Hidden Gem: 7 Reasons why San'in Coast is Japan's best kept secret

Hidden Gem: 7 Reasons why San’in Coast is Japan’s best kept secret

Sarah Khan

28 Sep 2017

updated the 3 October 2017 à 11:29

1/7
The Instagram-worthy, rocky Uradome Coast
When in San'in, you can't miss checking out the absolutely breathtaking coastline of course. The Uradome Coast is a majestic eroded terrain facing the Sea of Japan and its robust waves, that stretches from Mount Shichi to Kugami Cape. The coast scenery differs each season. You'll get to enjoy the tunnels, caves and views of the white sand beaches.

For a far more remarkable experience and views, opt for a sea kayak or get onboard a Matsushima Sightseeing Boat. Other coastal spots worth a visit include the scenic Kuniga Coast which boasts of large cliffs (one of which reaches up to a height of 257metres) and the red cliffs of Akiya Coast.
2/7
The sprawling Tottori Sand Dunes
In the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture lies the Tottori Sand Dunes, located in the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. A key highlight is the 'fumon', also known as wind pattern. The impact of the winds coming into contact with the sand surface leaves wave imprints on the sand, creating distinct wave-like patterns.

Enjoy a stroll on the sand dunes which overlooks the sea, paraglide, sandboard - even ride a camel - or check out the Sand Museum, which features sand sculptures on display.

Fun Fact: This is also one of the top Pokemon Go locations in Japan.
3/7
The breathtaking Mount Daisen
Mount Daisen, the highest peak within the Chugoku region, boasts of colours that change and evolve through its different seasons. Its lush green leaves in the summer beautifully transitions to a rich auburn hue in autumn, before being enveloped in powder-white snow in winter. In the summer, the area is a hot destination among tourists for mountain climbing; in the winter, it draws ski enthusiasts.

If mountains are your thing while traveling, Mount Sanbe at Shimane Prefecture is also worth visiting for picnics, camping overnight and also mountain climbing.
4/7
The Ancient Ogamiyama Shrine
While you're on Mount Daisen, visit the ancient Ogamiyama Shrine in the Tendai Sect, where you'll get to enjoy Buddhist artworks in the Reho-kaku Treasure hall from Japan's Hakuho and Kamukara Period. You'll have to walk up a stone-paved road to reach the shrine, one of the grandest halls designed in the traditional Shinto architectural style.
5/7
A soak in the Hot Springs
There is perhaps nothing more indulgent (or romantic) than a soak in a hot spring during the middle of winter. If you're visiting San'in during its cooler seasons, check out the Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, one of Japan's oldest hot springs. The hot water from Tamatsukuri, also dubbed the "hot water of god" is highly popular with the women who believe it maintains youthful, beautiful skin. There you'll find footbaths, cosmetic shops, the Tamatsukuri ArtBox and cafes along the Tamayu River.

If you truly love your Japanese hot springs, The Tottori Hot Spring is also worth a visit. Opt for a footbath, and then stay in a 'ryokan' (Japanese inn) and tuck into the local seafood dishes. We especially recommend the Matsuba crab.
6/7
Explore traditional Japanese streets in Kurayoshi City
Unlike Japan's other touristy regions, Kurayoshi City still manages to retain that traditional, uncommercialised aspect to the country. The city is lined with buildings from both the Edo Period (1603-1868) and Meiji Period (1868-1912) along the Tama River.
7/7
Visit the Tsuwano Castle in the clouds
Tsuwano Castle, nestled on Mount Aono, appears to emerge mystically when viewed from the town of Tswano, especially when the mountain gets shrouded in the clouds. The castle, which was built during the Kamakura period between 12th to 14th century, has been listed as a signature heritage destination in Japan. Only the stone walls and pavings remain, although the castle by no means has lost its majestic appeal and grandeur.

The Instagram-worthy, rocky Uradome Coast

It’s no wonder the coast has been dubbed the Route Romantique San’in.

Many travel content you’ll find today often purport so-and-so country as the newest underrated, hidden gem of a destination to visit. And while some of these places definitely warrant that enthusiastic claim, the rest of them fall short. But when we say that San’in in Japan is our newly-discovered town in Asia you absolutely need to travel to, we cannot stress that enough.

Never heard of it? You’re not the first. San’in might just be Japan’s best kept secret.

San’in Coast: Japan’s hidden gem

Dubbed Route Romantique San’in, the coast which faces the Sea of Japan with imposing mountains in its vanguard, stretches from the Tottori Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture to Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The Shinkansen bullet train doesn’t even reach here; instead, you’ll find a more obsolete railway line that winds its up the dramatically rock coast with its white beaches and a calm azure ocean.

While the area is conspicuously absent of Western tourists, it’s in fact popular with the Japanese, who vacation there in the summer, drawn by the undisputed allure of its unspoiled, rugged beauty of the shorelines and the cultural riches of the towns. It is also known as the land loved by Lafcadio Hearn, the Greek-Irish writer who wrote Kwaidan.

There you’ll find the Shimane Prefecture, at the heart of the San’in region, which is the site of a few celebrated religious shrines. The most notable shrine here is the Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest, largest and most venerated pilgrimage destinations in Japan, where it is believed 8 million spirit gods congregate for their annual conference.

You can’t deny that San’in offers you a Japanese experience like no other: an insight into the older, more rural and traditional vestiges of Japan which starkly contrast to its developed and industrialised regions. Browse the gallery above for 7 amazing things to do in this coastal gem.

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

Hidden Gems: 6 Less-travelled cities in Japan that will surprise you

Labuan Bajo: An Indonesian gem for the adventure seekers