At the mouth of Nachi Katsuura's sheltered harbour are tree-covered craggy islands famously known as Kii no Matsushima (the pine tree islands of Kii).

Harbour cruises take visitors out for whale and dolphin-watching trips.

In a neighbouring bay is the town of Taiji, where its whale museum proudly advertises itself as an educational facility showcasing Japan's historical and modern whaling practices.

One of Taiji's many coves is the site of the dolphin culls so bloodily depicted in the disturbing 2009 documentary, The Cove.

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