Blessings of the Earth, Walk Through the Town of Kawaminato｜Hiking / Cycling｜Things to Do

Beginning at Hyogo prefecture's designated natural monument "Hasakari Iwa", enjoy the magnificent coastal beauty as you travel along the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. In addition, this course will have you walking around Takeno and Kawaminato's maze-like streets that are lined with houses that are sided with burnt cedar boards, as well as experiencing the history and culture of the Kitamaebune(cargo ships) era. A time that cargo ships sailed the Japan Sea during the Edo period.

Route map

Recommended Spots of Interest

1) Hasakari Iwa (Hasakari Rock): This natural monument was formed when the ceiling of a sea cave collapsed, sandwiching a large rock in between two other rocks.

2) Yodo No Doumon (Yodo's Sea Cave): A sea cave north of Kirihama beach. Rough waters from the Sea of Japan carved this cave. An impressive cave that is 24 meters wide, 40 meters deep, and 13.8 meters high.

3) Nishimachi and squid fishing boats: A lovely fishing town where squid fishing boats can be seen anchored, as well as remnants of old Kitamae ship piers. Recently the area has been used as a location for a certain moving company's TV commercial.

4) Takeno River inlet and Kawaminato streets: This area was a port of call for Kitamae ships and supported people's lives with "moving sea market". A place where nostalgic scenery spreads out.

5) Townscape with Yakisugi (burnt cedar) sided houses: Local houses are built with yakisugi (burnt cedar) siding on the outside of the house to protect it from the sea breeze and sands. Many houses also place stones on the roofs to protect the tiles from strong winds.

6) Sculpture of Uhi Shrine: A sumo wrestler like statue can be found in this historic shrine supporting its ridge pole, and is considered very valuable. It is said to be a work of sculptor Nakai Gonji who lives in Kaibara.

Route Starting Point and Destination: Start: Hasakari Iwa (Hasakari Rock)
Destination: Takeno River river area

Difficulty: ★★☆

Type of Activity

★☆☆　Flat course（Elevation gain less than 100m）or less than 5km.
★★☆　Slightly undulating course（Elevation gain less than 500m）or less than 10ｋｍ.
★★★　Rugged course（Elevation gain more than 500m）or 11ｋｍ.

Distance	About 7km
Required Time	Walking time of about 4 hours.
Start & Destination	Start: Hasakari Iwa (Hasakari Rock) Destination: Takeno River river area
Getting Here	By Train: Take JR train to Takeno Station
Road Conditions	Asphalt & dirt
Signpost Presence	None
Contact	Contact: Takeno Tourism Association Phone: 0796-47-1080

Things to Do

Blessings of the Earth, Walk Through the Town of Kawaminato 大地の恵み 川湊まち並みウォーク

Blessings of the Earth, Walk Through the Town of Kawaminato

大地の恵み川湊まち並みウォーク