A drive along Hakuto Coast, with a walk to Keta-no-Saki Lookout Plaza I’d love to enjoy the sea and in-season pears beside the wooden lookout

I stopped for a walk at Keta-no-Saki during my drive along Hakuto Coast. The wooden lookout was to my right; to my left, the sea stretched out beyond the grass and trees. A breeze slipped through the sleeves of my white blouse, taking the edge off the heat from my walk. I could stop and watch the waves roll toward the shore. I was glad I’d added this little walk to the trip.

I was holding a 20th Century pear in both hands, a snack I’d brought along for the trip. I turned it a little as I looked at its yellow-green skin; the sunlit parts looked brighter. It fit neatly in my hands, and I could feel its weight through my fingertips. Field-grown 20th Century pears come into season around late August. I was glad I could take home a taste of Tottori’s summer, along with the sea view.

When I looked up from the pear, a line of white waves ran along the shore. I could see the nearby waves breaking, while farther out the water shimmered in tiny flecks. A moment ago, it had all looked like one broad expanse of blue. But the longer I watched, the more I could see how each stretch was different. The steps to the wooden lookout were right beside me. After taking in the view from here, I wanted to see what it looked like from a little higher up, too.

Keta-no-Saki is on the west side of Hakuto Coast, about a 10-minute walk from Shinwa-no-Sato Hakuto Roadside Station. It’s nice to add a walk by the sea to a trip along Route 9. I’d only known Hakuto Coast by name. Then I heard it was tied to the White Hare legend, and the place suddenly felt real right in front of me. Next time I hear about Hakuto Coast, I think I’ll picture the wooden lookout I saw here this morning.

I’ll take in the sea a little longer, then head back toward the roadside station. I want to chill this pear and enjoy it later. 20th Century pears have a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness, with a crisp bite, too. That way, I can enjoy a little more of Tottori summer with my pear when I get back, even after leaving the coast. I shifted the pear in my hands and walked around the plaza, listening to the waves.