Sasagawa Nagare

新潟県

4.3

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

The scenic spot created by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan.

This magnificent scenic spot was created by the erosion of rough waves, which are known as the epitome of beautiful seas, and stretches for 11km with rocky reefs and strange rocks. The sea boasts one of the highest levels of transparency in Japan, and there are sightseeing boats and observation decks at the Meganeiwa Coast, where you can enjoy the blue sea and beautiful scenery of Sasagawa Nagare.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic ViewNature

Highlights

Point 1

The Flowing Tide Through the Rocks is Synonymous with "Beautiful Sea"

The highlight of Sasagawa Nagare is the beauty of the tide flowing through the rocks along the 11km coastline. The contrast between the rocks, cliffs, caves formed over time, and the clear blue sea flowing between them touches the hearts of all who see it. The transparency of the sea is unparalleled in Japan, allowing you to see all the way to the bottom. You can tour the rocks on a sightseeing boat. Feel the grandeur of nature created over time while being blown by the pleasant sea breeze. You can also feed the seagulls, so even small children can enjoy it without getting bored!

Point 2

Drive Along the Coastline After a Sightseeing Boat Tour!

The Sasagawa River stretches for 11km. Running right next to the sea is National Route 345, which allows you to enjoy driving right next to the ocean. While on a sightseeing boat tour, you can see the many unique rock formations up close from the sea, but driving along the coastline and taking in the rocks as a whole offers a different kind of enjoyment from the boat tour. On clear days, the contrast between the blue sea and white rocks is incredibly beautiful!

Point 3

A Must-See Sunset Sinking into the Sea of Japan through the Cracks in the Rocks

There are sunset spots all over the Sea of Japan, but at Sasagawa Nagare, you can enjoy a unique way of viewing the sunset. This is because there are numerous oddly shaped rocks in Sasagawa Nagare, and the combination of these rocks and the sunset creates a very beautiful scenery. By changing the viewing location, the appearance of the rocks in conjunction with the sunset changes completely, so please try to find your favorite matching point between the rocks and the sunset!

Point 4

Summer Beach Fun in Clear Waters!

One of the attractions of Sasagawa Nagare is its high transparency of the sea. It boasts the highest transparency in Honshu, Japan. There are many strange rocks in Sasagawa Nagare, some of which have become sandy beaches, allowing for swimming in the summer. You can only experience playing in the clear sea while looking at the strange rocks created by the erosion of rough waves here! In the evening, you can also see a unique combination of "sandy beach, strange rocks, and sunset" for a breathtaking view!

Point 5

Delicious Seafood, Including Natural Oysters!

Due to the unique topography of Sasagawa Nagare, where large rocks gather, plankton thrives in the area. This makes it a region where many shellfish such as natural oysters, abalone, and turban shells can be caught! The quality is top-notch, and from early summer to summer, you can taste fresh seafood such as sweet shrimp, not just shellfish. The delicious seafood caught in Sasagawa Nagare can be eaten at local fish markets and restaurants, so be sure to stop by when you visit for tourism!

Required time

Sasagawa Ryo Funayuransen takes about 40 minutes

The "Sasagawa Ryo Kankou Kisen" is a must-see tourist spot when visiting Sasagawa Ryo, where you can feed seagulls while looking at the clear, transparent blue sea. The boat tour takes about 40 minutes and runs at approximately one-hour intervals from 9:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the evening. It's a great deal to be able to see the famous rocks of Sasagawa Ryo in less than an hour! Before and after the boat ride, you can take a walk along the coast or enjoy delicious seafood!

Access

We recommend coming by car as train schedules are limited

Sasagawa Nagare is located on the coast further north from the center of Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture. If coming from Tokyo, take the Kanetsu Expressway to the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway and get off at either "Murakami Senami Onsen IC" or "Kamikabayashi Ganseki Port IC", and it's about a one-hour drive from there. If taking the train, transfer to the Uetsu Main Line at JR Murakami Station and get off at "Kuwagawa Station", which is a 15-minute walk from there. As the number of trains on the Uetsu Main Line is quite limited, we recommend checking train schedules in advance if traveling by train. There are also buses available from Murakami City, so please look into that as well.

History

The Name Comes from the Central Village! Also a Legend about Minamoto no Yoshitsune

The beauty of the Sasagawa Nagare river, which flows through numerous oddly shaped rocks, is a must-see. The name comes from the central village of Sasagawa Nagare, which is 11km long. When talking about the history of Sasagawa Nagare, it's impossible to leave out the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The "Kimimodoshi rock" located in one corner of Sasagawa Nagare was named after a time when Yoshitsune passed by the beautiful scenery of the river without noticing it, and his retainer called him back to show him the beauty. The beauty of the river has been passed down through legends for over 1000 years since Yoshitsune's time.