Japan has many dramatic coastlines, but the Uradome Coast in Tottori Prefecture stands apart for the sheer visual drama of its scenery. Stretching approximately 15 kilometers along the Sea of Japan east of Tottori City, this rugged stretch of shoreline — part of the San-in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark — is carved into a breathtaking series of sea caves, rock arches, emerald tide pools, offshore islands, and cliffs that plunge directly into the water. The entire area was recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches and is consistently ranked among the most scenic coastlines in western Japan. Best of all, it remains largely undiscovered by international visitors, making it one of Tottori’s greatest hidden gems.
Whether you explore by glass-bottom boat, hike the clifftop coastal trail, or simply sit on one of the quiet pocket beaches and watch the waves roll in from the Sea of Japan, the Uradome Coast offers an experience that feels worlds away from the crowds of Kyoto or Tokyo. This guide covers everything you need to know, from how to take the boat tour to where to stay and what to combine with your visit. For a broader overview of Tottori’s top attractions, check out our Tottori travel guide.
🎬 Watch Before You Go
What is the Uradome Coast?
Geography and Formation
The Uradome Coast (Uradome Kaigan) is part of the San-in Kaigan National Park, which stretches from Kyoto Prefecture through Hyogo Prefecture into Tottori and Shimane. The coastline here was shaped by thousands of years of wave erosion acting on the soft Mesozoic and Paleogene era sandstone and mudstone cliffs, carving out the elaborate caves, sea stacks, and rock arches that define its appearance today. The water is strikingly clear — unlike many parts of the Japan Sea coast, the Uradome area benefits from strong tidal currents that keep the water clean and blue, giving it a Mediterranean quality that surprises first-time visitors. The deepest sea cave, known as the "Meoto Iwa" (Husband and Wife Rocks), extends nearly 30 meters into the cliff face and features a hidden chamber that glows turquoise when sunlight enters from the seaward opening.
Why It Is Special
What makes Uradome genuinely unique among Japan’s coastal attractions is its combination of accessibility and dramatic scenery. Unlike Okinawa’s tropical coastlines (which require a flight from Honshu) or the Sanriku Rias Coast (which suffered major damage in 2011), Uradome is easily reached from Tottori City in under 30 minutes and can be experienced on either a short boat tour or a half-day hike. The scale of the rock formations — many standing 20–40 meters above the water — creates a sense of grandeur rarely found at accessible coastal destinations in mainland Japan. It is also one of the few places in western Japan where you can combine a boat tour with a coastal hiking trail in the same half-day trip.
If you are planning a food-focused Tottori trip alongside your coastal visit, pair Uradome with the local seafood scene — our Best Food in Tottori guide covers the freshest spots near the coast.
Top Recommendations
1. Glass-Bottom Boat Tour from Tajiri Port
The most popular way to experience Uradome is on the sightseeing pleasure boat tour that departs from Tajiri Port (also written as "Ura Tajiri Port"), located about 28 kilometers east of Tottori City. The tour runs approximately 40–50 minutes and takes you through the heart of the sea cave complex, passing rock arches, offshore islands, nesting seabird colonies, and the famous Meoto Iwa twin rocks. The glass-bottom sections of the boat allow you to peer directly into the clear water below, where you can see rocky formations and, in summer, small fish. Admission for the boat tour is approximately ¥1,500 for adults and ¥750 for children. Boats depart regularly from around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the operating season (approximately April through November). The number of daily departures varies by season; in peak summer (July–August), boats run approximately every 30–40 minutes. In winter (December–March), the tour operates only on calm weather days — check at the port office before making the trip.
2. Uradome Coastal Trail (浦富海岸源流源訊コース)
The Uradome Coastal Trail is a network of clifftop walking paths that provide sweeping views over the Sea of Japan and the rocky shoreline below. The main trail section between Shimonoo and Tajiri is approximately 10 kilometers (allow 3–4 hours one-way) and is classified as a moderate hike with some steep sections near the cliff edges. The trail passes several observation platforms where you can look down directly into the sea caves far below — the view from the Shirousamizaki headland is particularly dramatic, offering a panoramic sweep of the entire coastal geopark. Shorter sections of the trail (2–3 kilometers) are accessible from various parking areas and are suitable for casual walkers. Good hiking shoes and water are essential; there are limited facilities along the trail itself, so bring your own snacks and sunscreen.
