Beaches 浜

Exploring Japan is one of our family's favorite weekend activities. The last several weekends we have taken the opportunity to visit three of this area's most popular beaches. If you click on the map, you'll see the areas I'm talking about. One day we went to the Aomori Aquarium, then drove northeast along the coast to Oshima island. Another day we went to Kabushima island and the Tanesashi coast. And another day we went to Shipwreck beach, northwest of Misawa along the coast of Mutsu Bay.

Day 1: Aomori Aquarium and nearby coast

The aquarium was small but busy. We saw everything from enormous sea turtles and gigantic manta rays to the tiniest jellyfish and crabs. There were sea otters, seals, penguins, and of course our favorite, the dophin show. You can tell the kids had a great time.

Just north of the Aquarium we drove along the coast all the way to the tip of the tiny peninsula nearby (see map) where we had a picnic with some crows then walked across a footbridge to Oshima island where we searched for sea glass and shells

Here we are along Oshima island (in background) searching intently for anything cool to keep.

Day 2: Kabushima island and Tanesashi Coast

Just southeast of Hachinohe is Kabushima island. Like most tiny islands off the coast of Japan, it's essentially a gigantic rock covered in grass and trees. This particular island (now actually connected to the mainland with a big parking lot) is unique for two reasons: 1) there's a neat little Shinto shrine built on top of it and 2) it's a seagull nesting ground. Here we are at the top. Behind us is the shipping port of Hachinohe (best squid harvesting in Japan).

Sweetie, why are you holding an umbrella? Are you expecting rain?

Here come the birds!! Duck!! Actually, they're seagulls.

Mark loved talking to the birds. And I think they really enjoyed it too.

You probably figured out why we had umbrellas. Look to the left side of the picture and you'll see a little stand with a umbrellas borrowing.

Just up the road from the seagull place is Tanesashi coast. It's one of the more popular destinations for visitors here because of the majestic rocky coastline interrupted by a mile-long stretch of sandy beach.

This is Lyana's favorite kind of tree: the sculptured kind.

Looking straight out into the Pacific ocean.

Don't worry, it's not as dangerous as it looks. But it's definitely as fun as it looks. Alex, put the sandwich down before you go climbing.

Waving to the camera.

This one was a little precarious. Of course the kids thought it was the best thing in the world.

Quick picnic. Yummy applesauce.

Down where the rocks meet the sandy beach.

I don't think you fit between those rocks, little buddy.

Must write names in the sand so everyone knows we were here.

Day 3: Shipwreck Island

One of our friends organized an enormous beach clean-up at Shipwreck island, so despite the cold weather, Alex, Katya and I went up to help. Even though it was hard work, the kids seemed to really enjoy, and hopefully someday they will remember that day and appreciate what it takes to keep the beautiful parts of earth beautiful.

Or, at least remember how cool it was to wear rainboots and walk in the mud.

A whole lot of trash washes up on these shores. Most of it's due to the fishing industry -- nets, ropes, buoys.

After a long, hard day of cleaning up trash and eating lukewarm hotdogs (BBQ ran out of propane) I rewarded my good helpers with trip to the park because all they wanted to do was get out of the car and run around like loco-crazy people. We found this place on the way home.

Japan continues to amaze me and everyday I find a new reason to love it here.

Hope you enjoyed the beaches. Robert