Jodogahama Beach

Jodogahama is a scenic spot representative of the Sanriku region, located in Sanriku Fukko National Park. Said to have been admired by Miyazawa Kenji as well, Jodogahama is a must-see that visitors will want to return to again and again.

It is said to have formed around 52 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period, which followed the Cretaceous Period. The cove is made up of white rocks and pebbles of volcanic origin, and because it is sheltered from the open sea, the waves are calm. During the swimming season, it is crowded with many visitors and is a popular destination listed among the “88 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan” and the “100 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan (Special Selection, Sea Category).”

The rocks are covered with evergreen trees such as the Nanbu red pine, which is also the prefectural tree of Iwate, and the contrast with the white rock surface creates a beauty reminiscent of a traditional Japanese garden. The name “Jodogahama” is said to have been given after the monk Reikiō, the seventh head priest of Jōan-ji in Miyako, exclaimed in the Tenna era (1681–1683) that the scenery before him was “like paradise itself.” The famed Miyazawa Kenji also visited Jodogahama in July 1917 and composed the poem: “The velvet kelp of the beautiful sea lies spread upon the shore of serene light and glows.”

Did you know that Jodogahama has several points known as “ko-chimei,” or local place names, that can be seen from the sea? Here are some of the traditional place names and legends associated with them.

Kuwagata
This is said to be the place from which the name “Kuji” originated. It is said that the name came from the rock fault at the top of “Kuwagata,” which looks like the blade of a black hoe.

Hachinohe Hole
Located near the seawall and directly behind the cruise ship terminal, it cannot be seen directly. In Okuoku Fudoki, Volume 5, written by Esashi Tsunekane in 1892 (the 2nd year of the Bunkyū era), there is a passage stating, “This hole leads to Hachinohe, where there is a ‘Miyako cave.’” When investigated, it was found that Hachinohe had a cave called “Hei Cave.” Unfortunately, that “Hei Cave” no longer exists today, having been lost due to ore mining.

Odaiba
Jodogahama also has an “odaiba” (battery site). It is called this because there was an artillery battery here during the Boshin War, when the imperial forces and the former shogunate forces fought. It was formerly called Anazaki. At the entrance to the Odaiba Observatory, about a one-minute walk from Parking Lot No. 1, stands the Miyako Port Naval Battle Memorial, which honors the memory of the fierce battle.

Sainokawara
This cove lies at the foot of the path up to Koyasu Jizo. Because there is a natural stone embankment here, pebbles and sand do not wash away and remain in place, making it look like a riverbed; this is believed to be the origin of the name.

Shiokake
Located at the tip of the peninsula, Shiokake is one of the indicators used to decide whether fishing season can begin. If even a little white surf appears here, it means the sea is rough and fishing is canceled.

Chinoike
This area lies beyond the stone corridor along the cliff that leads toward the Omoe Peninsula from the neighboring cove along Sainokawara. The dim atmosphere seems to reflect the name of the place. Since the entire Jodogahama area is now designated as a protected special area, it cannot be visited.

Koyasu Jizo
Koyasu Jizo is a deity worshipped by local people who pray for their families’ health and for a good catch. Because worshippers carry pebbles from Sainokawara when visiting, it is called “the Jizo of Sainokawara.”

Senjojiki
This rocky area spreads out beneath the sheer cliff behind the sya-do shelter where Koyasu Jizo is enshrined. It must have looked as if it were large enough to hold a thousand tatami mats. To the right, there is also a broad expanse of flat bedrock.

Eboshi Rock
Unlike the other white rocks, this one is black, and as its name suggests, it really does look like an eboshi court cap. Its shape is said to be impossible to imagine from the land side.

Byobu Rock
This name comes from the way the vertically aligned rocks resemble a folding screen. Behind Byobu Rock lies the area known as Tako-no-Hama.

Taka Rock / Taka-no-Su
This island in Jodogahama’s Konuma is said to have been named because three hawks with open beaks can be seen at the top. It is also called “Hawk’s Beak.” Seawater flows into Konuma from the lower left side of this rock, helping circulate the clear seawater of Jodogahama.

Toishihama and Tsurugisan
This spot is also known as the former pier of the tourist boat Rikuchū Maru until around 1980. The sight of rock resembling whetstones extending toward the row of sword-like peaks in front of it is one of Jodogahama’s viewpoints.

Benkei Handprint
When the mountain behind the Jodogahama Rest House is viewed from the sea side, one can see, on the left side of the rock summit, what looks like the back of a human hand and the lines on it. The name likely comes from Benkei, who was synonymous with a gigantic man.