3. SUP and Sea Kayak Tours
For adventurous travelers, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and sea kayak tours in the Uradome area offer an incredibly intimate experience of the sea caves that is impossible from a larger boat. Local operators in the Ajiro and Tajiri areas offer guided SUP tours from April through October, starting from around ¥7,000 per person for a 2-hour session. Paddling directly into the narrow cave entrances and hearing the echo of the waves inside the chambers is genuinely unforgettable. No prior SUP experience is required for most beginner-friendly tours, but a basic level of swimming ability is recommended. Book in advance on Klook or directly with local operators in the Tottori area.
4. Shirousamizaki Observation Point
The Shirousamizaki headland, accessible by a short 15-minute walk from the nearest parking area near Tajiri, is one of the best free viewpoints on the entire Uradome Coast. From the observation deck, you can see the entire bay curve of the Uradome geopark, with the dark green hills plunging into the turquoise sea on both sides. In the right light conditions (early morning or late afternoon), the contrast between the cobalt blue Sea of Japan and the creamy-white cliff faces below is extraordinary. Bring a telephoto lens if you are a photographer — seabirds including cormorants and black-tailed gulls nest in the cliff faces and can be photographed from the headland with a 200mm or longer lens.
5. Takino-hama Beach
Located within the Uradome Coast area, Takino-hama Beach is a small, crescent-shaped cove sheltered by dramatic rock walls on both sides. The beach is roughly 500 meters long, with a mix of fine sand and smooth pebbles. It is swimmable from late June through early September and is significantly quieter than the more famous beaches of Okinawa or Kanagawa. The water is clear and generally calm inside the protected cove. Facilities are minimal — a changing room and basic restrooms are available in summer. There is parking nearby for about 100 vehicles. This is the best spot on the Uradome Coast to simply relax, swim, and appreciate the scenery without committing to a boat tour or hike.
How to Book / Where to Experience
Tours and Activities
The Uradome Coast boat tour can be booked directly at Tajiri Port on the day (no advance reservation needed on most days outside peak summer). However, on weekends and public holidays from July through August, queues can form — arriving before 10 a.m. is advisable. For sea kayak and SUP tours, advance booking is recommended as group sizes are limited.
Browse Uradome Coast tours and water sports on Klook →
The glass-bottom boat departure point at Tajiri Port is located at the far eastern end of the Uradome Coast. Getting there from Tottori City without a car requires either a taxi (approximately ¥4,000–5,000 one-way) or a local bus from Tottori Station to Uraji or Tajiri stop — check the Nihon Kotsu bus timetable in advance as service is infrequent. Renting a car from Tottori Station is the most flexible option and takes about 30 minutes to drive to Tajiri Port along Route 9.
Hotels and Stays Near Uradome Coast
Staying overnight near the Uradome Coast is an excellent option if you want to combine the boat tour with the coastal trail and still have time to watch the sunset from Shirousamizaki. The nearest accommodation cluster is in the Iwami and Karo areas, where a handful of traditional ryokan offer Sea of Japan views, fresh seafood dinners, and onsen baths. During matsuba crab season (November–February), ryokan in this area fill up quickly with Japanese domestic travelers.
Find ryokan and hotels near Uradome Coast on Booking.com →
Budget travelers can also stay in Tottori City (under 30 minutes by car) and make Uradome a day excursion. For the best coastal accommodation options, search "Karo Onsen" or "Iwami Beach Ryokan" on Booking.com.
Tips and What to Expect
Best Time to Visit Uradome Coast
Spring (April–May) is excellent for the boat tour and coastal trail — mild temperatures, no crowds, and occasional wildflower blooms along the clifftop paths. Summer (July–August) is peak season for swimming at Takino-hama and for SUP tours — the water is warm (around 25–28°C) and blue at its most vivid. Autumn (September–November) brings calm, clear days ideal for photography — the autumn light on the white cliff faces is particularly striking. Winter is the least suitable time for boat tours (rough seas) but the views from the clifftop trail are dramatic on calm days, and you can combine the trip with matsuba crab season dining at a nearby ryokan.
