Jiu Ci Shi Li San Chuan Shi Duan Ji Nian Guan🏛 museum
A museum in Kuji dedicated to the life and achievements of the legendary judoka Kyūzō Mifune.
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Kuji
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ℹ️Practical info — Kuji
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Ride the Sanriku Railway for some of the most spectacular coastal views in Iwate Prefecture.
- Visit the Kosode Coast during the summer months to see the famous Ama female divers in action.
- The Kuji Amber Museum is located slightly inland; take a local bus from Kuji Station for easy access.
- Look for Kokuji pottery, a local craft known for its unique and elegant dark-colored glaze.
- Try the 'Mameshibu' soup, a traditional hearty bean-based local specialty often served in small eateries.
🍽 Food
🍽
Mameshibu
A traditional bean and flour dumpling stew found in small local diners near the Kosode Coast area.
🍽
Sea Urchin (Uni)
Enjoy it fresh at the Kosode Ama Center, especially during the summer harvesting season.
🍽
Kuji-hime Beef
High-quality local Wagyu beef that you can find at specialized steakhouses in the city center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Kuji Amber Museum Shop
The primary spot for purchasing authentic jewelry and crafts made from local amber deposits.
🛍
Michi-no-Eki Kuji
A central rest area and market offering a wide selection of local crafts, snacks, and seafood.
🧘
Tsuriganedou
A natural rock arch on the coast, providing a serene spot for photography and enjoying the ocean breeze.
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Tatsunokuchi Lookout
A quiet hilltop park offering panoramic views of Kuji Bay away from the city noise.
Water temperature…
Kuji sits on the remarkable Sanriku Coast in northern Iwate Prefecture. Known as Japan's primary source of amber, it features the country's only amber museum. The city is also famous for the Kosode Coast's Ama divers, women who dive without scuba gear for sea urchins and shellfish, a tradition popularized by the drama 'Amachan.' Funado Swimming Beach serves as a major summer attraction, offering clear waters and a rugged coastal backdrop. The coastline around Kuji is defined by dramatic rock formations and deep blue Pacific waters. Gastronomy here is centered on fresh seafood, with sea urchin (uni) being the standout local delicacy. Travelers often arrive via the Sanriku Railway, which provides some of the most scenic train views in Japan along the rugged cliffs. In the city center, visitors can browse shops selling exquisite amber jewelry and crafts. Kuji has a unique cultural experience that combines ancient maritime traditions with geological wonders, making it for those exploring the Tohoku region.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Jiu Ci Shi Li San Chuan Shi Duan Ji Nian Guan · Zhao He noXiang iChu Bo Wu Guan retoroGuan · ge-musute-shiyonparoJiu Ci Dian
- Nearby: Hirono (20 km)
- Population: ~34.418 (2025)
Geography
Facts
- Japan's amber capital
- Traditional Ama divers
- Sanriku Coast scenery
- Funado Swimming Beach
- Amachan filming location
- Top-quality sea urchin
- Sanriku Railway views
- Iwate Prefecture
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Kuji (5)
anba-ho-ru🎭 culture
Amber Hall in Kuji is a prominent cultural centre and theatre with striking architecture.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kuji famous for?
Kuji is known for its amber and as the filming location for the TV drama 'Amachan'.
Who are Ama divers?
Traditional female divers who dive without breathing apparatus for sea urchins and shells.
Is there an amber museum?
Yes, the Kuji Amber Museum is the only one of its kind in Japan.
When can you see the Ama divers?
Demonstrations are usually held from July to September at the Kosode Coast.
What is the local specialty?
Sea urchin (Uni) and Mamebu soup are very famous local dishes.
Kuji: where is it located?
Kuji is located in Japan.
Kuji: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jiu Ci Shi Li San Chuan Shi Duan Ji Nian Guan, Zhao He noXiang iChu Bo Wu Guan retoroGuan, ge-musute-shiyonparoJiu Ci Dian.
Kuji: why is it worth visiting?
Kuji sits on the remarkable Sanriku Coast in northern Iwate Prefecture.
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