IwateTravel

Leisurely Stroll Along the Beach at Jodo-ga-hama (浄土ヶ浜), Sanriku's Most Celebrated Scenic Spot

About this spot

A signature scenic spot representing Sanriku Fukkou National Park and designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. White rhyolite peaks encircle the cove, and the landscape woven together by pine trees, blue sea, and white pebbles is so beautiful that during the Edo period, a Buddhist priest from Joansho-ji Temple reportedly called it "like the Pure Land itself." The rocky peaks shield the cove from open-ocean waves, making the inner waters remarkably calm—perfect for playing with small children along the water's edge. The calls of black-tailed gulls flying overhead are a charming feature of the beach. The highly transparent waters, selected among Japan's 100 best swimming beaches, are so clear that small fish are often visible from the shore, delighting children just from a beach stroll.

Tips

From the Jodo-ga-hama parking area to the beach, you walk along a hiking trail. Since it's a pebble beach, baby carriers (slings) work better than strollers, and marine shoes or comfortable sandals are recommended. During summer vacation season and holidays, the parking lot can get crowded, so arriving early in the morning is recommended.