Rikuchu-kaigan National Park

The Rikuchu-kaigan National Park extends for more than 110mi/ 180km along the east coast at the northern tip of Honshu, an ever-changing landscape of cliffs, rock terraces and small coves and inlets (rias). The vegetation consists predominantly of rhododendrons; the wildlife includes large numbers of sea birds (gulls, petrels).

The best center from which to see the National Park is the town of Miyako, from which there are coach excursions to the most beautiful parts of the park. To the north of the town lies Jodogahama Beach, with its dark fringe of pines and its white sand one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Other attractive beaches are at Tara, Omoto and Kurosaki, farther north. At Kitayamazaki the cliffs reach a height of 985ft/ 300m.

The coasts in the southern part of the National Park are flatter, edged with dunes which are planted with pines. There is a particularly beautiful beach at Goishi-kaigan.