Izura Coast, Kitaibaraki, Ibaraki Prefecture
A winter drive to Izura Cape Park Rokkakudō beyond the pine branches, dried sweet potato in hand
In winter, look through the pine branches at Rokkakudō and the rocky inlet at Izura Cape Park. I take a bite of the dried sweet potatoes from Ibaraki that I brought along and slowly savor it as I watch the sea. It’s a lovely little stop to add to a drive along the coast.
A winter afternoon by the sea, bundled up in a warm coat.
WinterA clear winter afternoon
Rokkakudō beyond the pine branches, dried sweet potato in hand
On a clear winter afternoon, I drove to Izura Coast. I parked at Izura Cape Park and walked until I could see the sea through the pine branches. I pulled the collar of my cream-colored coat close and adjusted my navy scarf. The wind carried the sound of waves hitting the rocks. Today, I wanted to see Rokkakudō from this headland.
Looking down at the inlet through the trees, I spotted a small Rokkakudō pavilion on the rocks. Waves foamed white around it, washing back and forth beside the building. I’d seen the name Rokkakudō in photos, and it was lovely to see the place itself as part of the seascape. I spent a while taking in the view framed by the branches, enjoying how the rocks appeared whenever the waves drew back.
I reached into my bag and took out the paper bag of dried sweet potatoes I’d brought along. I picked up 1 flat piece and took a bite. The slower I chewed, the more its sweetness came through. Maybe it was the salty air, but the sweet potato tasted even sweeter. My friend was beside me, looking out at the sea. “With the sea in view, I just want to take my time and savor this,” she said with a laugh. I nodded and savored one more bite.
I’d heard that Okakura Tenshin loved the Izura Coast. I’d come because I knew I could look down on Rokkakudō from the park, and I loved seeing the building and the sea together. In the shade of the pines, my friend and I chatted about which gap between the branches gave us the best view. Looking farther into the inlet, I could see how each stretch of shore had its own shape. Listening to the waves, I wanted to stay a little longer.
After closing the bag of dried sweet potatoes, I took one more look at the sea before heading back the way I’d come. There are other stops I’d like to add to a visit to Izura: a meal at Otsu Fishing Port and a closer look at Rokkakudō. I loved the time I spent taking in the view from the headland today. On the way back, my friend and I talked about how good this sweet snack would be to bring along on another winter drive.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty to try
Dried sweet potatoes from Ibaraki
I brought Ibaraki’s famous dried sweet potatoes along as a seaside snack. After a breath of sea air, I could really taste their sweetness in each slow bite.
Highlights
See Rokkakudō framed by the sea
Izura Cape Park sits on a headland above the shore. Look through the pines for views of Rokkakudō and the inlet below.
A snack to savor by the sea
I might tuck some dried sweet potato into a little bag to bring along. Taking my time and savoring its sweetness could become part of my memories of winter by the sea.
Trip details around Izura
Otsu Fishing Port Market Restaurant to Rokkakudō / Izura Coast
- Driving distance on the prefecture’s suggested route
- 3km
- Height of the Izura Coast cliffs
- 50m
The coves, pine groves, and Rokkakudō at Izura
The 3km figure is the driving distance from the market restaurant to Rokkakudō on the prefecture’s suggested route. The 50m figure is the height of the cliffs along the Izura Coast. After taking in the view from the park, I’d like to make time for the port and Rokkakudō as well.
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