[Katsurahama Beach-Kurahashi Island (Kure)]

Katsurahama Beach is serene and picturesque, sheltered by pine trees, and situated on the southern side of Kurahashi Island.
A large torii gate stands at the edge of the beach, and the path to Katsurahama Shrine leads through the pine forest.

This scenic spot has been selected as one of the top 100 best spots for white sands and green pines in Japan and the top 100 best beaches in Japan.
It is even mentioned in Japan’s oldest and most celebrated collection of poems, the Manyoshu.
The elegance from the past described in the poem has been preserved in its beautiful scenery.

From the 7th to the 9th century, Japanese envoys were sent to the Tang Dynasty (present-day China). These envoys traveled on ships, but many were lost in shipwrecks because the voyage was dangerous.
Kurahashi Island was a landing spot for the envoys and was a place of advanced shipbuilding technology.

A large torii gate stands at the edge of the beach, and the path to Katsurahama Shrine leads through the pine forest.

Monument: A place mentioned in the Manyoshu (759-780)

Nagato Shipbuilding History Museum

http://icou-kurahashi.com/museum/ *(You may want to use an extension to translate pages in Japanese.)

This facility opened in 1992 in a corner of Katsurahama Beach and was built to symbolize the island’s revitalization. The history of Kurahashi and its relationship with ships is exhibited in videos, panels, and models.
There is also an explanation of the envoy ships to Tang Dynasty China in the museum.
The museum also exhibits models of wooden ships from ancient times to the present day and other materials related to shipbuilding, shipping, and the history of Kurahashi Town.

▼Recommended Tour

Kure Bay Ship Tour

Set sail on a cruise and get an up-close view of mighty ships (duration: about 30 minutes)! The evening cruise that departs at sunset is also highly recommended. *(You may want to use an extension to translate pages in Japanese.)

https://bunker-supply.com/blog/kansen/