About
Uradome Coast's dramatic granite formations and pine-clad islands exemplify the San'in Kaigan Geopark's spectacular coastal scenery. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The San-in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark Trail is not a single continuous "trail" for car travelers, but rather represents a magnificent 120km stretch of UNESCO Global Geopark coastline that forms the scenic backbone of National Route 178 through the San-in region. The geopark features a 230.9km hiking trail system with 27 courses, but for driving visitors, it offers spectacular coastal viewpoints, geological formations, and cultural sites accessible via the main coastal road from Kyotango (Kyoto Prefecture) through Hyogo Prefecture to Tottori City. 🔗
Declared a Japanese Geopark in 2008 and elevated to UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2010 (revalidated 2024), the area showcases geological sites spanning from when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago) through the rifting period that formed the Sea of Japan (25-15 million years ago) to present-day coastal erosion processes. The geology consists mainly of volcanic rocks including basalt, andesite, and rhyolite, along with pyroclastic rock and sedimentary rocks, with granite visible in spectacular areas like the Uradome Coast. 🔗
One of the geopark's biggest characteristics is its jagged ria coastline with cliffs, sea caves and unique rock formations showing changes in sea level, underwater volcanoes, and land and tectonic plate movements. For driving visitors, the geopark offers a magnificent coastal journey along National Route 178, with numerous accessible viewpoints, visitor centers, and roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) providing rest stops and local cultural experiences. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
The San'in Kaigan Geopark represents one of Japan's most geologically significant coastal regions, telling the dramatic story of the Sea of Japan's formation through its diverse rock formations and coastal features. The region showcases geological sites spanning from when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago) through the rifting period (25-15 million years ago) to present-day coastal erosion processes. 🔗
The geopark achieved UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2010, recognizing its exceptional geological heritage and the connection between people and the land over centuries. The area covers 2,458.44 square kilometers across Kyoto, Hyogo, and Tottori prefectures, showcasing the geological history of the Sea of Japan's formation through diverse coastal formations including ria coastlines, sea caves, basalt columns, granite cliffs, and Japan's largest sand dunes. 🔗
The region is also steeped in Japanese mythology, particularly the Hakuto Kaigan Coast which is the setting for the "White Rabbit of Inaba" legend, a foundational story in the ancient Kojiki chronicles. Traditional coastal communities like Ine, famous for its "funaya" boathouses built over the water, demonstrate the deep connection between people and the sea that has shaped local livelihood, diet, and culture for centuries. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access: The geopark is accessible via National Route 178, which runs along the entire coastal geopark from Kinosaki Onsen heading west. This well-maintained two-lane coastal road is suitable for any vehicle, with parking available at all major attractions. GPS/mapping app essential for navigating to specific sites. 🔗
Hours: Coastal viewpoints are accessible 24/7 (daylight recommended for safety). Visitor centers typically open 9:00-17:00, though hours vary by facility. Amarube Viaduct observation deck: 6:00-21:30 (subject to weather). Uradome Coast boat tours: 9:30am-3:30pm hourly, March-November (weather dependent). 🔗
Route Context: This segment forms the scenic heart of the San'in coastal route from Kinosaki to Itoshima, offering the geological and cultural richness that distinguishes this route from faster highway alternatives. The geopark is not a detour but forms the essential character of the coastal route.
Seasonal Considerations: Late October offers comfortable temperatures, autumn colors in coastal hills, and excellent photography conditions, though the Sea of Japan can be rough (boat tours may be canceled). Clear autumn air enhances visibility for panoramic views.
The Experience
Key Driving Stops Along Route 178 (West to East):
- Kyogamisaki Cape - Northernmost point of Kinki region with lighthouse and dacite columnar joints 🔗
- Tango Matsushima - String of pine-covered islands resembling Miyagi's famous Matsushima; multiple roadside pull-offs 🔗
- Hasakari Rock - Unique formation with 3-4m boulder wedged between two rock pillars near Takeno Beach 🔗
- Genbudo Cave - National Natural Monument featuring hexagonal basalt columns from 1.6 million years ago; dedicated parking 🔗
- Amarube Viaduct "Sora no Eki" (Sky Station) - Former railway bridge with observation deck offering panoramic coastal views; roadside station with parking at base 🔗
- Uradome Coast - 15km stretch of dramatic granite cliffs, pine-clad islands, and emerald waters; multiple parking areas and walking paths 🔗
- Tottori Sand Dunes - Japan's largest dunes with visitor center, large parking lot (¥500/day) 🔗
Visitor Facilities:
- San-in Kaigan Geopark Museum (Iwami District, Tottori): Free admission, 9:00-17:00, closed Tuesdays 🔗
- Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center: 9:00-17:00; free exploration maps 🔗
- Multiple Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations): 24/7 restrooms, local food, souvenirs, tourist information 🔗
What to Experience:
- Geological Wonders: Hexagonal basalt columns at Genbudo Cave, 30-million-year-old granite at Uradome Coast, 15km Tottori sand dunes with ridges over 50 meters tall
- Cultural Sites: Traditional fishing villages, funaya boathouses at Ine, mythology sites like Hakuto Kaigan Coast
- Activities: Scenic driving with continuous coastal views, boat tours through Uradome Coast caves (40 minutes, ¥1,300-1,500), photography opportunities at every turn
- Educational: Visitor center exhibits on geological history and local ecology
Practical Visiting Tips
Driving Considerations: Don't rush Route 178—the journey is the destination. Use GPS to navigate to specific attractions and viewpoints. Watch for scenic pull-off areas marked along the route. Fill up gas tank before entering less populated coastal sections. 🔗
Route Integration: Allow minimum one full day for Kinosaki-to-Tottori geopark section. Tottori makes logical overnight stop after full day of coastal exploration. Major stops (Uradome, Tottori Dunes) warrant 2-3 hours each. Weather-dependent activities (boat tours) require flexibility in schedule.
Cultural Etiquette: This is a UNESCO protected area—stay on marked paths, don't disturb wildlife or geological formations. Carry out all trash (limited bins in natural areas). Purchase from roadside stations to support coastal communities. Drive slowly through villages, be mindful of pedestrians. 🔗
Budget Considerations: Most viewpoints and coastal access completely free. Main costs: Tottori Sand Dunes parking (¥500), optional boat tours (¥1,300-1,500). Michi-no-Eki meals and snacks very reasonable. Free visitor center resources and maps available.
Photography Tips: Sunrise/sunset at Tottori Sand Dunes offers dramatic desert-like landscapes. Uradome Coast granite formations best photographed with clear blue water contrast. Amarube Viaduct observation deck provides sweeping panoramic compositions. Bring wide-angle lens for coastal vistas, telephoto for rock formation details. 🔗
Safety: Coastal cliffs can be slippery when wet; exercise caution at viewpoints. Strong winds possible on observation decks and exposed coastal areas. Rough seas in autumn—stay clear of wave-washed areas. Limited lighting on Route 178 at night; plan daylight driving.
Practical Preparations: Download offline maps for coastal areas with limited cell service. Bring waterproof gear for sudden weather changes. Pack snacks and water (long stretches between services). Comfortable walking shoes for viewpoint access. Binoculars for distant coastal formations and seabirds.
Location: View on Google Maps (Central geopark coordinates near Uradome Coast)
Source: attractions/kinosaki-to-fukuoka-sanin-coastal-route/sanin-kaigan-geopark-trail.md