Hofu Tenmangu Mitokuji temple Izumo Taisha Omori Silver mine Xavier memorial church peace memorialpark miyajima sanctuary_outline Shukkeien Adachi garden Ikouji Rurikouji temple Amida-ji Sourin-ji Kourakuen Japanese trad.Garden_outline Matsue Yonago Shimonoseki Okayama Hiroshima HAB CITY_outline TSUYAMA TSUWANO MATSUE CHOFU IWAKUNI HAGI SAMURAI towns_outline ONOMICHI YANAI TAKEHARA KURASHIKI TOMO SHIMOKAMAGARI Xavier Cathedral SHIMONOSEKI Washi Touken Bizen Pottery Hagi Pottery & Kilns Japanese trad.artcrafts Experience-outline GEGEGENO Kitaro Matsuda museum Naval Base of Kure MAZDA,Hofu plant Modern Japan-outline Kirin beer Park in Okayama Tottori sand dune Mt.Fuji of Sanin DAISEN SHINJI Lake Iwami coast Oki Hagi coast Nagato SANIN COAST-outline SHUHODO Trail to Hikimi Hiruzen Highland Kibi Highland Tsuyama Travel with Stream locomotive Deep Inland Tour-outline SETO-OHASHI Seto-inland seas OANORAMA view Tiboli Park Tokiwa Park Inland-sea-outline List of Japanese terms Bathing in Japan 7seafood of the Lake Shinji Blow fish Stone fish Show Crab Oysters Buchwheat Noodles Peach and Other fruits Okonomiyaki
 
 
Halfway between Matsue in Shimane Prefecture and Hagi in Yamaguchi lies Hamada. Hamada is a relatively small town with a couple of nice attractions. Most of these revolve around the sea. First, the city is known for having nice beaches. Surfers and swimmers from all over the Chuugoku region come to relax on the beaches and play in the water. The Iwami Seaside Park has a campground with lots of facilities and camping equipment for rent. If you'd like to spend a night on the beach, there's no safer place to do it than in Japan!		  
     
 
Hamada also has a stretch of very unusual seascape called Iwami Tatami ga Ura. This is a portion of the ocean floor that was raised up in an earthquake in 1872. The area is covered with pot-like protrusions, still relatively un-weathered and looking as they did when they were still submerged. The rock is also covered with small fossils of shellfish, plants and so on, and makes for an interesting and discovery-filled walk.		  
     
 
Hamada has a fish market that is famous in the area, and - if you do decide to stay at the Iwami Seaside Park - there is an excellent seaquarium. Called “Aquas”, this multi-story complex is the largest such aquarium in the Chuugoku region and boasts thousands of fish.

The most famous and popular exhibit is the “Canary of the Sea”, the beluga dolphin, which welcomes visitors with its beautiful voice and playful gestures. Additionally, there is a family entertainment area, a flower and greenery garden, a children’s playground and a souvenir shop filled with regional specialty items.

While not on most foreigners’ tourist destination list, Hamada makes a great stop with lots of interesting things to do. It is especially recommended for families traveling together.		  
     
 
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