Summary

• Japan's Jade Coast is a hidden gem with stunning coastlines and rare minerals, making it one of Japan's best-kept secrets.
• The best time to visit the Jade Coast is during spring or autumn to enjoy quiet days and pleasant temperatures.
• In addition to searching for jade on the beach, visitors can explore the Itoigawa Geopark, visit the Jade Museum, and savor local cuisine in the tranquil ambiance of the coast.

While places like Tokyo and Mount Fuji rank among the most visited places in Japan, the country has many hidden gems, including some incredible beaches. While some beaches impress with their healing properties, other stands out for featuring many minerals.

Also known as Hisui Kaigan in Japanese, the Jade Coast was once full of beautiful rare minerals found in abundance, such as the jade, to which the coast shares a name. It's arguably one of the best of Japan's hidden gems. While there were once copious amounts of the mineral, its numbers have lessened, but it can still be found with a keen eye and a decent amount of time devoted to searching for it. Such beautiful rocks exist due to the region on which the Jade Coast is located, which is between the Fossa Magna and the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line. The minerals that appear on the beach are as old as the fault lines themselves, dating back anywhere from 20 to 500 million years ago.

Thanks to the mountains surrounding the area, powerful river currents brought the minerals to the coastline, and, as anyone who has collected beach glass knows, the ocean waves eventually smoothed each rock over as they would a piece of glass. The beach is full of pebbles and rocks; if one is lucky enough, one might find nephrite or jadeite.

According to Japanese law, however, stones can only be taken home from the Jade Coast, not from the Kotakigawa Jade Gorge, where it's strictly forbidden. Treasure hunting for jade isn't the only thing one can do near the Jade Coast.

UPDATE: 2023/11/06 17:50 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Japan's Jade Coast: It's More Than Meets The Eye

Most tourists still don't know the Japan's Jade Coast—and they miss the chance to discover an incredible place. This list has been expanded to include more information about the Jade Coast, including the best time to visit and how to get there.

Related: There's A Mysterious Octagonal Tunnel In Japan...And It's Giving Tourists The Creeps

The Stunning Hisui Coast In Asahi

The Hisui Coast is very different from what one might expect when visiting Japan. With the busy city of Tokyo less than five hours away, it's easy to forget that there are parts of this country where stunning coastlines and humbling mountainscapes make up much of its vast terrain. The Jade Coast sits at the end of a consecutive line of mountains, starting with Mount Karamatsu and ending with Mount Shirouma, Mount Yukikura, Mount Asahi, and, finally, Inugatake.

On either side of these mountains is the Kurobe River on one side and the Himekawa River on the other, which carries minerals down from the mountains above. These rivers run into Toyama Bay, along which the coastline and beach sit. This beach, with its calm water and gentle waves, is a popular place for swimming and relaxing during the summer months in Japan.

When it comes time to go jade hunting, there's no better place than this beach. There are some tips for finding the best pieces of jade, as told by the locals. Since jade does wash ashore in fairly large pieces, the best time to search for it is several days after the seas have been rougher than usual. Another great resource is to stop by Hisui Terrace, a tourism center, and the guides will be able to provide even more helpful tips for finding the perfect pieces of jade.

• Jade Coast's Beaches: Itoigawa Beach (The most famous), Oyashirazu and Ichiburi Beaches.

How To Get There

Japan has a well-connected train system, and travelers can easily reach many parts of the country. Itoigawa Station is the closest to the Jade Coast, and travelers can walk 25 minutes to reach the beach. There are also many taxis available at the station.

Another option is flying to the Niigata Airport (KIJ) and taking a train. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Best Time To Visit Jade Coast

The best time to visit Japan's Jade Coast is spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). While summer is the most popular season, when hundreds of people flock to the beach, visiting the Jade Coast during the shoulder season means enjoying quiet days and pleasant temperatures.

Travelers should avoid the peak of summer (June to August) due to higher temperatures and potential humidity. Winter (December to February) can be chilly, but the landscape has a serene charm.

To fully enjoy the coast, it's advisable to avoid typhoon season, which peaks in August and September.

• Beach season: From mid-July to mid-August

Best Things To Do

On Japan's Jade Coast, there are captivating experiences to be had. First, explore the Itoigawa Geopark, known for its stunning coastal rock formations and geological wonders. Visit the Jade Museum to learn about the region's rich jade heritage and witness skilled artisans at work.

Travelers can also walk along scenic beaches, appreciating the jade-colored stones that wash ashore. They shouldn't miss the opportunity to try their hand at crafting jade jewelry under expert guidance. Finally, savor local cuisine featuring fresh seafood, complemented by the tranquil ambiance of the coast. These activities offer a delightful immersion into Jade Coast's natural and cultural treasures.

Related: Beautiful Tourist Pics Showcasing The Best Things Japan Is Known For

Views From Hisui Terrace Tourism Exchange Center

The Hisui Terrace is one of the best spots to take in the coastline from above. The center was built in 2018, so it's still a fairly recent addition to the coastline but a worthy one. From this center, visitors can check out the upper floors, sit in front of its wall of windows, and enjoy the view. The center also doubles as an event hall, where events are hosted both in and on the roof of the Terrace. Below, there's a cycling center where people can go to have repairs done to their bikes or find tool rentals. That's not all the Terrace offers, though - the Terrace is also home to a cooking space, showers, and bathrooms.

On the road to the Jade Coast, Route 8 is a must-stop. The one thing visitors will notice here are all the signs for soup with cod, a prominent dish in this region and a local specialty. This street is also called Tara-jiru Street, which is the name for miso soup with large pieces of cod, including everything from the head to the intestines. The cod and miso flavors blend beautifully in this soup, and it has a long history in this area. The soup was made first by the families of the local fishermen who needed a way to serve up their catch of the day, and from that need, this soup was born. It's a must-try for all who visit Hisui Terrace, and the best part is that it's only about a mile away from Etchu-Miyazaki Station.

• Address: 3239-6 Miyazaki, Asahi, Shimoniikawa District, Toyama 939-0703, Japan
• Opens daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Checking out Takayama is another thing to add to your Japanese itinerary.

Fossa Magna Museum

During a day trip, it's also possible to visit the Fossa Magna Museum, renowned for its geological significance and one of the coolest museums in Japan. It showcases the dynamic geological processes that formed the region, including the famous Fossa Magna fault line. The blend of education and awe-inspiring visuals make it a perfect place to go with children.

Visitors can expect an immersive experience, delving into the Earth's tectonic history through interactive exhibits, informative displays, and engaging multimedia presentations. The museum offers a deep understanding of the forces shaping the Jade Coast and its precious deposits. For those looking for the perfect Japanese souvenirs, checking the museum shop might be an excellent idea.

• Address: 1313 Ichinomiya, Itoigawa, Niigata 941-0056, Japan
• Opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm
• Prices: Adults - 500 yen (Approximately $3), Free for children under 18.