For Lovely Views and Healing
Tour around San’in Kaigan Geopark

To begin your tour, visit the prominent modern industrial heritage, Ikuno Ginzan (silver mountain) designated as Japan Heritage. Major mining began in 1542, controlled directly by the warlords Oda, Toyotomi and Tokugawa. In 1868, it became the first government mine, then the imperial property. It was closed in 1973, but the scenes of the old days are recreated there, and part of the mining tunnel is open to the public for a tour. You can see the silver lines on the exposed rock walls and dolls that depict the tasks in modern mining. Stop by at the information center on the premises and see the 3-D model of the mining tunnels spread in every direction like an ant nest.

One of San’in coast’s attractions is a variety of food. The best of all is the fish caught at the sea before you. At Tottori Port Seafood Market Karoichi, fresh seafood directly sent from Tottori Port is available throughout the year. Locals love the fish in season at reasonable prices here. Tottori’s specialty Tofu-Chikuwa may be good as a souvenir. In the market, there are many restaurants. Try Karoko’s famous Special Seafood Bowl for lunch.

After lunch, refresh yourself in the sublime nature and a spiritual spot. Look over Hakuto Beach, the stage of the mythology long told in Japan, and visit Hakuto Shrine, where a white rabbit is enshrined as a god of romance. Tell your wish in your heart. On the approach, white rabbit statues welcome you.

Next, let’s visit Tottori Sand Dunes. Enjoy sculptures made of sand at “The Sand Museum”.　Sand statues of grand scales with intricate details fill the museum. Take a look at the unique art of sand in the world’s first sand museum.

After seeing the sand art by artists, head for Tottori Sand Dunes that nature has created in many years. The fascinating tapestry made by the wind and sand is called “the Miracle of Creative Art.” Not only walking on the sand dunes, but you can also ride a camel, go hang-gliding, paragliding, or try other fun activities. You may want to do Sunset Yoga on the golden sand dunes in the sunset by the ocean.

Drive for about 20 minutes from Tottori Sand Dunes, you will get to Iwai Onsen, which has 1200 years of history. On your 1st day, stay at Iwaiya, a traditional inn of over 150 years in operation. It is famous in the region for its secret source spring good for soothing your fatigue. Savor the seafood from the Japan Sea and kickback.

On the 2nd day, be active around the scenic San’in Kaigan Coast. The first stop can be beautiful Uradome Coast with the clear water, white sand and green pine trees along the stunning sawtooth coastline. This beach was formed about 33 million years ago when Japan was part of the continent. The magma below the continent cooled to form granite, which was eroded by the Japan Sea, wind and snow. The cliffs, caves and bizarre rocks talk about the earth’s history. Hop onto the Uradome Coast Island Boat Tour and enjoy the 40-min captivating excursion.

A 40-minute drive from Uradome Beach brings you to the Kasumi coast. Kasumi bay is the best geo spot to observe various topography and geology from the time of their forming of the Sea of Japan to the present. Get the best geosite tour with the “Kasumi Geo Taxi”, a small chartered boat that takes you to many spectacular spots! After disembarking, enjoy driving along the coastline. The next spots are “Hasakari Rock” and ”Nekozaki peninsula” to search for great sceneries.

After spending an active day on the San’in Coast, treat yourself to a lunch of Tajima beef, the finest Japanese black wagyu raised in the Tajima climate. Only the best meat, carefully selected from 10 cattle a month shipped from “Ueda Livestock” in Muraoka, Kami Town, which has produced champion cattle in many competitions, can be served at “Irori Dining Mikuni”, a restaurant specializing in Tajima beef in Kinosaki Onsen. Tajima cattle are raised with love and care in every way, from the environment to the way they are raised, and have a distinct flavor that sets them apart from other cattle.

