STAY YAMAGATA

The Yura Coast is a picturesque stretch of shoreline featuring clear blue water and white sandy beaches. The view of the sun setting over the Sea of Japan between the small islands dotted off the shore is exceptionally beautiful. This calm and shallow beach is regularly listed as one of Japan’s best 100 swimming locations.

A well-known feature of the Yura Coast is Hakusanjima Island which can be reached via a vermillion bridge from the beach. A circular trail is available to explore the island and visitors can enjoy sea fishing in the fishing pond just over the bridge. Hakusan Shrine at the top of the island’s hill is a scenic location with views extending as far as Mount Chokai. Pleasure boat tours are available during summer. The tours take visitors to the sheer cliff faces and mystical caves of the Yaotomeura Coast.

Camping is available on the beach with full facilities on offer.

After a day of swimming at the beach visitors can refresh themselves at one of the nearby hot springs including the Yura Onsen Centre, a public bath open for day visitors, or one of the reasonably priced inns lining Yura Onsen town available for overnight stays. Uminoeki Yura offers a resting area and showers for sea bathers and day trippers.