Kotohiki Beach

Overview

Kotohiki Beach is a sandy shore straddling the Kaketsu and Yū districts of Amino-chō in Kyōtango, Kyoto Prefecture, and forms part of the Tango Peninsula coast within the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park. Because its sand contains a high proportion of quartz, walking on it when dry produces a squeaking sound, making it a "singing sand" beach of a scale said to be among the largest in Japan. It is designated a nationally recognized Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty.

Highlights

• ●A sandy beach known for "singing sand" that squeaks underfoot
• ●The natural phenomenon of quartz-rich sand producing sound when dry
• ●Designation as a Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty
• ●Selection among Japan's 100 white-sand pine beaches, 100 best beaches, and 100 soundscapes

History

The beach was historically written with variant characters, and its name refers to the sound of playing the koto, a stringed instrument. In 1996 the Environment Agency selected the sound of its sands as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan, and it is also designated a Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty.

Map

35.6997, 135.0419 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at the sands of Kotohiki Beach
2. 2Walk on the dry sand to hear the singing-sand sound
3. 3Take in the white sand and coastline
4. 4Stroll along the Tango Peninsula coast within the quasi-national park

Did you know?

💡 The name Kotohiki refers to the sound of playing the koto, a stringed instrument.

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