Itoigawa

https://www.japan.
travel/national-parks/parks/myoko-togakushi-renzan/see-and-do/itoigawa-
geopark-drive/
Observe geological wonders in Itoigawa and soak in Amakazari's secluded hot springs
Itoigawa sits at the northernmost mainland point of the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line or "Fossa
Magna," a tectonic fault line that separates the eastern and western parts of Japan. It was the first
location in Japan to be designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Start your drive with a visit to the Fossa Magna Museum to see raw jade and learn about Japan's
geological history. Then, head to the Toya Observatory for beautiful views of the surrounding
mountains. There are trekking options around the Itoigawa Salt Trail if you would like to spend more
time enjoying the mountains. End your drive with a relaxing stop at the hot springs of Amakazari
Onsen.
Mount Yakeyama Geosite

2,400-meter Mount Yakeyama is a relatively new volcano that formed about 3,000 years ago. The
Toya Observatory offers beautiful views of this still-active volcano, as well as Mount Kanayama and
Mount Hiuchi. After taking in the sights, head down to Sasakura Onsen to take a dip in mineral-rich
hot spring waters.
Shiroike Pond
Shiroike Pond is known for its stunning views of Mount Amakazari. It sits alongside an ancient salt
trail that links Itoigawa City with Nagano's Matsumoto City. Shiroike Pond, which means "white
pond," gets its name from the bluish-white color caused by springtime melting snow. The salt trail is
a popular trekking spot in spring and autumn. At the Fossa Magna Park, along the way, walk along a
1-kilometer trail stretching from the entrance to the Nechi Valley. The middle of the path opens up
to a large rift in a cliff face, which is the fault line dividing east and west Japan.
Mount Amakazari
Mount Amakazari (1,963 m) is known for its twin peaks that resemble cat ears. Its beautiful name,
"amakazari," means "rain ornament." The name comes from the altar that was built at the top of the
mountain to pray for rain. The secluded Amakazari Onsen sits at the trailhead on the Itoigawa side.
Miyako-Wasure-no-Yu, an open-air bath, is particularly popular with hikers.
https://www.geo-itoigawa.com/eng/sp/24geosite/geosite15/index.html
https://www.geo-itoigawa.com/eng/about/geosite/geosite15/
Although small in scale, the Itoigawa Coast was once covered with a line of small sand dunes about
10m in height. 40 years ago, these gently sloping dunes stretched out to the coast and were a
popular ski area for young children in winter. Now these dunes have all but eroded away and along
the shoreline, concrete tetrapod breakwaters and artificial reefs have been constructed to prevent
further erosion. Remnants of a few boathouses left after the construction of the National Route 8
Bypass are all that remain to remind us of this foregone scenery.
　It is believed that this sudden erosion was effected by the construction of dams along the
Himekawa River basin, which reduced the amount of sand entering the region, and the construction
of a large weir around Himekawa Port, which dramatically changed the coastal current. On the other
hand, the construction of the National Route 8 Bypass created a revetment that has assisted in
preventing further coastal erosion. In this way, Itoigawa Coast serves as a reminder of the
unforeseen effects that development projects can have on the environment. The beach has now
transformed from sand to pebbles, uncovering jade and other beautiful stones. Due to its
convenient location, this beach remains popular with bathers in the summer.
1. Itoigawa Coast (Jade Coast)
　Also known as the Jade Coast, the Itoigawa Coast is famous for small pebbles of jade that can
occasionally be found along the shoreline by skilled visitors. Itoigawa Coast was once covered in
sandy dunes that stretch to the sea, but changing currents have almost entirely eroded the sand
away. Despite this, the swimming beach here comes alive each summer as locals and visitors alike
flock to cool off in the refreshing Sea of Japan.
2. Sea of Japan Sunset Lookout
　The Sea of Japan is known for its dazzling sunsets and this lookout deck is a great place to see
them. Located only a 4 minute walk from Itoigawa Station, enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of
Japan. On clear days you can see as far away as Noto Peninsula or Sado Island! The deck also offers a
good view of downtown Itoigawa and the many mountains that tower over the Itoigawa UNESCO
Global Geopark' s southern region.
Souma Gyofu House / Itoigawa Museum of History and Folklore
　Souma Gyofu (1883 - 1950) was a poet, writer and scholar from Itoigawa who made a profound
impact on the Japanese literary world. He is most well-remembered today for writing the lyrics to
over 250 school songs around the country, including those of his alma mater, the prestigious
Waseda University in Tokyo. He also wrote many folksongs, like the well-known children's song 'Haru
Yo, Koi' ('Hurry, Spring'). His house is preserved here as it was when he lived in it and the Itoigawa
Museum of History and Folklore features an impressive collection of his belongings, research
materials and collections.
Tanimura Art Museum & Gyokusuien Garden
　Designed to appear like ruins rising from a desert, the Tanimura Art Museum was designed by
famed architect Murano Togo and houses Buddhist artwork by Sawada Seiko. The museum is as
much a piece of artwork as the statues inside with curves and hidden windows combining natural
and artificial lighting to create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
　The adjoining Gyokusuien Garden is a beautiful Japanese Garden that combines nature and
landscaping together in perfect harmony. Enjoy it during a relaxing break in the garden café.
5. Amatsu Shrine
　This shrine is also locally known by the name "Ichinomiya" and actually contains multiple shrines.
Itoigawa's patron goddess, Princess Nunakawa, is enshrined in Nunakawa Shrine, while the larger
Amatsu Shrine enshrines Amatsuhiko-Hiko-Ho-no-Ninigi-no-Mikoto, one of Japan's primordial gods.
According to legend, Ninigi-no-Mikoto (as his name is often shortened) was sent by his grandmother,
the sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami, to plant the first rice plants on earth. Because of this
connection to the rice harvest, its no wonder that Amatsu Shrine has taken such an important place
in Itoigawa’s history.
　The shrine’s largest festival is its Spring Grand Festival, also commonly known by the name
"Itoigawa Fighting Festival (Itoigawa Kenka Matsuri)." Held every April 10th and 11th, this festival is
named for its "fighting shrines" event in which large portable shrines are crashed into each other by
teams of local young men. This spectacle is said to bless the region each year with a bountiful
harvest. The court dance that follows the fighting shrines is centuries old is an Important Intangible
Cultural Property of Japan.

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https://www.japan.

Mount Yakeyama Geosite

1. Itoigawa Coast (Jade Coast)

2. Sea of Japan Sunset Lookout

Souma Gyofu House / Itoigawa Museum of History and Folklore

Tanimura Art Museum & Gyokusuien Garden

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