A member of the oleander family. It is a rare northern plant only found in a few places in Japan. The Maze Coast in Niigata is the southernmost limit of where the plant grows wild. It was designated as a Natural Treasure of the Village in 1972.
One of the places of greatest scenic beauty along the Maze Coastline. The pine tree towering on top of the unusually shaped rocks that rise above the sea is a sight truly worthy of a National Park.
These rocks are a kind of limestone. They have been formed from the matter produced from a volcanic explosion into sedimentary rock.
The sunsets which can be seen looking out to Sado Island from the Nanaura Coastline are beautiful enough to take your breath away. The harmony of the beautiful Maze Coastline and the setting sun creates an especially outstanding view.
This statue was erected as a symbol to pray for safety at sea, and harmonious coexistence with the sea. It is a bronze statue that stands 8mt. high. Every year to coincide with the start of the swimming season, a festival celebrating Kannon is held.
It is a large grassy park that looks out onto the beautiful sea. It is the ideal spot from which to see the sunsets.
This is the number one fish market in Niigata. It is a bustling place selling many kinds of fish and with many places to eat.
Fresh fish is brought in every day. Moreover this is the northernmost point where the Tsushima Current, which makes it an ideal spot for fishing.
These rocks make up the unusual rock formations that are a distinctive feature of the Maze Coastline. They are said to have been formed around 20 million years ago by an underwater eruption.They were designated as Prefectural Treasures in 1961.
Also known as Oki Benten. It is where people come to pray to Benzaiten (the god of wealth) for a plentiful catch at sea. This rock formation consists of pillow lava rocks.
According to local lore, the hot spring was discovered by a local wealthy merchant, Shouemon Takashima. When he was looking for this hot spring, as foretold in a dream he saw, he found a wild goose healing its wound by soaking it in the spring water. Accordingly, this hot spring has been named Reigan no Yu (Wild Goose Spirit Spring).
These rice-drying racks, which consist of poles strung between trees are a typical feature of the Echigo Plain in Niigata, the number one rice producing area of Japan. When fall comes, the harvested rice plants are spread out on these racks to dry. These form a golden screen along the footpaths. This beautiful scene of these trees and the wide plain is a lasting legacy that is passed down through the generations.
You can see Genji fireflies from the middle of June to the beginning of July around the Iwamuro Haraigawa River, within walking distance of the Iwamuro Onsen. A number of festivals and concerts are held in the spa town at this time.
On each of the street lights in Iwamuro there are colorful ceramic plaques attached. Each of these plates features a design that reflects the flavor of Iwamuro. They add to the enjoyment of taking a stroll through the town. Please enjoy searching for the one you like best. There are a total of 45 plaques, and the artist is Katsuhiko Sato.