What to Bring
For the boat tour: a light jacket (the boat deck can be windy even on warm days), comfortable shoes with non-slip soles, and a camera with a wide-angle lens for the cave interior shots. For the coastal trail: proper hiking shoes (not sandals), 1.5–2 liters of water per person, sunscreen (UV index can be high along the coast), and a rain layer for sudden Sea of Japan squalls. For swimming: a towel, swim shoes for the pebbly sections of Takino-hama, and rash guards for summer UV protection.
Getting There and Logistics
From Tottori City, Tajiri Port is approximately 28 kilometers east on National Route 9 — about 30–35 minutes by car. Parking is available at the port (free). By public bus from Tottori Station, take the Nihon Kotsu bus bound for Ajiro or Hamasaka and get off at Uraji stop (approximately 50–60 minutes, around ¥800). The bus service runs 4–5 times per day so check the timetable in advance. From Kyoto or Osaka, the JR Super Hakuto express to Tottori City takes 2.5 hours; rent a car from there. Combining Uradome with a Tottori Sand Dunes visit in the same day is easily doable — the dunes are about 20 kilometers west of the Tottori City center, so plan your route accordingly.
FAQ
How long does the Uradome Coast boat tour take?
The standard sightseeing boat tour from Tajiri Port takes approximately 40–50 minutes. The route loops through the main sea cave complex, past the major rock formations and offshore islands, and returns to the departure point. There is no extended or half-day boat tour option — the 40-minute circuit is the standard offering. If you want more time on the water, combining the boat tour with a 2-hour kayak tour is the best way to extend your coastal experience.
Is the Uradome boat tour child-friendly?
Yes. Children of all ages can join the boat tour. The boats are stable, with enclosed lower decks and open upper decks. Life jackets are provided. The tour is calm enough for young children on most days, though the boat may be cancelled if waves exceed a certain height. Children under 3 are typically free; children aged 3–11 pay the child rate (approximately ¥750). There is no minimum age requirement.
Can I swim at Uradome?
Yes, Takino-hama Beach within the Uradome Coast area is a designated swimming beach and is safe for swimmers from late June through early September. Lifeguards are usually on duty in peak summer (July–August). Outside these months, swimming is not recommended due to stronger currents and cooler water temperatures. The water clarity is exceptional for mainland Japan standards.
Is there an entrance fee for the Uradome Coast?
Access to the Uradome Coast’s beaches, clifftop viewpoints, and hiking trails is completely free. The only paid activity is the glass-bottom boat tour (approximately ¥1,500 for adults) and organized SUP or kayak tours. Parking at the main Tajiri Port and at the Shirousamizaki viewpoint is free. The adjacent San-in Kaigan Geopark Museum (Kinosaki Marine World) has a separate admission fee of around ¥1,200 for adults.
What is the best viewpoint on the Uradome Coast?
The Shirousamizaki headland is widely regarded as the best single viewpoint for panoramic photography of the Uradome Coast. The observation deck here offers a 180-degree view over the coastline, with the rocky sea caves, offshore islands, and emerald water spread out below. The second-best viewpoint is from the upper deck of the boat tour itself, where you can look straight down into the sea cave openings from above — a perspective impossible from the shore.
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Conclusion
The Uradome Coast is one of Tottori’s best-kept secrets and one of the most spectacular stretches of Japanese coastline that most international visitors have never heard of. The glass-bottom boat tour through the sea caves is the headline experience — genuinely impressive in its scale and natural beauty — but the clifftop trail, the pocket beaches, and the SUP tours through the sea cave entrances add layers of experience that make a half-day or full-day visit here fully satisfying.
Three tips to remember: arrive at Tajiri Port before 10 a.m. on summer weekends to avoid waiting for the boat; pair Uradome with a Tottori Sand Dunes visit in the same day (both are within 30 minutes of Tottori City); and rent a car for maximum flexibility along the coastal road.
Ready to explore? Browse Uradome coast tours and water activities on Klook. For coastal ryokan stays with seafood dinners, search accommodation on Booking.com.