{"id":81250,"date":"2021-04-30T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=81250"},"modified":"2021-04-29T11:41:50","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T02:41:50","slug":"road-trip-sea-of-japan-shimane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/road-trip-sea-of-japan-shimane\/","title":{"rendered":"A Short Road Trip Along The Sea of Japan in Iwami"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We came to Shimane Prefecture to explore the former Iwami Ginzan silver mine<\/a> and the historic village of Tsuwano<\/a>. However, since these two destinations are about 130 kilometres apart, the journey between them was a part of our experience in this region of Japan. We made several stops during our journey along the Sea of Japan<\/strong> to admire the landscape and take in the sea air. The journey along the coastal region of Iwami with its mountain landscape was the perfect contrast to the other parts of our trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gotsuhigashi Wind Farm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our first stop was in the village of Gotsu (\u6c5f\u6d25\u5e02) overlooking Asari beach, to admire the Gotsuhigashi Wind Farm (\u6c5f\u6d25\u6771\u30a6\u30a3\u30f3\u30c9\u30d5\u30a1\u30fc\u30e0\u98a8\u529b\u767a\u96fb\u6240) <\/strong>from above. Even though I appreciate the importance of developing renewable energy, visits to wind farms do not generally feature on my travel itinerary. But as soon as I saw the landscape of the Gotsuhigashi Wind Farm, I did not regret the decision to stop. The 11 gigantic wind turbines are installed along a clear sandy beach<\/strong> facing the powerful winds and violent waves of the Sea of Japan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"View
At Gotsuhigashi Wind Farm, you literally feel the power of the elements.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The powerful winds swept across Asari beach on this March day which made the beach appear both beautiful and inhospitable, but it would be a pleasant seaside area in the right season. Bathing areas are monitored<\/strong> and there is everything you need to enjoy the beach, which is a further reason to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop at Yuuhi Park in Hamada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a quick stop along the way, Yuuhi Park in Hamada<\/a> (\u3086\u3046\u3072\u30d1\u30fc\u30af\u6d5c\u7530)<\/strong> is an excellent option. This rest area on national highway 9 <\/strong>offers an impressive view of the Sea of Japan with dining options and opportunities to buy souvenirs. Even though we primarily stopped to get something to eat, the spot is particularly known for its sunsets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Dine with a view of the Sea of Japan at Aizuya Hachiemon restaurant (\u4f1a\u6d25\u5c4b\u516b\u53f3\u885b\u9580)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sanrigahama Beach in Masuda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our next stop, Sanrigahama Beach in Masuda (\u4e09\u91cc\u30b1\u6d5c\u6d77\u5cb8)<\/strong> is similarly known for its impressive sunsets as well as for its marvellous array of water sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s not difficult to see why it’s popular for water sports when you find yourself faced with the powerful waves lapping the beach<\/strong> to the point where the beach itself almost disappears. A sea wall has been erected to prevent the fine sand from eroding the rocks, but you certainly feel surrounded by the wild ocean when exploring this area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n