Japan’s off-the-beaten-track: San’in Kaigan National Park

The Sea of ​​Japan coast stretches for 75 kilometers with beautiful scenery. Rugged rock formations rise suddenly from the water, shaped by wind and waves into almost surreal shapes. Between them lay a long stretch of pale sand and a stretch of sea so clear it seemed to glow.

Moving inland, the scenery changes again. Huge sand dunes roll gently toward the horizon, their outlines constantly redrawn by the wind—coastal, yet desert-like, unlike many travelers’ images of Japan. This is Sanin Kaigan National ParkStretching from Kyotango City in Kyoto Prefecture to Tottori City, it depicts the dramatic edge where land and sea meet.

Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, the area is renowned for its landscapes shaped over millions of years and for the communities and traditions that have developed in close dialogue with the environment. Despite its size and significance, Sanin Kaigan Being mostly out of the spotlight provides travelers with a rare sense of openness and discovery.

To introduce this extraordinary stretch of coastline, the Department for the Environment has produced a concise and accessible collection of stories that bring together the park’s nature, history, industry and culture. The booklet has 22 pages and is divided into 6 areas (you can download here) provides carefully selected stories and perspectives in an engaging and easy-to-read format – the perfect starting point for planning your trip.

Here are some key points from the booklet:

Tottori Sand Dunes

The vivid beauty of Tottori Sand Dunes and Uradome Coast

The Tottori Sand Dunes (pages 19-20) are one of the region’s most iconic attractions. Reminiscent of an otherworldly place dune Whether it’s a landscape or a Rene Magritte painting, this surreal spectacle blends windswept gold with sapphire blue waters. When the wind blows in the right direction, the sand creates delicate, changing ripple patterns, turning the landscape into a golden, undulating canvas.

To the east of the dunes is the Uradome Coast (pages 17-18), a completely different environment but no less beautiful. The area features a rocky granite coastline and is home to the famous “Shi Jian Blue” – an underwater museum with water so clear that you can see kelp beds and marine life. Landmarks such as Seonam Songdo, with their unique shapes, present a distinct, majestic beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else.

Uradomi Kaigan

A geologist’s perspective: Earth in conversation

In “Stories,” the park is also viewed through the eyes of geologist Dr. Matsubara (p. 5), who describes Sanin Kaigan For a place where Earth’s history feels unusually close to the surface. The region offers not abstract theory but concrete evidence of the forces that shaped the region. Take Xuanwu Cave, for example, where the geomagnetic reversal theory (the idea that the Earth’s magnetic poles have swapped positions in the past) was first proposed.

Dr. Matsubara also highlights unique aspects of local culture and cuisine, from deep-sea crab fishing in oxygen-rich water (page 16) to growing melons and sweet potatoes in the well-drained sand of Tango Dunes (page 10).

Xuanwu Cave

Tajima Coast Area: Sea Erosion Art Gallery

Continuing east, the Tajima Coast (pages 13-14) offers some of the most dramatic views in the park: a series of natural sea arches and steep cliffs jutting out from the ocean. Famous attractions include Yoroinosode Cliff, a majestic 65-meter-tall rock wall, and the stunning Spectacled Sea Arch.

The area’s natural charm extends to its unique and engaging local life. Visitors can walk through charming fishing villages such as Mio (page 15) and admire charming street scenes lined with houses clad in traditional charred cedar siding, designed to withstand strong sea breezes and sand from the Sea of ​​Japan. Here, fishing boats not only serve local industry but also serve as sea taxis, allowing visitors to get a close-up look at the area’s unique landscape.

Kinosaki Onsen street scene

Explore the wonders of Sanin Kaigan National Park

Taken together, Sanin Kaigan National Park Revealing that coastlines are shaped not only by geological forces but also by long-term relationships between people and place. From the fresh and delicious seafood to the panoramic views, every element of the area maintains a deep connection with nature.

As a long-time resident of Japan, I find myself surprised and intrigued by the complexity and visual wonders of this coastline. This national park is a great off-the-beaten-path option for those seeking a trip of cultural depth and breathtaking scenery.

Before planning your trip, be sure to check out Ministry of the Environment 22-page story collection as a starting point.

More information

Download story collection here. For more information please contact Takeno ranger office exist [email protected].