Kotohiki Beach, Natural monument beach in Kyotango, Japan
Kotohiki Beach is a national natural monument along the Sea of Japan coast near Kyotango, featuring pine trees interspersed throughout the sandy expanse. The shoreline extends for several kilometers with shallow access to the water and fine, light-colored sand.
Japan's government recognized the ecological importance of the area and granted it protection as a natural monument and scenic beauty site. This official status helps safeguard the distinctive qualities of the coastline.
The name refers to the distinctive sound created when walking on the quartz-rich sand, which locals connect to traditional Japanese stringed instruments. People visit this place to experience the rare acoustic quality that ties the beach to their musical heritage.
A visit is best suited for warm days when the beach is fully accessible and comfortable to explore. The better time to go is during the warmer months when the water is more inviting and the grounds are easiest to navigate.
The sand was included in 1996 by the Ministry of Environment in a list of 100 soundscapes of Japan. This recognition brought attention from people interested in acoustic natural phenomena.
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