The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is located on the western side of Japan and covers the area from the eastern Cape Kyogamisaki, Kyoto to the western coast of Hakuto Kaigan, Tottori. San’in Kaigan Geopark was designated as one of Japan’s Geoparks in December 2008. In addition, it was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in October 2010.
The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark hosts a variety of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic of rocks deposited when Japan moved away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) forming the Sea of Japan. It presents geomorphological features such as Genbudo Cave, ria-type coasts, sand dunes, volcanoes and valleys. This natural history makes San’in Kaigan Geopark an interesting site for observing culture and history. Thanks to this diversity, the Geopark is hosting rare plants, as well as the Ciconia boyciana (Oriental White Stork) – a symbol of biodiversity.
Twinning
San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, Japan and Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece signed a twinning agreement on February 12, 2011.
Read more on the official website:
