Goishi Coast, Natural monument coastal area in Ofunato, Japan.
Goishi Coast is a protected natural monument along the Pacific Ocean featuring black and white pebble beaches, cliffsides, caves, and distinctive rock formations spread across several kilometers. The landscape includes various eroded stone structures shaped by the ocean, creating a rugged shoreline with caves and crevices throughout.
The Japanese government recognized the ecological importance of this coastline in 1937 by designating it as a national place of scenic beauty and a natural monument. This official protection ensured the preservation of the area and prevented major development along its shores.
The coastline gets its name from the traditional Japanese board game Go, as the polished stones resemble the black and white playing pieces of the game. Walking along the shore, visitors can easily spot these smooth, rounded pebbles scattered across the beaches.
The site is most easily reached via the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station, with connections on the Ofunato Line leading to Hosoura Station. From there, local buses connect to the coastal area where visitors can explore the shoreline on foot.
The Anatoshi-iso rock formation features three naturally eroded holes in its face, carved out by thousands of years of ocean action. Another remarkable feature is Kaminari-iwa, which produces loud thunderous sounds when waves crash into its hollow cave structure.
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