Kyoto Prefecture Special Issue｜0908｜Enjoy Kyoto Spring 2024

Kyoto by the Sea

Emerald Escapes

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Discover Kyoto's Coastal Paradise

K6Ta n go
Pe ni n sulanown affectionately as "Kyoto by the Sea," the northern part of Kyoto Prefectureis defined by the stunning coastline scenery that is one of its most alluring

attractions. With dramatic cliffs and calm inlets, breathtaking views await. Visi-tors to Kyōtango City in the northern part of the Tango Peninsula, which juts out into theSea of Japan, will find beaches with sparkling white sands and clear emerald-green waters
just like a tropical resort, all within a couple of hours of downtown Kyoto.

This area is part of the UNESCO San'in Kaigan Geopark, preserving a dynamic geo-

logical heritage that dates back around 25 million years to when the Japanese archipelago
split from the Eurasian continent. Fifteen unique beaches unfold along its varied coastline.

Take a long bike ride or drive and feel the kiss of the sea breeze, or go for a swim in

the ocean. Perhaps you’d like to try surfing with a local guide or a mini adventure throughsome of the coastal inlets on a SUP (stand-up paddleboard). There are also 40 hot springs
sources (the greatest number in any one location in the prefecture) here as a result ofancient volcanic activity, so put some spa-hopping on your itinerary as well. Now let’s
explore six of the area’s most scenic beaches.

1Yūhigaura

Known for beautiful sunsets. Visit during themagic hour to experience the breathtaking sight ofthe shimmering gold shoreline and the glowing

orange and blue hues of the sea and sky. There's a5-meter-high wooden beach swing called Yurari,m a k i ng it a p op u l a r sp ot for a n i mpr e s sive

Instagram snap. Nearby Kyōtango 135°EAST offers
surfing and SUP experiences. You’ll also findYūhigaura Onsen here and plenty of beachsideaccommodation options.

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Tateiwa and Nochiga-hama

For those who enjoy both dynamic landscapes andbeaches, Nochiga-hama is the place to go. You’ll

find this area of outstanding natural beauty near a
20 m-h ig h, si ng le g ia nt volc a n ic ro c k c a l le dTateiwa. The nearby hot spring Hashiudo-sō ispopu la r for it s outdo or bat h s w it h v iews ofTateiwa. The neighboring Sunagata Beach(MAP 5 ) boasts crystal-clear marine blue seas

on a sunny day and gentle shallow waters perfectfor playing on the shore.

2Hacchō-hamaA b eaut i f u l a rc hed wh ite s a ndy b eac h w it hshallow, emerald-green waters. Hacchō-hama isalso popular as a surf spot due to the powerful

waves that hit this area. There's a grassy park infront of the beach, so it’s ideal for families withchildren.

6Kyūso Beach

A small beach, but incredibly clear water. Visitors
can also tour secret caves with a local guide on anSUP. The wide, open views as you paddle acrossthe water are like nothing else! Afterwards, relax
at the nearby hot spring Ukawa Onsen.

To book a SUP tour, contact Kyoto by the Sea DMO(visit@uminokyoto.jp)

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Kotohiki-hama

A scenic spot with 1.8 km of white sand and green

pines, known as one of Japan's best "singing sands"
beaches. Walking on the sand produces acharming squeaking sound due to the friction of
the quartz in the sand. It was made the world's
first non-smoking beach because clean sand isnecessary for the sand to "sing." Look for the small
open-air hot spring on the beach.

Byōbuiwa Rock, Kyōtango City