part of Jogashima Park is that you can walk to the rocky shore and see waves crashing up close. Just make sure you have shoes you can easily walk in as the walk down can be tricky.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Google Maps URL
Umanose Dōmon (馬の背洞門)
A popular landmark near Jogashima Park is Umanose Domon, which literally translates to “horseback cavemouth.” The name comes from its shape, which is said to resemble a horse’s back. To me, however, it just looked like a whimsical hole with a view of the sea on the other side.
Jōgashima Keikyu Hotel Kirara no Yu (城ヶ島京急ホテル 雲母の湯)
A few minutes’ walk from Umanose Dōmon is Jōgashima Keikyu Hotel, which houses the public bath Kirara no Yu. Kirara no Yu has both indoor and outdoor baths with an ocean view. It is said that Mount Fuji can also be spotted on clear days.
Hours: 11:00-18:00
Amenities available, free hand towel, bath towel rental available for JPY 100
Google Maps
Jōgashima Lighthouse (城ヶ島灯台)
Jōgashima Lighthouse is rather humble compared to others I’ve seen in Japan, but it’s a good spot to watch the sunset and end the day.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Google Maps
Fresh Fish Restaurant Shiosai
Whereas the dining spots around Miura Kaigan tend to be crowded, the ones in Aburatsubo are quiet and relaxed, at least during the time I visited. Shiosai’s maguro-don and karaage set were superb and very filling. You can also sit by the window and enjoy a view of the open sea as you dine.
Google Maps URL
Aburatsubo Marine Park
For a marine park, Aburatsubo is relatively small but surprisingly entertaining. Unlike the crowded aquariums of Tokyo, the park is calm and quiet. Otters are its main attraction, but they usually become lethargic or go to sleep by 3 p.m, so visit at an earlier time if you want to see them in action. I found the seals to be quite funny, especially the one above, who prefers sleeping in an upright position.
Hours: 09:00-17:00
Google Maps
I’ve used the Misaki Maguro Pass twice and both trips did not disappoint. I’ll definitely be using it again, perhaps when the season changes and a different kind of adventure awaits.
