Sea of Japan discovery trail

Introducing a new series
Take heart, adventurers seeking quieter (but no less breathtaking) paths to tread — The Japan Times presents a series of locales awash with nature and tradition on the shores and waters of the Sea of Japan.

Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture

Beautiful island paradise home to water activities, mountain trails

On Tsushima island, the mountains don’t stop until they reach the sea, their dense forests and craggy cliffs plunging straight down into the clear blue waters of the Sea of Japan.
Swept by an eponymous ocean current flowing northwest from...

On Tsushima island, the mountains don’t stop until they reach the sea, their dense forests and craggy cliffs plunging straight down into the clear blue waters of the Sea of Japan...

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Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture

The island of Mizushima

Stories of altruism woven into history of valued ‘Port of Humanity’

From the modern glass-and-steel facade of Tsuruga Station surrounded by traditional homes and storefronts to the European-style Red Brick Warehouse and occasional Russian signage, it’s obvious at first glance that the city of Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture has seen many visitors from the wider world over the years...

From the modern glass-and-steel facade of Tsuruga Station surrounded by traditional homes and storefronts to the European-style Red Brick Warehouse and occasional Russian signage, it’s obvious...

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Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture

Kotohikihama beach | KYOTANGO CITY TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Pristine seaside escape, creative traditions outside ancient capital

The city of Kyotango in northern Kyoto Prefecture — an area referred to as Kyoto by the Sea — is home to some of the country’s most pristine beaches along the Sea of Japan. At roughly two-and-a-half hours from the capital city of Kyoto, getting there makes for an easy and picturesque meandering train ride or similarly timed drive...

The city of Kyotango in northern Kyoto Prefecture — an area referred to as Kyoto by the Sea — is home to some of the country’s most pristine beaches along the Sea of Japan. At roughly two-and-a-half...

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