Seas and Islands in Japan
Eastern Japan
Seas and Islands in Hokkaido Region
Cape Soya (宗谷岬)
Cape Soya is the northernmost cape in Japan.
Wakkanai city is the northernmost city in Japan, and the cape is located about 25 km northeast of the city.
The area around this cape is Soya Misaki Park.
There are a few monuments, and wild Hokkaido sika deer are seen in the grassland.
From the cape, you can see Sakhalin Island in Russia.
Rishiri Island (利尻島)
Rishiri Island is an island located about 40 km southwest of Wakkanai city.
It is a nearly round island.
It is about 15 km from east to west and 17 km from north to south in width.
There is a volcano Mt. Rishiri in the center of the island, and whole island is full of nature.
Rebun Island (礼文島)
Rebun Island is an island located about 10 km northwest of Rishiri Island.
It is about 5 km from east to west and 20 km from north to south in width.
It is not a volcano island, and there are low mountains are in the island.
The scenery of the coast and small lake are popular.
Drift ice in Okhotsk Sea
Drift ice comes ashore around the northeastern coast of Hokkaido facing Okhotsk Sea from late January to early March.
It is called "Ryuhyo" (流氷) in Japanese.
The sea water is frozen in the northern part of the Okhotsk Sea, and is carried toward the south by sea currents.
Abashiri city and Monbetsu are popular sightseeing cities for the drift ice.
The cruising ships in ryuhyo are operated in the season from the ports.
Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島)
Shiretoko Peninsula is a long peninsula extending about 70 km toward northeast like a horn.
The northern half of the peninsula is uninhabited and is covered by primeval forest.
So, the area was registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.
There are Utoro and Rausu villages at the entrance place to the area.
These are the base of sightseeing for Shiretoko Peninsula.
In winter, drift ice is seen on the Okhotsk Sea side.
Notsuke Peninsula (野付半島)
Notsuke Peninsula is the biggest sand spit in Japan.
It extends from the eastern coast of Hokkaido, and the length is 26 kilometers.
There is Notsuke Bay (another name is "Odaitou") between the mainland and the sand spit, and the tourists can go to the the sand spit by cruising boat.
You can see the unique sceneries such as the fields of blighted primeval forest and wild flowers.
Cape Nosappu (納沙布岬)
Cape Nosappu is the easternmost place of Japan where the common tourists can visit.
It is located about 20 km east of Nemuro city which is the easternmost city of Japan.
There are a few islands near the cape, but these were occupied illegally by Russia (former Soviet Union) in 1945.
We can see the islands from here, but former island's people still cannot return to the islands.
Cape Erimo (襟裳岬)
Cape Erimo is a sharp corner at the center of bottom on a map of Hokkaido.
It is the place that Hidaka Mountain range falls into the Pacific Ocean directly.
So, steep cliffs surround the cape and rock reefs run from the cape to 7 km off the coast.
It is windy at most days of year around this cape, and fog often rises.
Cape Chikyu (地球岬)
Cape Chikyu is located south of urban area of Muroran city.
It is the northern entrance of Uchiura Bay and the east side faces the Pacific Ocean.
The coastline around this cape has steep cliffs over 100 meters high,
The observatory is at the level of 147 meters.
When we look at the horizon there, we realize that the earth is round.
Shakotan Peninsula (積丹半島)
Shakotan Peninsula is a peninsula extending from the west of Otaru city to the northwest.
Whole area is mountainous and small villages are dotted along the coastline.
And there are various scenic spots of the sea are along the coastline
The color of the sea is beautiful.
Sea urchin in summer is a specialty of Shakotan Peninsula
Okushiri Island (奥尻島)
Okushiri Island is a small island to the southwest of Hokkaido.
There is no bear, fox and venomous snake in this island, so here is a paradise for hares, raccoon dogs, common pheasant, etc.
There are a few unique spots by the coast.
Sea Urchin, abalone, squid are the tasty specialties of this island.
Seas and Islands in Tohoku Region
Hotokegaura (仏ヶ浦, Aomori Pref.)
Hotokegaura is a part of western coast of Shimokita Peninsula shaped like an ax.
It faces Tsugaru Strait between Hokkaido and Honshu islands.
There are white uniquely shaped rocks and cliffs along the coast.
"Hotoke" means "Buddha".
