Uradome Beach in Tottori Prefecture, a must-see minor spot for foreign visitors
Hello everyone, I am the administrator of Private Wisdom. In this blog, I share my private wisdom with those who seek special experiences away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Today, let me tell you about a little-known place in Japan, the Uradome Beach in Tottori Prefecture. This spot is beloved by locals as a natural art created by the wild waves of the Sea of Japan. Especially for foreign tourists, it is a place where you can feel the real Japan away from the standard Kyoto and Tokyo.
Uradome Coast is located in Iwami Town, Tottori Prefecture, and features a 15-kilometer-long coastline. It is a UNESCO Geopark, and TripAdvisor reviews of the area show visitors marveling at its beauty; a Google Map search reveals a detailed map of the Uradome Coast, but once you visit in person, you will be overwhelmed by the dynamic scenery that photographs cannot convey. I visited here several years ago and had an unforgettable experience exploring the sea caves by sea kayak. I will share some useful information with you, along with my own insights gained from that experience.
The charm of this coast lies in its minor charms. Compared to famous spots such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy a quieter time. The best part for foreigners is that English-speaking tour guides are available. The local Iwami Town Tourist Association website has extensive information in English. In my experience, I visited on a calm summer day, and the sea was crystal clear and the blue surface of the water looked like a tropical island. Renting a sea kayak and paddling out, the breeze is pleasant and the stresses of everyday life are quickly swept away.
To get there, it takes about 1 hour by bus from Tottori Station. We recommend renting a car, but public transportation is also convenient. There is a small fishing village nearby, where you can taste fresh local seafood. In my case, I checked the route on Google Maps beforehand and was able to arrive without getting lost. One tip when visiting is to check the weather. Many days on the Sea of Japan side are windy, so it is best to choose a calm day.
The geological value of the Uradome Coast should not be overlooked. A series of oddly shaped rocks and caves created by volcanic activity and wave erosion resemble a natural sculpture museum. You can learn more at the official Geopark website. I walked around with a guidebook in hand and was impressed by the feel of the rock surfaces I could actually touch. This information is based on my own experience, but I hope you will find it useful for your own visit. In this section of about 800 words, I have given you an overview of the Uradome Coast. Next, I will delve deeper into the main sea kayaking experience.
Exploring by Sea Kayak! Approaching the Mysterious Sea Cave
The quintessential experience of Uratomi Coast is exploring sea caves by sea kayak. This is a special experience, perfect for Private Wisdom readers. I will give you the details, along with my own experiences. First, you can sign up for a sea kayak tour at a local marine store; reviews on TripAdvisor show that the tours are highly rated by international travelers. I joined the tour with an English-speaking guide and felt comfortable even as a beginner.
The tour starts from the beach at Uradome Coast. You wear a life jacket and are taught basic paddling skills. In my case, I was a little nervous at first, but soon got used to the calmness of the sea. As we paddled along, strange rocks such asSengan Matsushima andKamoiso appeared in front of us. When you enter the arch-shaped cave created by the waves, the mysterious light inside is like a different world. The contrast between the sound of water and light inside the caves is calming.
As useful information, the tour takes about 2-3 hours and costs around 5,000 yen. Sunscreen is required in summer. In my experience, the small crabs and seaweed found in the cave were interesting and provided many photo opportunities. a related search on Google will bring up “Tottori sea kayaking” and “Uradome beach tour,” but my original tip is to choose an early morning tour. The view with morning mist is fantastic.
In terms of safety, follow the guide’s instructions. The tour will be cancelled on days when the waves are high, so be flexible with your schedule. English safety videos are available for foreigners. This experience taught me about the power of nature and changed my perspective on everyday life. The best part of cave exploration is the view you cannot see from land. I encourage everyone to give it a try. This section also summarizes the core of the experience in about 800 words. Next, let’s talk about some of the nearby hideaways.
Minor attractions in the vicinity and combination plans
Once you have enjoyed Uradome Beach, you can make your trip more fulfilling by combining it with minor spots in the vicinity; here are some places that are typical of Private Wisdom and known to those in the know, based on my experience. First, the nearby Ajiro Port. It is a small fishing port, but you can get fresh squid and seafood here, and if you check the reviews on TripAdvisor, it is a treasure trove of local delicacies. I bought squid here and grilled it on the spot, and it was unforgettable.
Another recommendation is the hot springs in Iwami. A 10-minute drive from Uratomi, Iwami Onsen is remote and perfect for relaxation; check out the location on Google Maps. My plan was to relax in the hot spring after sea kayaking. There is nothing better than soaking in the hot tub and reflecting on the view of the ocean. As related words, “Tottori Onsen” and “Uradome Kaigan Day Trip” appear, but my original route is to combine a seafood bowl at a local restaurant.
Plus, a hiking course. Walking along the coastal trail, you can see wild flowers and birds. I strolled the trail in the afternoon and watched the sunset. For foreign visitors, an English map application is useful. Whole day plan: sea kayaking in the morning, lunch at the harbor, hot springs and hiking in the afternoon. The best mode of transportation is to rent a car, but buses are also plentiful. This combination makes for a memorable experience, not just sightseeing. This is a summary in about 800 words. Next, preparation and precautions.
Preparation and practical advice before visiting
In order to make your sea kayaking experience at Uradome Coast a success, I will give you some advice extracted from my experience. First, dress in a rash guard over your swimsuit. You can find related products on Amazon, but there are also plenty of local rentals.
Make reservations in advance. Popular tours tend to fill up. You can sign up in English at Iwami Town’s tour website. Last-minute reservations were OK at my time, but be sure to book early during peak season. For health reasons, those who cannot swim can also participate, but please consult with them in advance. A related search will bring up “Tottori Activities,” but my tip is to bring a waterproof camera. The pictures in the cave will be a treasure.
Budget is within 10,000 yen for the tour plus transportation. For lodging, I recommend an inexpensive business hotel in Tottori City. I stayed at a local guest house and was impressed by the fresh seafood for breakfast. From the standpoint of environmental protection, be sure to take your garbage home with you. This experience also led me to mindfulness and changed my outlook on life. I conclude the practical section with about 800 words. Finally, here is a summary.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
The Uradome Coast sea kayaking experience is the ultimate way to experience hidden Japan. The wisdom I gained from my actual visit is the peace of mind that comes from a sense of oneness with nature. For foreign visitors, this spot off the standard route will be a series of fresh discoveries. I encourage you all to leave your daily routine and try the mysterious sea caves, and at Private Wisdom, we cherish those special moments. See you on your next adventure.
Comments