HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Jodogahama Beach
A place of exceptional scenic beauty that has been compared to paradise in Iwate’s Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park
Iwate Prefecture
Jodogahama Beach, literally Pure Land Beach, is one of the most famous places of scenic beauty on the Rikuchu Coast in Iwate’s Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park. The vivid contrast of the sharp, white rocks, green pines, and deep blue sea was compared to the Pure Land, the Buddhist Paradise, by a monk named Reikyo in 1681-1683, hence the name Jodogahama. Listed in Japan’s 100 Great Beaches, 100 Best Beaches for Swimming, and 100 Best Aromatic Landscapes, just to name a few, it is indeed a great beach for swimming, with clean water and gentle waves. There are facilities such as a bus terminal building, a marine house, and a rest house, as well as a boat rental service. While sightseeing, look out for crabs and small fish in the tide pools along the esplanade from the beach to the marine house.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen and get off at Morioka Station (about 2 hours). Take Express Bus 106 to Miyako Station (about 2 hours). Transfer to the bus bound for Jodogahama and get off at the Jodogahama stop (about 25 minutes).
32 Hitachihama-cho, Miyako-shi, Iwate-ken
