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Far from the madding crowd, there lies an otherworldly unique place in Japan ’s western coastline where snow, sand, and sea meet! The graceful convergence of three incompatible elements creates a surreal beauty which is rarely seen. At the first glance, it will be hard to believe your eyes! One side of the land is covered in white sheet of snow while on the other side you’ll see the waves crashing by the sand. This place is called the San’in Kaigan, a UNESCO Global Geopark in Japan!

Now this is the true meaning of nature’s version of harmony.

Read on to know more about this unique attraction in Japan:

San’in Kaigan Geopark


San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark covers Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto Prefecture and Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori Prefecture in Japan. What makes this place unique are the many geological features it has. From dunes and sandbars to coastlines formed by rivers and volcanic pieces. It is not your normal landscape but keeps changing with seasons.

Snow, Sand and Sea: A meeting that’s rare


Now you might even think that how is it even possible to snow near the sea, a valid question. Because snow is normally an occurrence. The answer lies in San’in Kaigan’s changing season. The place gets covered in snow during the winter season which remains there till late December, January, or February. On the other hand, the coastal side of the place never gets frozen (completely). So snow gets accumulated here and ends up on the edge of the sea sand creating a poetic scene.

Given this unique feature, the place has become a tourist attraction and photographer's paradise. There are several pictures of the sea, sand and snow which have gone viral in the past. The visual contrast is phenomenal as white snow against golden sand, deep blue sea is simply stunning.

However, it’s not a permanent scene. As winter passes and snow melts, it meets the storms and tides shift. It’s a moment of nature’s beauty in all true sense. To see sea, sand, and snow coming together and getting one just adds to enchantment.


Climate


San’in Kaigan is a perfect place to understand how coastal geography, altitude and sea currents can all together create something so magical and unbelievable. The phenomenon reminds people that beautiful oddities often arise from the mixing of different elements! Hybrids are beautiful.

With beaches, we connect summer, sun, warmth, and summer. And snow, on the other hand, is silent, cold and white. An unusual yet so deeply peaceful!

Best time to visit

To experience this magical moment, timing is the key. The visual spectacle of snow meeting the shores begins in winter (depending on snowfall). During other months, the snow might not be there.

If you want to experience this, be ready for extreme cold. Even if there’s a beach, the temperature and wind will remind you of the cold and chill. So carry proper clothing and waterproof boots.

The phenomenon is so much more than just a beautiful picture. As temperatures shift, snow patterns and coastal weather may change. Tourism here is not that great but off late some viral pictures have attracted visitors to these regions in Japan.

How to reach


Reaching San’in Kaigan Geopark is not a task but requires planning because of the shifting weather.

Nearest airport: The closest major airport is Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX). Visitors can take the JR Limited Express trains via Kyoto or Fukuchiyama to stations near the Geopark, (Kyogamisaki or Tottori).

Road: Buses and taxis connect train stations to coastal sites. One can also drive along the Sea of Japan.

So before planning a trip, just close your eyes and imagine sitting by the beach and your feet in the sea, while snow crushing gently against your palms just a few steps away! Surreal, right? Wave after wave crashing closer to the snow and at times it feels they want to engulf each other. And the peace and calm—in the kind of way only nature can offer.

This is not just a beach or snow meeting point, this place is a feeling and experiencing the rhythm of the sea, a rare experience that you won’t forget for the longest time!