Jade Beaches

Where the Mountains meet the Sea

The Aramata coast feels like a dream. The Japanese Alps cut into the skyline- peaks half-hidden by misty clouds. Right up to the edge of a stony shoreline where the waves drop Jade stones right at your feet. I really couldn’t look away!

For as long as I have memories of beaches… I’ve been instinctively pocketing rocks.
This coat is riddled with Jade! I spent hours sifting through stones with the kids. Quick note: the waterline is all small stones. Very unstable. Beautiful, but for sure you’re going to slide down the bank and end up knee-high in the water.

A Few Tips:

• Be ready to get Low: Scoop a handful of pebbles and let them roll around in your palm. Sometimes you’ll spot a faint green gleam that might be jade. Or not. Who cares? It’s still neat.

• Dress for Success (Sort of): Wear comfy shoes you don’t mind getting damp. I wore mine hoping to stay perfectly dry. It didn’t work. Just embrace it.

• Learn a Little: A quick YouTube tutorial ahead of time can give you an idea of what real jade looks like. Spoiler: it’s green, but not always bright green. 😅

It’s More about the Mood than the Gemstones
I really can’t say enough about how magical this coastline was for us. The kids came away happy and exhausted. My husband and I were happy and relaxed (in spite of the kids) and afterwards we had the most incredible Omakase meal of our lives a few minutes by cab from the beach.

We will absolutely be returning; this part of our trip was only 2 short days. We will be back to spend more time here during our next trip.