The height of some rocks and cliffs are more than 100 meters, and they looks like great statue of Buddha.
Cape Tappi (竜飛崎, Aomori Pref.)
Silhouette of Hokkaido island at Cape Tappi
Cape Tappi is at the north tip of Tsugaru Peninsula facing Tsugaru Strait.
There is Hokkaido Island about 20 km off.
A lighthouse and an observatory are on the hill, and you can see the island when it is fine.
Just under this cape, there is Seikan Undersea Tunnel connecting Aomori and Hokkaido and Hokkaido Shinkansen runs through the tunnel.
JR Gono Line (五能線)
JR Gono Line is a local railway of JR, and it connects Hirosaki city in Aomori Prefecture and Noshiro city in Akita Prefecture (about 147 km).
About half section of the line faces the Sea of Japan directly, so it is the most scenic line of JR.
The passengers can watch at the scenery of varied coastline and the sea from the train window for a long time.
Sanriku Coast (三陸海岸, Iwate Pref.)
Kitayamazaki in Sanriku Coast
Sanriku Coast is the coastline of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi Prefectures, and it faces the Pacific Ocean.
The length is about 280 km in a straight line.
But, because it has a sawtooth shaped coastline, the real length of the coastline is about 600 km.
The whole area is very steep and high cliffs are dotted.
There are many popular sightseeing spots in this wide area.
Miyako, Kamaishi, Kuji cities are the bases to travel around this area.
Oga Peninsula (男鹿半島, Akita Pref.)
Hachiboudai observatory in Oga Peninsula
Oga Peninsula is the only peninsula which expands into the Sea of Japan in Tohoku Region and is in Akita Prefecture.
The area is well-known for "Namahage" which is a traditional event that scary devils visit in all houses and scold lazy people.
There are some scenic spots and an onsen resort in the peninsula.
Matsushima (松島, Miyagi Pref.)
Matsushima is a scenic bay with many small islands.
It is located 20 km northeast of central Sendai city.
Since ancient times, Matsushima has been known as a very scenic place.
Pleasure boats are operated and the tourists can enjoy the view on the boat.
And, there are the famous buddhist temples, Zuiganji and Entsuji, near the coast.
Seas and Islands in Kanto Region
Choshi (銚子, Chiba Pref.)
Choshi is a city located at the eastern tip of Kanto Region.
There is Cape Inubo, and the first sunrise is seen in Honshu island.
Choshi fishing port is one of the biggest catcher of fish in Japan.
And, there are two soy sauce factories.
In addition, small Choshi-dentetsu railway runs in the city and is unique and popular.
Umi-hotaru (海ほたる, Chiba Pref.)
Umi-hotaru is a rest area on the expressway connecting Tokyo area and the southern part of Chiba Prefecture.
The expressway crosses Tokyo Bay and the length is 14 km.
Umi-hotaru is just at the center of Tokyo Bay.
The location is on an artificial island in Tokyo bay, so it has good views.
Kamogawa, Katsuura (鴨川, 勝浦, Chiba Pref.)
Kamogawa and Katsuura are the towns in Boso Peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean.
These are one of the popular seaside resort areas in Kanto region.
Popular aquarium, unique island, Buddhist temples are around the coast.
Enoshima (江の島, Kanagawa Pref.)
Enoshima is a small island connected by a bridge and is near Kamakura city.
The coastline around Enoshima is a popular scenic area.
The area is close to Tokyo and Yokohama, so it is popular amongst young people.
There is a Shinto shrine and scenic places are in the whole island.
Jogashima (城ヶ島, Kanagawa Pref.)
Jogashima is a small rocky island by the tip of Miura Peninsula forming the entrance of Tokyo Bay.
A bridge connect the island and the mainland.
The narrow sea between Jogashima and the mainland is Misaki Port, and the tunas unloaded at the port are popular.
The flat island is a natural park.
Izu Islands (伊豆諸島) & Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島)
Hachijojima island
Izu Islands are located 100 to 700 km south of Tokyo, and have about 100 small islands.
Ogasawara Islands are located 900 to 1,100 km south of Tokyo, and has about 30 islands.
They are from temperate to subtropical zones and most of them are volcanic islands.
There is a lot of nature and there are few gorgeous resort areas.
Ogasawara Islands were registered as a World Natural Heritage site.
