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.
Desert Scenes by the Sea
Sixteen kilometers east to west, the Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s most famous — a patch of desert landscape in total contrast to most people’s image of Japan. The dunes are formed of sand from the Chugoku Mountains, sculpted by ocean winds into magnificent shapes. The sea breeze makes beautiful ripples on windy mornings, while visitors make their own impression with toboggans and sandboards. One popular spot for this is at Umanose, a distinctive formation that looks like a horse’s back, and offers panoramic views of the dunes and the ocean. Camel riding and paragliding are popular too, while the Tottori Sand Museum showcases sculptures entirely of sand, with different themes every year.
Stunning Structures Carved by Wind and Waves
The San’in Kaigan’s rugged coastline is thanks to wind and waves. Fierce waves in winter have carved the various types of igneous rocks into immense sculptures, such as precipitous cliffs, fascinating sea caves, and rocky pine-covered islands in all manner of shapes. The most famous of these sights are on the Uradome Coast, a 15-kilometer stretch of coast known for the Eight Views of Uradome. These stunning landscapes of green pines and white sands are best seen from a kayaking trip, or a popular sightseeing cruise. The Hasakari Rock is another formation well worth seeing, with the added advantage of being located on Takeno Beach. Its clear waters and calm waves have earned Takeno a spot on more than one list of Japan’s best beaches. It has some great snorkeling too!
The Best Onsen Town in Japan
Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan’s most iconic — rightly named Japan’s Best Onsen Town by Lonely Planet. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by sea and mountains, the 1,300-year-old Kinosaki Onsen offers a truly nostalgic ambiance. Visitors here experience traditional Japanese hospitality and culture firsthand. Strolling the streets in traditional yukata robes, guests visit old-fashioned arcades and footbaths, or walk along the willow-lined river. Just outside town, a mountain ropeway leads to the top of Mt. Daishi, with amazing views of the onsen below. Following the river south you’ll find Genbudo Cave, famous for its distinctive columns. Nearby, the Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork works to restore the habitat and reintroduce these endangered birds, once common in Japan.
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