A 20-minute drive from Kinosaki Onsen, Genbudo Park along the river is one of the geographical spots representing the San’in Kaigan Geopark. The landform of Genbudo cave was formed by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago and was named after the Chinese monster “Genbu” because of the shape of the joint and the cross-sectional pattern of the rock. Genbudo Cave is also gaining international attention as a geologically valuable site. It is also the place where the Geomagnetic Reversal was discovered, which opened a new chapter in earth science. Let’s take a closer look at the earth’s design, which is as stunning as sculptural art.

Close to Kinosaki Onsen, Izushi is a historical town mentioned in Kojiki (Japan’s oldest historical records) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). It is designated as Japan’s Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings and is famous in the Kansai Area for the soba noodles. The oldest theater in Kinki Region opened in 1901, the mansion of a wealthy silk merchant from the late 1800s, the town standing since the Edo Period is a nostalgic place to meander.

Kinosaki Onsen is one of the famous hot springs of 1300-year history in San’in Region. On your 2nd day, try staying at Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya, Hotel Shogetsutei with the longest history in the Kinosaki area. Surrounded by a 41-acre forest garden, you can see the seasonal beauty from your room. Not only a big public bath, a private spa that likens a forest and a relaxation salon are also available. Lavish dinner features Tajima Beef, crabs and harvest from mountains and oceans in season.

Contrary to the rough and powerful sceneries, San’in Coast on the 3rd day is filled with calm and fascinating views. First thing in the morning, let’s go to Kumihama Bay. Similar to one of Japan’s three scenic views, Amanohashidate, this sand beach is called Shotennkyo, which divides the sea and the lagoon about 28km (17 miles) in circumference. A close look at it is good, but the whole view from the observation at Mt. Kabuto is worth it. The observation platform is 20 min on a narrow trail from Mt. Kabuto Park. Dress comfortably. Enjoy a morning walk in the crisp air and the grand view of Kumihama Bay.

Tango Area is full of magnificent views of all the San'in Coast. Hop onto “Leisure Fishing Boat Tobimaru Taxi” at Takano fishing port to see from the ocean the white lighthouse on Kyoga-Misaki Cape, and the beautiful Tango-Matsushima with the terraced coast and many islands. It goes into a small hole called Blue Cave. The fantastic place, likened to the Mediterranean version, is said to be a power spot for romance.

Next, visit Ine where about 230 boat houses surround the tranquil Ine Bay. Boathouses were huts to keep boats, then, living space was added on the 2nd floor, Now they are used as a residence or inn. As time passed, they were changed, but still utilized for the unique culture. Boathouses look like they’re beautifully floating on the water. The beach at Ine bay is 5km (3 miles) long. It may be too long to walk, but you can borrow a bike at Ine Town Tourist Information. Ride around and find one-of-a-kind scenery. For lunch, try Tango’s winter gourmet, Buri shabu (yellowtail hot pot).

Worthy for the finale of the tour, head for Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three famous scenic spots. It is a sandy beach stretching as if to cut off Miyazu Bay from the Aso-kai Sea. It is 3.6km-long, the width is 20-170m, and nearly 5,000 pine trees grow on it. People have noted since ancient times that it looks like a bridge reaching heaven. The three observation spots around the bay offer three different sceneries, but let’s go to the south side, Amanohashidate Viewland. As the transportation makes a round trip between the ground level and observation platform, make sure to look out the panorama. After taking in some natural beauty, take a walk in Amanohashidate. Along the path lined with pine trees, there is a power spot for fulfilling romance.

After a luxurious three-day trip to explore the historical, spectacular, and cultural sights of the San’in Coast, consider staying one more night to relieve travel fatigue if you have time. “Wine to oyado Chitose” near Amanohashidate used to be a long-established ryokan since the mid-Edo period and has been renovated into an auberge. They have about 50,000 bottles of wine in stock, carefully selected by the owner, who also owns Amanohashidate Winery. You also don’t want to miss the wine of the month, which the owner selects for a special price each month. Enjoying seasonal delicacies and natural hot springs with wine will be the best way to end your trip.