Goishi Coast

What to know

The Goishi Coast (碁石海岸, Goishi Kaigan) stretches six kilometers along the coast of Ofunato City in southern Iwate Prefecture, featuring beautiful rocky beaches and cliffs. It is part of the Sanriku Recovery National Park. The area gets its name from the smooth black stones found on the beaches, which resemble the markers used in the traditional Japanese board game Go. These stones have been polished by the constant churning waves, and the sound of them tumbling on the shore can be heard up and down the coast.

About four kilometers of walking paths run along the cliffs, starting near the Goishi Misaki Lighthouse at the southernmost point. Along the way, multiple observation decks offer views of waves crashing against the rocky coastline. Near the lighthouse is the Ofunato City Museum, a small natural and local history museum with exhibits on the geological formations of the cliffs and cultural artifacts, including tools used by local fishermen. English information is not available.

Another highlight is Anatoshiiso, a unique rock formation just off the coast about three kilometers north of the lighthouse. It can be seen from a viewing deck a few minutes' walk from a parking lot or from sightseeing boats that provide a water-level view. Cruises last 40 minutes and depart from a dock near the Ofunato City Museum.

A rental car is highly recommended due to infrequent public transportation. Rental car outlets can be found around Ichinoseki Station.

From Ichinoseki Station (150 minutes, about 13,000 yen by JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo), take the JR Ofunato Line to Kesennuma and change to the JR bus to Hosoura Station. The one-way trip from Ichinoseki to Hosoura takes about 2.5 hours with good connections and costs 1,850 yen. The fare is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass, and JR East South Hokkaido Pass. Trains depart every one to two hours, while buses run hourly.

From Hosoura Station, infrequent buses on the Iwate Kenkotsu Goishi Line go to the Goishi Coast (Goishikaigan bus stop). The one-way trip takes about 15 minutes, but there are only three departures per day. Alternatively, a taxi from Hosoura Station costs about 2,000 yen.