Shichirimi Beach

What it is

• The longest gravel beach in Japan stretching twenty-five kilometers through Mie Prefecture.
• A coastal pilgrimage route for the Kumano Kodo within Yoshino-Kumano National Park.
• A protected UNESCO World Heritage site where loggerhead turtles land to lay eggs.
• A scenic shoreline connecting Kumano City to Kiho Town.

What to see

• The ancient Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine situated directly along the coastline.
• Distinctive natural landmarks including the Onigajo rock formations and Shishiiwa rock.
• Ida Beach where loggerhead turtles arrive to nest.
• A continuous twenty-five kilometer stretch of smooth gravel and coastal views.

When to go

• May to September is the nesting season for loggerhead turtles.
• Vehicle access is restricted during summer months to protect the turtle population.
• Allow approximately nine hours if planning to walk the entire coastal route.

Getting there

• The northern end is a ten-minute walk from Kumano-shi Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.