Chosen as one of Japan's Top 55 Swimming Areas as well as one of the 100 Best Sunset Views in Japan, Senjojiki Kaigan Coast is a rocky shore that was formed during an earthquake in 1792. The coast and surrounding area features countless unusual rock formations, jutting up out of the water for around 12 kilometers. Not just for sightseeing, though, Senjojiki Kaigan Coast is also a popular destination for swimming and camping. The swimming area is open from early July through mid-August, and there are showers, changing rooms, restrooms, free parking, and restaurants available for visitors.
The name of the coast literally means “a thousand tatami mats laid out” (sen (千) = one thousand, jo (畳) = tatami mats, jiki (敷) = laid out), said to have originated when a lord of the Tsugaru Domain, attracted to the unusual scenery, once laid out a thousand tatami mats along the coast for a large banquet. During the Hansei period, it is said that the area was reserved as a summer resort for feudal lords, inaccessible to the common people.
Near the coast is the Senjojiki Center, a popular place to begin a trip to the area. Here, visitors can enjoy all sorts of seafood and a beautiful view of the Sea of Japan from an observation deck, as well as plenty of local sightseeing information. Anyone who has a bit of extra time to spare and wants to enjoy the landscape of the region even more should consider taking a ride on the Resort Shirakami, which is a cruising train that runs leisurely along the Gono Line tracks, offering a comprehensive view of the entire Senjojiki area.