If you plan to make a journey to the scenic Sanriku Coast of Japan in Northern Honshu, as we reported earlier this year when we took the Yomeishu Kotatsu Train on the Sanriku Railway, there is one sightseeing spot which you don't want to miss, and that's Jodogahama Beach in Miyako Bay.

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Jagged white rhyolite rocks, some covered with pine trees, jut out from crystal blue and tourmaline waters, creating a truly stunning sight that has consistently earned Jodogahama Beach a place in the top 100 beaches of Japan. Ryuko Reikyo, the 7th priest of the Miyako-san Joanji Temple admired it so much he said “it is just like Gokuraku Jodo (paradise),” hence the name.

Many of the rocks have unusual shapes, like these two, which look like they could be two creatures facing off. On closer inspection, this one looks like Winnie the Poo crawling on all fours.

And this one could be a half-submerged mudskipper...

A variety of geological types and sudden changes in topography create visually arresting compositions.

In addition to being an ideal location for stone skipping, with an endless supply of stones spread across the beach and rocky cliffs located just close enough to provide a good challenge, the beach is a favorite spot for seagulls.

To get to Jodogahama Beach from Miyako Station, the southernmost point of the Kita Lias line on the Sanriku Railway, you can either take the Iwate Kenpoku bus from boarding area 3 and get off 22 minutes later at Oku-Jodogahama, or you can take a taxi. The bus will drop you off right at the beach, next to the Jodogahama Marine House, where you can have a light meal and buy souvenirs.

In addition to the Marine House, there are boat tours allowing you to take a closer look at the surrounding cliffs or take a tour of Hachinoheana, also known as the "Blue Cave," which has a blowhole. Local lore has it that those who see it erupt will be blessed with good luck.

No matter how you look at it, Jodogahama is a must-see stop on your trip to the Sanriku area.