NATIONAL PARKS OF JAPAN

San'in Kaigan

PARKHighlights

San’in Kaigan National Park is a 75-kilometer stretch of dramatic coastline on the Sea of Japan. Part of the larger San’in Kaigan Geopark, this is a coast of tunnels and caves, imposing rock formations, and rolling sand dunes. The San’in Kaigan is a submerged coast, sculpted by wind and waves that carve away at inlet-riddled shores. This diverse landscape is rife with hidden coves and intriguing tunnels, especially along the Uradome Coast. Besides its rocky shores, the park is defined by its expanse of sand dunes, a striking sight in Japan formed by the waves and sand from nearby rivers. Its sandy beaches are another draw to the park, with Takeno Beach rated as one of Japan’s best. The park also boasts Kinosaki Onsen within its bounds — one of Japan’s most iconic hot-spring resorts. And just south of this scenic onsen town, the Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork works to reintroduce the endangered birds.

Getting There

From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (140 min), then the JR San’in Line to Kinosaki Onsen (140 min). Or, fly from Haneda Airport to Tottori (75 min), and take a bus to Tottori Station (20 min).

Activitiesaround the Park

RECOMMENDEDItineraries

2 DAY TRIP / 1st day

Stay overnight at Kinosaki OnsenTake a Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train for Kyoto, departing Tokyo Station at 08:42. At Kyoto, take the Kinosaki Limited Express, arriving at Kinosaki Onsen Station at 11:25. Bathe in the area's hot springs, and spend the night at a local hotel.
9:00Take a guided tour of Genbudo Park's famous basalt cavesCheck out of your accommodation, then take a taxi for Genbudo Park. The ride will take about 10 minutes. Arrive at the park's information center at 08:30. Then, at 09:00, join a guided tour to see Genbudo's five famous basalt caves, where you can observe the phenomenon of reverse magnetism. This fascinating tour makes for a combination of science and sightseeing!
11:30Have lunch at Genbudo Museum's restaurantAlso located in Genbudo Park is a museum with a restaurant. Here, enjoy a delicious lunch, as you take in the restaurant's relaxing ambiance and the view of the Maruyama River. On the menu are local specialties such as premium Tajima beef, Yoka pork, and Tajima chicken — as well as freshly made udon noodles. After lunch, feel free to look around Genbudo Museum.
16:07Head for Tottori PrefectureTake the Sanin Main Line to enjoy even more natural wonders at Tottori Prefecture! We recommend two options. First, if you feel like going kayaking, get off at Iwami Station. Or, if you want to see Tottori's famous sand dunes and go sandboarding, get off at Tottori Station. Whichever you choose, stay overnight at the area for some adventuring the next day.

2 DAY TRIP / 2nd day

9:00Take a guided kayaking tour of the Uradome CoastFor the first option, after checkout, head for Iwami Station, where your host will pick you up at 08:50. Take in the beauty of the San’in Kaigan area, from its clear waters to its ancient natural formations that were created when Japan was still connected to the Asian continent.
8:05Sandboard (or sandslide) the Tottori Sand DunesFor the second option, after checkout, take a bus from Tottori Station at 08:05, and get off at the Sakyu-higashiguchi bus stop. Walk to the meeting point, Rakudaya, for around seven minutes. You'll then sandboard or sandslide down Tottori's most famous attraction, its desert-like sand dunes — the only ones in Japan!
12:00Have lunch, then head for Tottori StationFor the first option, head back to Iwami Station. Take the 15:46 train, and arrive at Tottori Station at 16:12. For the second option, take the 15:32 bus at the Tottori-sakyu stop. You'll reach Tottori Station at 15:32.
Return to Tokyo by planeAt Tottori Station, take the 17:30 bus for Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport, then fly back to Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

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