Uradome Coast Island Cruise

The Uradome Coast Island Cruise is a popular sightseeing boat tour that allows visitors to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Uradome Coast from the sea. The Uradome Coast is located in Iwami Town, Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, within the San’in Kaigan National Park and the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. It has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches and is also known as the “Matsushima of the West” because of its beautiful scenery.

The coast is characterized by precipitous cliffs, unusual rock formations, sea arches, caves, and highly transparent waters that shimmer emerald green—all shaped over many years by the rough waves and harsh winds of the Sea of Japan. Since the cruise offers close-up views that cannot be seen from land, it is enjoyed by many tourists.

## The Appeal of the Uradome Coast

The Uradome Coast is one of the most scenic destinations in eastern Tottori Prefecture. Its distinctive landscape features a complex ria coastline and numerous islands of various sizes. Beautiful scenery stretches along approximately 15 kilometers of coastline, which is dotted with sea arches, caves, and sheer cliffs formed by marine erosion.

One of the most famous features is its dynamic landscape, said to include 166 large and small islands, 16 sea arches, and six caves. While Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is known for its calm and gentle scenery, the Uradome Coast is admired for its powerful, rugged, and masculine landscape created by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan.

The coast is also known for having recorded some of the highest levels of water clarity in Japan in past surveys conducted by the Ministry of the Environment. Its visibility is said to reach approximately 25 meters at its maximum. Locally, the beautiful color of the sea is called “Iwami Blue,” captivating visitors from near and far.

## What Is the Uradome Coast Island Cruise?

The Uradome Coast Island Cruise departs from the sightseeing boat pier at Ajiro Port and takes visitors on a cruise around the Uradome Coast’s most famous scenic spots and unusual rock formations.

The boat weaves between islands of various sizes, allowing passengers to view sea arches, caves, sheer cliffs, and unusual rock formations from close range. The greatest appeal of the cruise is the opportunity to enjoy the Uradome Coast’s majestic scenery from the sea—a perspective that cannot be experienced from land.

During the voyage, the captain personally provides commentary over the microphone, explaining the day’s sea conditions, points of interest, and the geological formation of the landscape in an easy-to-understand way. The excitement and immediacy of this live commentary are another reason for the cruise’s popularity.

## Large Sightseeing Boat Course

The most popular option is the island-hopping course aboard a large sightseeing boat.

The cruise lasts approximately 40 minutes and leisurely visits the Uradome Coast’s representative scenic sites. Thanks to the stability of the large vessel, which tends to experience relatively little rocking, the cruise is suitable for visitors of all ages.

The boat approaches close to sheer cliffs and unusual rock formations, allowing passengers to observe the dynamic terrain created by marine erosion at close range. While visiting scenic spots such as Sengan-Matsushima and Natanegoto, passengers can take in the magnificent scenery of the Sea of Japan.

The views can be enjoyed perfectly well from inside the boat, but on fine days, stepping out onto the deck and feeling the sea breeze is highly recommended.

## Small Boat “Adventure Cruise Uradome”

The “Adventure Cruise Uradome,” operated by a small boat, is popular with those looking for a more thrilling experience.

The approximately 50-minute cruise can enter narrow waterways, sea arches, caves, and shallow inlets that are inaccessible to larger boats.

The boat can approach to within a few meters of the base of cliffs that rise approximately 70 meters high. Because it travels just above the surface of the water, passengers can experience the power of the Uradome Coast with their entire bodies.

Another distinctive feature is the opportunity to observe the underwater world using a glass-bottom viewing box. Passengers can watch fish swimming in the exceptionally clear water and observe the contours of the seafloor, creating the feeling of being on an expedition.

This is a popular course for experiencing the wonders of the San’in Kaigan Geopark in greater depth.

## Splash Adventure “AQUA”

The “Splash Adventure AQUA,” operated by a high-speed boat, is popular with visitors seeking thrills and exhilaration.

This interactive tour combines a scenic cruise with the excitement of an attraction. After enjoying the exceptionally clear sea and views of the sheer cliffs, passengers can experience the exhilaration and thrill of traveling at high speed.

Racing across the water while feeling the wind and spray against your entire body is an incredibly powerful experience, making this tour ideal for those who enjoy active sightseeing.

Since the operating season may be limited, visitors are advised to check the operating schedule in advance.

## Highlights

### Sengan-Matsushima

Sengan-Matsushima is one of the Uradome Coast’s most iconic scenic spots. A rocky island covered with pine trees floats in the sea, and its beautiful appearance has made it popular with many tourists.

### Natanegoto

Natanegoto is a scenic area consisting of several rocky islands clustered together. They can be viewed up close from the sightseeing boat, offering visitors the chance to appreciate the natural beauty shaped by the forces of nature.

### Sea Arches and Caves

Sea arches and caves are among the landscapes that symbolize the Uradome Coast. The natural arches and caves formed by wave erosion can be enjoyed with an impressive sense of scale that is unique to a sightseeing boat.

### Sheer Cliffs

The cliffs carved out by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan are tremendously impressive. Looking up at the cliffs from the sea provides an entirely different impression from viewing them from land.

### Iwami Blue

The waters of the Uradome Coast are exceptionally clear and display a variety of colors, from emerald green to deep blue, depending on the sunlight. Because of this beauty, they are known as “Iwami Blue.”

## Nearby Facilities

The sightseeing boat pier is equipped with a tourist information center, ticket counter, and souvenir shop.

The on-site restaurant Ajiroya serves seafood dishes prepared with fresh seafood landed at nearby fishing ports. Since visitors can enjoy local seafood from Tottori, many tourists combine a meal there with their sightseeing boat experience.

Free parking is also available, making the site convenient for visitors traveling by car.

## Points to Note

Since the sightseeing boats operate on the sea, routes may be changed or services may be canceled depending on the weather and wave conditions. In particular, the weather on the Sea of Japan can change significantly, so visitors are advised to check the operating status on the official website in advance.

The boats are exposed to sea breezes, so depending on the season, bringing an extra layer is recommended for a more comfortable experience.

## Conclusion

The Uradome Coast Island Cruise is one of Tottori Prefecture’s most popular sightseeing activities, offering visitors the chance to enjoy from the sea the spectacular scenery of the Uradome Coast, known as the “Matsushima of the West.” Its greatest appeal is the opportunity to experience at close range the magnificent landscapes created by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan, including sea arches, caves, sheer cliffs, and unusual rock formations.

Visitors can choose from a variety of cruises to suit their preferences, including a leisurely ride on a large sightseeing boat, an adventurous small-boat cruise, and a thrilling high-speed adventure boat. Together with the exceptionally clear “Iwami Blue” waters, the cruise is an excellent way to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of the San’in Coast.