Where Sea, Stone & Sky Meet — Discover Miyako’s Coastline
Nature’s Power & Beauty Along the Sanriku Coast
Why Take This Miyako Shore Excursion?
Located along the stunning Sanriku Coast, Miyako offers some of Japan’s most spectacular ocean scenery — a dramatic blend of sea, stone, and sky. This shore excursion reveals the region’s geological wonders and hidden natural treasures: mysterious underground caves, towering cliffs, and crystalline coves shaped by centuries of waves.
From the shimmering blue depths of Ryusendo Cave to the breathtaking panorama of Kitayamazaki Cliffs, and the gentle beauty of Jodogahama Bay, this tour captures the essence of northern Japan’s coastal wilderness — peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable.
Sample Itinerary: Miyako Shore Excursion
Experience Miyako’s natural drama — from glowing caves and towering cliffs to serene coastal cruises
09:00 – Pickup at Miyako Port
Meet your English-speaking guide and driver at the cruise terminal. As you leave the city, the road winds through pine-covered hills and along the rugged coastline of the Sanriku Fukko National Park — a region reborn after the 2011 tsunami, now symbolizing resilience and renewal.
10:00 – 11:15 – Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞)
Begin your journey inland at Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan’s three great limestone caverns. Follow illuminated walkways deep underground to discover breathtaking subterranean lakes of pure blue water, some plunging over 120 meters deep. Stalactites, echoing chambers, and shimmering pools make this a mystical experience, blending nature’s artistry with geological wonder.
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch in Iwaizumi or along the Coast
Enjoy a local seafood lunch at a countryside restaurant — dishes may include freshly caught sashimi, abalone, or sea urchin from the Sanriku coast. The area is also known for its premium dairy and mountain vegetables, offering a true taste of Iwate’s seasonal cuisine.
13:30 – 14:30 – Kitayamazaki Observation Deck (北山崎展望台)
Head toward the breathtaking Kitayamazaki Cliffs, where sheer limestone walls rise over 200 meters above the crashing waves below. From the observation platform, take in a panorama of the jagged coastline stretching endlessly north and south — one of Japan’s designated “Top 100 Scenic Views.” The cliffs change color with the light, from deep emerald in the morning to golden hues by afternoon.
15:00 – 16:00 – Jodogahama Bay Cruise (淨土之濱遊覽船)
Return toward the coast for a scenic cruise around Jodogahama Bay, often called the “Pure Land Beach” for its white pebble shores and jade-green waters. Glide past dramatic sea stacks and natural formations, including the 潮吹穴 (Shiofuki-ana), a blowhole that shoots sea spray high into the air during high tide. The contrast of serene beauty and ocean power is unforgettable.
16:00 – 17:00 – Return to Miyako Port
Relax on your scenic coastal drive back to port, with time to reflect on the day’s natural wonders — the serene underground world of Ryusendo, the towering grandeur of Kitayamazaki, and the tranquil paradise of Jodogahama Bay.
