Koibito Cape, One of Susami’s Eight Scenic Views: Pause for the Early-Summer Breeze An Afternoon Detour along the Karekinada Coast on National Route 42

One June afternoon, my friend and I drove along National Route 42 and stopped at Koibito Cape. I parked our red car in a marked bay and stepped outside. Palm fronds were swaying. The coastal road still stretched ahead, but I suddenly wanted to get out and take a short walk.

In my white T-shirt dress, ankle socks and sneakers, I headed toward the sea. The breeze caught the hem, and I held it down lightly as my hair streamed the same way. When I turned toward my friend, the sea air seemed saltier all at once.

Koibito Cape is one of Susami’s Eight Scenic Views. After driving a road where the mountains press close, you can see the sea between the trees and feel Susami’s landscape all around you. A net-covered slope rises beside the car park; the Pacific lies on the other side. That closeness is the detail I know I’ll remember from this stop.

I wanted to see the Fūfu Waves from Koibito Cape—the waves split against Kuroshima’s rocks, then come together again. I’d heard they were also called the Gasshō Waves, so my friend and I looked for a spot with a good view of the water. We had fun waiting to see when the waves would meet. Now our drive had time set aside just to watch the sea.

Back at the car, I decided on Inobuta for our next snack. The café at Roadside Station Susami serves Inobuta frankfurters and Inobuta pork buns. I’d go for a frankfurter. After that sea breeze, a break to savor the meat’s full flavor sounds just right.

Back on National Route 42, I faced forward and drove on. That little pause beneath the palms made the afternoon feel so much longer. There are eight spots in Susami’s Eight Scenic Views, so now I’m looking forward to choosing where to step out next.