After the caves, I visited another scenic spot in Iwate Prefecture. The Sanriku Coast, which suffered tremendous damage during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, has now become a symbol of rebuilding and reconstruction. At Jodogahama, located along the coast of Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park, the verdant pine trees and light grey rocks look attractive against the green sea, forming a beautiful coast that Japanese people refer to as "white sand and green pines." The day we visited was foggy, making it appear all the more magical.

At this enchanting coast, a group of tourists just happened to be about to leave for the "Blue Cavern" on a little boat.

When the sea is calm, you can get on a boat and go inside this Blue Cavern. This is not an experience that can be had on a large boat. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery created by nature, and the color of the sea varies depending on when you visit.

It was cloudy on the day we went, but the water inside the Blue Cavern was not affected.

Boat rides are not the only thing you can do at Jodogahama. There is a beach where the waters are clear and the waves are calm, a rarity in Tohoku, so in the summer, holidaymakers flock here to swim in the sea.

Looking out from within the Blue Cavern. It truly is fantastic.

Before getting on the boat, each passenger receives a bag of food that they can give to the seagulls. The seagulls of Jodogahama are very friendly. They sometimes stand unapologetically on people's helmets, and seem unconcerned when you try to shoo them away!

Although it was raining on this day, luckily the wind and waves were calm, so we were able to enjoy a trip on the sea as planned!

Jodogahama
Location: 32 Hitachihama-cho, Miyako-shi, Iwate
Getting there: A Northern Iwate Bus service stopping at Jodogahama operates from in front of JR Miyako Station. After riding for approximately 22 minutes, get off at Oku-Jodogahama bus stop.