Keino-matsubara, Coastal recreation area in Awaji Island, Japan
Keino-matsubara is a coastal recreation area on Awaji Island with a sandy beach bordered by approximately 50,000 black pine trees forming a natural corridor. The shoreline extends for several kilometers along the Seto Inland Sea and is shaped by this sheltering forest of pines.
The beach gained national recognition in 1928 as a designated scenic beauty spot and was later included in Setonaikai National Park in 1955. These designations reflect the long-standing appreciation of this coastal landscape in Japan.
The beach appears in the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest poetry collection, reflecting its deep connection to classical Japanese literature and artistic tradition. The rows of black pine trees framing the shoreline create a distinctive visual element that defines the character of this coastal place.
The area has a campground with basic facilities including toilets and waste disposal areas for visitors. The site is accessible year-round, though the best time to visit is during the warmer months.
The location ranks among Japan's top 100 sunset viewing spots, where the sun descends with particular drama along the horizon. Additionally, visitors can observe sea fireflies glowing in the water during certain seasons, creating a soft luminescence.
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