Amaharashi Coast, Coastal area in Toyama Prefecture, Japan

Amaharashi Coast is a coastal area in Toyama Prefecture with sandy shores, pine forests, and rock formations extending into the sea. The snow-capped Tateyama mountains form a striking backdrop visible in clear weather.

The name comes from a legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune: caught in a downpour near Amaharashi Station, his companion Benkei lifted a rock to shelter him until the sky cleared. That rock, Yoshitsune Iwa, still stands by the station. In 2014 Toyama Bay, including this coast, joined the World's Most Beautiful Bays club.

The name comes from a legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune: caught in a sudden downpour near this shore, his companion Benkei lifted a rock for shelter, and the place was called Amaharashi, "rain clearing". The rock, Yoshitsune Iwa, stands beside Amaharashi Station. The coast is part of Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park and was named among Japan's 100 best beaches.

The JR Himi Line runs almost directly along the shoreline between Etchu-Kokubu and Amaharashi, so the train window gives views of the bay and the Tateyama range. Amaharashi Station sits close to the shore and to the Yoshitsune Rock. In winter, photographers gather for the sea smoke over the Japan Sea and for the first sunrise on New Year's Day.

A distinctive rock formation called Onnaiwa juts from the sea and is especially sought by photographers during winter months. The combination of snow-covered mountains in the background with this striking formation creates a rare visual effect.