Kotogahama

Kotogahama in Oda City, Shimane Prefecture, is famous as a “singing sand” beach, where a 0.9-mile stretch of white sand curves in a bow shape and makes a squeaking sound like a koto when you walk on it. It is said that the beach got its name from a legend: after a Heike princess, who was washed ashore here after losing a battle against the Genji, passed away, villagers walking on the beach heard a sound like the koto she had played every day during her lifetime.

For sand to “sing,” the grains must be uniform in size and free of impurities such as trash, so beaches where the entire shore is made up of singing sand are extremely rare in Japan. Recognized for its beautiful natural surroundings, the beach has been selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan” and the “100 Best Beaches of Japan.”

The lively Kotogahama Bon Dance, held during Obon and danced through the night for three days, is also well worth seeing. If you want to experience more of the charm of sand, be sure to also visit the Nima Sand Museum, located Approx. 5 minutes away by car from the beach.