Miyako in Sanriku has been recognized as the largest Geopark in Japan. Miyako is a charming destination where you can experience ancient nature. In this article, we will introduce Miyako where lies the pristine beauty of nature.
About Miyako, Sanriku
Miyako is a northeastern city of Japan, which is the home to Cape Todo - the easternmost point of Honshu island. This city is also famous for the rare sawtooth coastline in the world. Its complex terrain is suitable for harbor and fishing activities. However, This earthly complexion has constantly resulted to Miyako's tsunami disasters. Hence, a lot of memorial activities have been run by the local government to assist pass tales of catastrophe victims on to the next generations.
Things to do in Miyako, Sanriku
Jodogahama Beach
Jodogahama beach is a scenic spot that represents Miyako. In a color-contrasting mixture with the aqua blue sea, rows of sharp white volcanic rocks are adjacent, making a stunning view. At Jodogahama Beach there is also a tour boat running. A rod-shaped gigantic rock "candle rock" with a height of 40 m and "Spouting hole" can be seen from the ship where sea water blows up when it hits waves. You can also enjoy feeding the ship's black-tailed gulls.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Jodogahama beach
- Street Address: 32 Hitachihamacho, Miyako, Iwate 027-0001
- Access:
- 10 minutes by car from Miyako Station. 10~15-minute walk from 1st to 3rd parking lot.
- 20 minutes by bus from Miyako Station. Get off at "Oku Jodogahama" bus stop.
Taro Kanko Hotel
This hotel was damaged by the tsunami in the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and now is preserved as earthquake ruins. Inside the hotel, you can watch the documentary videos of the tsunami that took place on the disaster day. Note that if you want to join the hotel tour, it is necessary to participate in "Disaster Prevention Tour Guide" (学ぶ防災ガイド) held by the Miyako Tourism Cultural Exchange Association.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Taro Kanko Hotel
- Street Address: 80 Taronohara, Miyako, Iwate 027-0323
- Access: Take the Sanriku Railway Kita-Rias line from Miyako Station and get off at Taro Station. It takes approximately a 20-minute walk from Taro Station.
Restaurants in Miyako, Sanriku
Gyosaitei Sumiyoshi
Miyako is well-known for milk bottles stuffed with sea urchin. At this restaurant, you can eat "BIN DON", a milk bottle in which fresh seafood such as sea urchin and salmon roe are stuffed.You should try with a bowl of rice this kind of bottled seafood, they're a good match. It's also a very common tourist activity to customize your own favourite kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl).
Spot Information
- Spot name: Gyosaitei Sumiyoshi
- Street Address: 2-10 Sakaecho, Miyako, Iwate 027-0076
- Access: 30-second walk from Miyako Station
Hotels in Miyako, Sanriku
The Park Hotel Jodogahama
This hotel is situated on a hill overlooking the beach of Jodogahama. From the guest room you can overlook beautiful landscapes like Miyako Bay and Japanese pine. Inside the hotel there is also a big public bath encircled by red pine forest. While taking a bath, you can enjoy the pines.
Spot Information
- Spot name: The Park Hotel Jodogahama
- Street Address: 32-4 Hitachihamacho, Miyako, Iwate 027-0001
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Miyako Station to the hotel. If you make a reservation in advance, you can take a free shuttle bus from Miyako station to the hotel.
Access to Miyako, Sanriku
Going from Tokyo
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station. Change to JR Yamada Line at Morioka Station and get off at Miyako Station.
Going from Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka
Head to Iwate Hanamaki Airport by plane. Take a bus to Morioka Station from the aiport. At Morioka Station, take JR Yamada Line and get off at Miyako Station.
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