ABOUT
About this spot
Misumi West Port in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a historic port opened in the 20th year of Meiji (1887). Counted as one of the Three Great Meiji Ports alongside Nobiru in Miyagi Prefecture and Mikuni in Fukui Prefecture, it is the only one whose original stone-built quays and waterways survive in nearly complete condition, and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2015. Designed by the Dutch engineer Mulder, its beautiful stone quay wall stretching about 756 meters is well worth seeing. Nostalgic buildings dot the area around the port, such as Urashimaya, a reconstruction of an inn of the era, and the Western-style Ryojokan, making you feel as though you have time-traveled to the Meiji period. The setting overlooking the calm Ariake Sea is wonderful, and a stroll on a clear day is a perfect refresh. At dusk the whole port is dyed gold, creating a very photogenic scene. We confidently recommend it to history lovers, to those who want to spend a quiet time looking at beautiful scenery, and to those who enjoy taking photos with family and friends.
Last updated March 29, 2026