Rikuchu Kaigan National Park

Rikuchu Kaigan National Park

Established in May 1955, Rikuchu Kaigan National Park is a national park spanning the cities of Kuji in Iwate Prefecture and Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture in Japan’s northeastern region. Stretching 180 kilometers along the Pacific coastline from north to south, it covers an area of over 121 square kilometers. The park boasts stunning scenery, dotted with dramatic cliffs and rugged rock formations, making it one of the most popular national parks in the northeastern part of the country.

The park is most famous for the northern section of the Sanriku Coast, which lies within its boundaries and attracts large numbers of domestic and international visitors every year. The Sanriku Coast spans the Pacific shoreline across Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures, and is one of Japan’s most renowned ria coastlines, stretching approximately 600 kilometers in total. Divided into northern and southern sections by central Miyako City, the northern section within Rikuchu Kaigan National Park features uplifted terrain with towering sea cliffs. It is home to famous Japanese scenic spots such as Jodogahama, Kitayamazaki, and Ryusendo Cave—major attractions that draw visitors to the park.

Rikuchu Kaigan National Park

Must-visit reason: One of the most popular national parks in Japan’s northeastern region

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Iwate Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture [Iwate Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Kuji and Kesennuma [Kuji and Kesennuma]