Central Japan
Seas and Islands in Koshin-etsu Region
Sasagawa-nagare (笹川流れ, Niigata Pref.)
Flying sea gulls near pleasure boat around Sasagawa-nagare
Sasagawa-nagare is a coast facing the Sea of Japan, and is located in the northern part of Niigata Prefecture.
Many uniquely shaped rocks are seen, and the clear water of the sea and the view of sunset are beautiful.
Pleasure boats are operated, and feeding the flying sea gulls on the boat is popular.
Sado (佐渡, Niigata Pref.)
Entrance of Sado Gold Mine
Sado is a comparatively large island in the Sea of Japan and is located about 45 km west of Niigata city.
This island had been a penal colony in the ancient times.
The gold mine was developed in 1601, and Sado became the territory under the direct control of Edo Government.
Because of the history, Sado became an island with unique culture.
There are some historical spots, old towns, the Japanese crested ibis registered as a special Japanese natural treasure, etc. in the island.
The gold mine was designated a World Heritage Site in 2024.
Seas and Islands in Hokuriku Region
Amaharashi coast (雨晴海岸, Toyama Pref.)
Amaharashi coast is located southwest of Toyama Bay and is in the northern part of Takaoka city.
There is a small rock island with a few trees on the top.
The view of Tateyama Mountain Range beyond the island and Toyama Bay is beautiful and popular.
Noto Peninsula (能登半島, Ishikawa Pref.)
Shiroyone Senmaida rice terrace in Wajima city
Noto Peninsula is the northern part of Ishikawa Prefecture.
It expands northward into the Sea of Japan.
Small town and scenic spots are dotted along the coastline facing the Sea of Japan.
Nanao city with Wakura onsen resort and Wajima city on the northern coast are the bases of sightseeing.
The whole area was seriously damaged in the earthquake on January 1, 2024.
Now, this area is slowly recovering.
Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture
Tojinbo (東尋坊, Fukui Pref.)
Tojinbo is the very steep rocky coast facing the Sea of Japan.
It is located about 20 km north of Fukui city.
The cliff with a lot of columnar joints for 1 km is one of the rare places in the world.
So, it is designeted as a national natural treasure.
Mikata-goko (三方五湖, Fukui Pref.)
Mikata-goko is a group of five small lakes facing Wakasa Bay.
It is located about 20 km west of Tsuruga city.
All lakes are connected with a narrow channel or a canal.
The shape of the lake is complicated and the hills between the lakes make the appearnce of beautiful scenery.
A scenic road is set up and a pleasure boat is operated.
Seas and Islands in Tokai Region
Shimoda (下田, Shizuoka Pref.)
Shimoda is a city near the southern tip of Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture.
The town is along the cove facing the Pacific Ocean, so there are some scenic spots of sea around the city.
Japan had took up the seclusion policy as a foreign policy since 1633, but Perry who was an United States Navy officer visited Shimoda to urge Japan to open the country in 1854.
This led to finish the samurai nation in 1868.
In Shimoda city, there are some historical spots about them.
West coast of Izu Peninsula (西伊豆, Shizuoka Pref.)
Dogashima coast in West coast of Izu Peninsula
The west coast of Izu Peninsula faces Suruga Bay.
The coastline has few flat lands and the visitor can see the varied scenes of the sea.
It faces west, so there are some scenic spots that the sunset is beautiful.
Miho no Matsubara (三保の松原, Shizuoka Pref.)
Miho no Matsubara is a beach with pine grove in Shizuoka city.
It is a small peninsula of a sand spit and faces Suruga Bay.
There are about 54,000 pine trees along the beach for 7 km.
And, it is one of the best places to see Mt.Fuji.
When Mt. Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site, this place has also been included.
Meoto-iwa (夫婦岩, Mie Pref.)
Meoto-iwa is a pair of rocks near a coast, and it is close to Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture.
The name means "rocks of husband and wife".
The two rocks are connected with the sacred ropes.
There is Futami-Okitama-jinja (二見興玉神社) on the shore. Meoto-iwa is enshrined by the shrine.
Toba (鳥羽, Mie Pref.)
Toba is the entrance city of Shima Peninsula and it is also located to the east of great Ise-Jingu shrine.
It is a sea side resort city and there are many hotel and ryokans.
Japanese cultured pearls were created in Toba for the first time in the world in 1893.
