Beat the summer heat along the coast and in the shade. Japan is chock full of unique experiences to keep cool that last a lifetime. Exploring the Japan Sea Side offers countless opportunities to escape the heat and the crowds for incredible adventure!
The Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture offer the best geo-kayaking in Japan. Glide through crystal clear water in crystal clear kayaks that are perfect for observing and photographing the marine life below. Explore geological formations along the rocky coast, paddle through sea caves, stop at deserted beaches, and try spearfishing and kannagi fishing!
In neighbouring Tottori Prefecture, the Tottori Sand Dunes make you question where you are in the world. As visitors ride camels through this oasis of sand, a major draw is sand boarding into the sea. This is the only place in Japan when you can do this! The Tottori Sakyu Sand Board School offers lessons for those who seek the exhilaration of sliding down the steep soft sand with increasing speed toward the vista of endless sky and sea.
The northern coast of Hyogo Prefecture is a magnet for those who want to relax in the renowned Kinosaki onsen area. A diverse range of tattoo-friendly hot springs awaits in this 1,300-year-old town, in which visitors love to stay in traditional ryokan and stroll along the riverside streets in comfortable yukata. Steeped in culture, Kinosaki offers the freshest seafood, local sake and mouth-watering Tajima beef.
The northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture offers a spectacular coastline of rugged rocky cliffs and gorgeous sandy beaches. Located in the Tango Peninsula, the charming fishing village of Ine, is so admired for its Funaya, traditional two-story boathouses, that date back hundreds of years. Ine Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a rewarding cultural destination for boat tours, cycling, and experiencing the uniqueness of this remote destination.
Coastal drives are extraordinary, and no more so than in Ishikawa Prefecture, where Chirihama Beach Driveway allows cars to drive along the beach with the gentle waves just touching the side of your car. The drive along the Noto Peninsula is a stretch of beauty that is simply mesmerizing. This 100-kilometers of panoramic driving juts out into the sea, with so many places to stop along the way from picture-perfect beaches to quaint fishing villages.
Farther up the coast is Niigata Prefecture, home to some of the most elegant and refined sake in the world. Sado Island is the place to be for the most delicious seafood, sake and rice. Take a hydrofoil to the island, and experience a totally unique Tarai-Bune (tub boat) ride. These traditional fishing boats are made from half barrel wash tubs. Try your hand at paddling one—it’s more challenging than it looks! Sado Island is also home to the Sado Island Taiko Drum Centre where visitors can try their hand at these iconic bass drums.
Akita Prefecture boasts Kamayahama Beach, one the most beautiful swimming beaches in all of Japan. The beautiful sunset beach in Mitane Town is also recognized for its annual summer event called “Sand Craft in Mitane” in which colossal sculptures are constructed from the dense sand with seemingly impossible detailing. At night the sculptures a lit up for one of the prettiest settings imaginable.
At the top of the Tohoku region is Aomori Prefecture. This lush region of mountains and forests, perfect for hiking and forest bathing, is home to 60% of Japan’s apple production. Here you can discover 80 different varieties of apples and indulge in the Apple Pie Trail. The apples are so tropically sweet, you would swear they’re infused with sugar. The apple pies, with uniquely intricate latticework and flaky crusts, reflect the imagination of each local pâtissière. Apples here can be found in entrées, desserts, soy sauce, wine, brandy, honey, and even floating in the Tsugaru Minamida Onsen hot springs!
The Japan Sea Side is cool, vast and diverse. The range of experiences to escape the summer heat and discover unique cultural enclaves is second to none.