Miho no Matsubara
Chubu Region
Miho no Matsubara, located on the Miho Peninsula in Shimizu Ward of Shizuoka City, Japan, is renowned for its extensive pine groves lining a seven-kilometer sandy beach. This natural feature offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula across Suruga Bay. It is celebrated as one of Japan's New Three Views and among the top 100 white sand beaches and green pine groves in the country. The site is culturally significant due to the legend of Hagoromo, a celestial maiden who descended here, leaving her feathered robe on a pine tree before dancing for a fisherman. The pine tree known as Hagoromo no Matsu is approximately 650 years old and central to local traditions. Miho no Matsubara was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1922 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013 as part of the Fujisan Cultural Site. The area hosts an annual Hagoromo Festival in October, featuring performances of the Noh play by firelight and creative dances honoring the French ballet dancer Hélène Giuglaris, who wished to be memorialized here. While the beach once had white sand, volcanic activity and construction projects have led to the predominance of black volcanic sand today. The site also includes the Miho Shrine, which preserves a piece of the celestial maiden’s plumage, and a statue of the fisherman Hakuryo at the park entrance, commemorating the legend. Miho no Matsubara combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and artistic inspiration, making it a unique destination for visitors.
ヒント: The best time to visit Miho no Matsubara is in early October to experience the Hagoromo Festival held on the second Saturday and Sunday, featuring traditional Noh performances and creative dances by firelight. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets or confirm event schedules in advance, especially during festival times, to ensure availability. The site offers scenic views year-round, but clear days provide the most stunning vistas of Mount Fuji. Conservation efforts are ongoing, so visitors should respect the natural environment and follow any local guidelines. There may be discounts for groups or seniors, so checking with local tourist information is advisable.
興味深い事実
- •Miho no Matsubara’s pine grove stretches for seven kilometers along the coast, making it one of Japan’s most extensive and scenic pine beaches.
- •The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Fujisan Cultural Site since 2013, recognizing its cultural and natural value connected to Mount Fuji.
- •The Hagoromo legend inspired a famous Noh drama performed annually at the site, featuring a celestial maiden’s dance under firelight.
- •An ancient pine tree called Hagoromo no Matsu is estimated to be 650 years old and is central to local folklore.
- •The beach’s sand changed from white to black due to volcanic rock and the depletion of white sand caused by Shinkansen construction.
- •A monument stands at the site commemorating French ballet dancer Hélène Giuglaris, who loved the Hagoromo story and wished to be memorialized there.
歴史
Miho no Matsubara has been recognized as a National Place of Scenic Beauty since 1922, reflecting its longstanding cultural and natural significance.
The pine grove and surrounding area have been celebrated in Japanese art and literature for centuries, notably inspiring the Noh drama Hagoromo based on a local legend.
In 2013, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Fujisan Cultural Site, emphasizing its importance as a cultural landscape linked to Mount Fuji.
Historically, the beach’s white sand was sourced from the Abe River, but construction of the Shinkansen line depleted this supply, resulting in the current black volcanic sand.
The area has maintained its cultural traditions through festivals and preservation efforts by the local community.
場所ガイド
Hagoromo no Matsu (Hagoromo Pine Tree)14th century
This ancient pine tree, approximately 650 years old, is the legendary tree where the celestial maiden hung her feathered robe in the Hagoromo story. It is a central cultural symbol at Miho no Matsubara.
Miho Shrine
Located near the Hagoromo no Matsu, Miho Shrine preserves a piece of the celestial maiden’s plumage and serves as a spiritual site linked to the legend and local beliefs.
Statue of Hakuryo
A statue at the park entrance depicts the fisherman Hakuryo watching the celestial maiden’s dance, commemorating the legend and its importance to the site’s identity.
Hagoromo Festival Site
Every October, the area near the Hagoromo no Matsu hosts the Hagoromo Festival, featuring traditional Noh performances by firelight and creative dances honoring Hélène Giuglaris, celebrating the cultural heritage of the legend.
連絡先
電話: 054-340-2100