Shima Peninsula (志摩半島, Mie Pref.)
Scenery of Ago Bay in the southern part of Shima Peninsula
Shima Peninsula forms the entrance of Ise Bay and Toba city is at the northern part of the penninsula.
The coastline is the ria coast and highly indented.
There are some spots to see the beautiful scenery of the sea.
Ama is a traditional woman fisher who dives into the sea near and catches expensive abalones and the other shells or seaweeds.
Of course, they worked to get the shells for pearl.
About 500 amas live in this peninsula.
Shichiri-mihama (七里御浜, Mie Pref.)
Shishi-iwa (Lion rock) in Shichiri-mihama
Shichiri-mihama is a straight coast in Kumano city in the southern end of Mie Prefecture.
It is a part of Kumano-Kodo which are the ancient pilgrimage routes designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The length of the coast is actually about 20 km.
The beach is filled with smooth round stones and the picking of the stone is prohibitted.
There are a few spots of unique rocks.
Western Japan
Seas and Islands in Kansai Region
Amanohashidate (天橋立, Kyoto Pref.)
Amanohashidate is a scenic sandbar.
It is in Kyoto Prefecture, but it is located near the Sea of Japan far from central Kyoto city.
The shape of the sandbar looks like a dragon going up to heaven, so it has been a popular place since ancient times.
There are the observatories to see it on the hills and the pleasure boat sailing around the sandbar is operated.
Shirahama (白浜, Wakayama Pref.)
Shirarahama beach in Shirahama
Shirahama is a resort town and is in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture.
The coastline faces the Pacific Ocean and the climate is warm.
The name means "white beach".
"Shirarahama" is the main beach and the white sand in the beach is a beautiful.
In addition, it is an onsen resort, so there are some hotels in the area.
Kushimoto (串本, Wakayama Pref.)
Hashigui-iwa in Kushimoto
Kushimoto is a town at the southern edge of Kii Peninsula, and it is also the southern edge of Hoshu island.
A warm ocean current called "Kuroshio" flows near this area, so the area is warm.
Cape Shionomisaki is the southernmost place.
And, there are the unique rocks "Hashigui-iwa" along the coast.
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋, Hyogo Pref.)
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is a suspension bridge for cars and crosses over Akashi Channel.
It connects Akashi city and Awajishima island, and it is on an important route from Kansai region to Shikoku Island.
On the Akashi city side, there are a park and a museum, and the guided tour of the bridge is held.
Seas and Islands in Chugoku Region
Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道, Hiroshima & Ehime Prefs.) is an expressway about 60 km long connecting Honshu Island and Shikoku Island.
The route passes six islands in Seto Inland Sea, and the whole route has scenic view.
Cars and bicycles can pass it.
Tomonoura (鞆の浦, Hiroshima Pref.) is a small port town facing Seto Inland Sea, and there is old town around the cove.
The ships sailing on the sea had waited for the change of the flow in this port in the old times.
Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) (大久野島, Hiroshima Pref.) is a small desert island, and it is located about 3 km off the coast.
About 400 wild rabbits are living in the island.
Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘, Tottori Pref.) is the most popular sand dunes in Japan and faces the Sea of Japan.
The scenery is rare in Japan, and it has been designated a national monument.
Uradome Coast (浦富海岸, Tottori Pref.) is a ria coast about 15 km long, and is located to the northeast of Tottori Sand Dunes.
It is a national-designated site of scenic beauty and natural monument, and many rocky islands near the coast are seen.
Shimanami Kaido Tomonoura Rabbit Island Tottori Sand Dunes Uradome Coast
Inasa Beach (稲佐の浜, Shimane Pref.) is located 1.2 km west of sacred Izumo Shrine.
On the sand beach, there is a big rock in relation to Japanese myth.
Oki Islands (隠岐, Shimane Pref.) are located about 70 to 100 km north of Shimane Peninsula in the Sea of Japan.
In the middle ages, Oki was a place of exile and has the history that two Emperors were exiled.
The islands have the history and rich nature.
Oumijima island (青海島, Yamaguchi Pref.) is an island in the Sea of Japan, and is near Nagato city.
There are sheer cliffs and rocks along the northern coast, and the landscape is called "Alps in the sea".
Tsunoshima Bridge (角島大橋, Yamaguchi Pref.) is a bridge connecting Tsunoshima island and the mainland.
