Anan Coast Area阿南海岸エリア

A beautiful varied coastline to attract many visitors. If you're lucky, you might observe sea turtles laying their eggs.

The Anan Coast faces the Pacific Ocean in the southern part of Shikoku. The coast is known for its beautiful seascape and as a place where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. The pure Anan Coast is part of Muroto Anan Kaigan Quasi National Park, and is influenced by the Kuroshio (black current), a strong western boundary current in the Pacific Ocean. Because there are very few sources of pollution nearby, such as urban areas or factories, the seawater is extremely clean and there is an abundance of marine products to be had there. The area is also known for its tall waves, and its Shishikui Coast and other locations have become a mecca for surfing in western Japan. Several different areas connect along the coastline, each with its own unique expression, including he Ohama Coast in Hiwasa and the towering cliffs of the Senba Kaigai (sea cliffs). The region is roughly divided into three areas: the Hiwasa area; the Anan area; and the Shishikui-Kannoura area.

The Ohama Coast in the Hiwasa area has a wide sand beach, and from the middle of May to the middle of August, sea turtles visit the area to lay their eggs. The turtles normally lay their eggs at night, a time when entrance to the beach is prohibited. However, if you are lucky, you might come across turtles laying eggs during the day and surely be moved by this mysterious drama. Nearby is the Hiwasa Chelonian Museum CARETTA, where you can learn about the ecology of turtles and watch more than 1-meter-long sea turtles swimming in a pool.

The Senba Kaigai cliffs are also located in this area. These sheer cliffs rise to a height of about 250 meters and continue along a 2-kilometer stretch of the coast. While the Anan Coast is for the most part a calm coastal area, this is one of few areas presenting rough sights that continuously change to overwhelm the observer.

The Anan area is located along the eastern edge of the Anan Coast, and there you will find Tsunomine-koen Park. With an elevation of 284 meters, the park offers a commanding view of Tachibana Bay. The Shishikui-Kannoura area displays yet again another form of elegance. Mitoko Bay in Shishikui boasts of a beautiful ria coastline and is dotted with islands of various sizes, making the area look like a beautiful painting. At Take-ga-shima Kaichu-koen Park, you can board an underwater sightseeing ship that allows you to enjoy the view of the coral reef and colorful tropical fish on the sea bottom. The Shirahama bathing area in Kannoura boasts of a beautiful bow-shaped shoaling beach, and also serves as a campground and bustles with excitement.