Sanriku Fukkō National Park (三陸復興国立公園, Sanriku Fukkō Kokuritsu Kōen; meaning "Sanriku Reconstruction National Park") is a national park that stretches along the Sanriku Coast of Japan. It begins in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, and extends through Iwate Prefecture to Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture. The park was established on May 24, 2013, and covers a land area of 28,537 hectares (110.18 square miles).
History
On May 2, 1955, the Rikuchū Kaigan National Park (陸中海岸国立公園, Rikuchū Kaigan Kokuritsu Kōen) was established in the Tōhoku region of Honshū, northern Japan. The park stretched 180 kilometers from north to south along the Pacific Ocean coastline, covering parts of northern Miyagi and northern Iwate prefectures. It had a land area of 121.98 square kilometers (47.10 square miles). On May 24, 2013, the park was combined with Sanriku Fukkō National Park. This happened after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The park also includes the former Tanesashi Kaigan Hashikamidake Prefectural Natural Park. On March 31, 2015, the Ministry of the Environment expanded the park to include the former Minami Sanriku Kinkasan Quasi-National Park. Later, the park will be expanded to include Kesennuma Prefectural Natural Park, Kenjōsan Mangokuura Prefectural Natural Park, and Matsushima Prefectural Natural Park.
Geography
The coastline is known for examples of sea erosion, including many rock pillars and islands. The northern coast is an example of a coastline that has been raised by earth movements. This area has experienced several strong earthquakes and tsunamis in recent years. The southern coast is an example of a ria coastline, which forms when river valleys are flooded by the sea. This creates deep inlets and narrow peninsulas, leading to many small bays and coves.
In the northern part of the national park, there is a set of cliffs called the Kita Yamazaki. These cliffs are 8 kilometers long (5.0 miles) and 200 meters high (660 feet). The scenic coastal rock formations are nicknamed the "Alps of the Sea."
Related municipalities
The following is a list of cities in various prefectures in Japan:
Aomori: Hachinohe, Hashikami
Iwate: Fudai, Iwaizumi, Kamaishi, Kuji, Miyako, Noda, Ōfunato, Ōtsuchi, Rikuzentakata, Tanohata, Yamada
Miyagi: Ishinomaki, Kesennuma, Minamisanriku, Onagawa, Tome
Flora and fauna
Flora consists of groups of Japanese red pine, rhododendrons, and Rosa rugosa. Fauna includes many bird species, such as the black-tailed gull and shearwater. Larger animals observed in the area include the kamoshika.
Gallery
- Kabushima: A major nesting area for black-tailed gulls
- Kosode Coast: A coastal area featuring a cave that appears to hang above the ground
- Kurosaki and Anmoura Observatory: A location offering views of the surrounding landscape
- Kitayamazaki: A specific geographic site
- Miracle Ipponmatsu: A notable single pine tree known for its unique appearance
- Goishi Coast: A scenic coastal area
- Oogamahanzo: A named geographic location
- Kinkasan Island: An island located in the region