The color of the sea is beautiful like a resort and the beautiful landscape with the bridge is popular.
Shimonoseki (下関, Yamaguchi Pref.) is the city located at the western end of Honshu Island.
It faces Kanmon Straits like a wide canal and is the entrance to Kyushu island.
Inasa Beach Oki Islands Oumijima island Tsunoshima Bridge Shimonoseki
Seas and Islands in Shikoku Region
Shodoshima (小豆島, Kagawa Pref.) is the second largest island in Seto Inland Sea, and the cultivation of olive is well-known in the mild climate.
There are various sightseeing spots in the island.
Naoshima (直島, Kagawa Pref.) is a small island in Seto Inland Sea.
It is an island of modern art, and there are some museums, some outdoor art works are dotted in the island.
Honjima (本島, Kagawa Pref.) is one of Shiwaku Islands in Seto Inland Sea.
Pirates had lived in these islands since ancient times, and they were employed by the government as a navy in Seto Inland Sea in Edo Period.
So, the old town relating to them remains in this island.
Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮, Tokushima Pref.) are the most popular and large-scale whirlpools in Japan.
The sea is a narrow strait and the whirlpools occur by moving of the massive amount of water between Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean by the rise and fall of the tides.
Cape Muroto (室戸岬, Kochi Pref.) is the cape at the south-east end of Shikoku Island.
High priest Kuukai in the 8th century attained enlightenment of Buddhism around this cape.
Cape Ashizuri (足摺岬, Kochi Pref.) is the cape at the south-west end of Shikoku Island.
The coast is very steep and rough waves of the Pacific Ocean wash the cape.
Seas and Islands in Kyushu Region
Mojiko Retro (門司港レトロ, Fukuoka Pref.) is the sightseeing spot facing Kanmon Straits between Honshu island and Kyushu island.
"Mojiko" is Moji Port, and the railway ferry had been operated from opposite Shimonoseki until 1942.
Mojiko had been the starting station of railway in Kyushu.
The buildings at that time are restored.
Umi no Nakamichi (海の中道, Fukuoka Pref.) is a sand bank near Fukuoka city.
There are wide flower gardens and large grassy fields, and amusement park, zoo, etc. are set up.
Shikanoshima is connected to the sand bank, and the golden seal given from China in the 1st century was excavated in the island.
Yobuko (呼子, Saga Pref.) is a district facing Genkai Sea in Karatsu city.
The squids unloaded at the fishing port are fresh and popular.
There are some sightseeing spots around the town.
Mojiko Retro Umi no Nakamichi Yobuko town
Gunkanjima (軍艦島, Nagasaki Pref.) is a small island near Nagasaki city.
It had been a coal mine until 1974, and it looks like a warship because many buildings and facilities are on the island.
A few guided tours are operated from Nagasaki Port.
Kujukushima (九十九島, Nagasaki Pref.) is a group of many small islands along the intended coast to the northwest of Sasebo city.
The scenery is attractive and the view of sunset is beautiful.
Fukue Island (福江島, Nagasaki Pref.) is one of Goto Islands to the west of mainland.
Samurai residences in the 17th century remain.
And, there are some Christian churches built after lifting of the ban of Christianity in 1873.
Amakusa (天草, Kumamoto Pref.) is the islands on the west side of Kumamoto Prefecture.
Because Christianity was banned in Japan in 1587, Japanese Christians had hidden in Amaskusa until the lifting of the ban of Christianity in 1873.
So there are also a few Christian churches in Amakusa.
Gunkanjima Kujukushima Fukue Island Amakusa
Aoshima (青島, Miyazaki Pref.) is a flat and small island.
The coast is covered with the bedrocks which have regular and straight stripes of geological layers.
Yakushima (屋久島, Kagoshima Pref.) is not so large, but very high and steep mountains tower in the island.
Rich forests cover the whole island, and the island is designated as a World Natural Heritage site.
Yoronjima (与論島, Kagoshima Pref.) is a small island surrounded by coral reef and is located just to the north of Okinawa Island.
There are beautiful beaches.
Okinawa (沖縄) is the prefecture located on the southwestern edge of Japan.
Subtropical islands are dotted on a line for 650 km.
Okinawa Island, Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are the main islands.
There are many beach resorts in these islands.