Jōdogahama

Overview

Jōdogahama is a stretch of coastline in the city of Miyako where pale rock formations meet dark green pines along Miyako Bay. Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty, it lies within Sanriku Fukkō National Park and ranks among the most recognized views on the Sanriku coast.

Highlights

• ●A shoreline lined with pale rhyolite rock formations
• ●Nationally designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty
• ●A defining view within Sanriku Fukkō National Park
• ●A bathing beach honored in multiple nationwide 'top 100' lists

History

The name, which literally means 'Pure Land Beach,' is said to reflect how the pale rocks and pine-covered slopes evoked the Buddhist Pure Land for early visitors. The Iwate-born poet Miyazawa Kenji is known to have visited the shore, and it has long been valued as a local scenic landmark.

Map

39.6489, 141.9817 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk the coastal path to view the pale rocks against the pine-covered shore
2. 2Stop at a viewpoint near the beach for a wide look over the Sanriku coast
3. 3Spend time by the water during the summer bathing season
4. 4Combine the visit with other stops in Miyako and Sanriku Fukkō National Park

Did you know?

💡 The bathing beach at Jōdogahama has been included in several nationwide 'top 100' lists, including the Ministry of the Environment's Quick Swim Beaches, Japan's 88 Bathing Beaches, the '100 Soundscapes of Japan,' Japan's Beach 100, and the 'White Sand, Green Pine 100' selections.

Nearby spots