Kitayamazaki Coast

Kitayamazaki (北山崎) is an eight kilometer long stretch of coastline in northern Iwate Prefecture. Part of the Sanriku Recovery National Park, it features 150-200 meter high cliffs.

The best place to see the Kitayamazaki Coast is from the Kitayamazaki Observatory, a park at the northern end of the coastline where there are three observation decks from which to take in the breathtaking views. The park offers visitors a small selection of souvenir shops, restaurants and lodgings, as well as a network of walking trails that lead to the various observation decks and one very steep stair down to sea level.

Another way to admire the Kitayamazaki Coast is from sightseeing boat cruises that depart from a small port near Shimanokoshi Station, seven kilometers south of the Kitayamazaki cliff. Four cruises are operated daily from late April to early November (additional departures are operated on busy days). They last about 50 minutes and cost 1500 yen.

About ten kilometers south of the Kitayamazaki Coast is another striking coastline known as Unosu Cliff. This four kilometer stretch of coast features five, nearly identical, 200 meter high cliffs neatly lined up in a row. Visitors can view the cliffs from an observation deck from the south. Unosu means "cormorant's nest cliff", and visitors can spot various birds such as cormorants, eagles and ospreys nesting along the rock.