With a coastline that right out of a Japanese ink painting, the Uradome Coast is a sight to behold and the accessible Uradome Coast Island Cruise is a great way to experience it.
General Information
Tottori Prefecture is full of natural beauty and wonder, extending right to its coastline. Here you can find colossal rock formations reach ever skyward from the sea’s depth. Showing their uniquely layered striations created in centuries long past and topped with trees that seem to be placed with artistic aesthetics in mind. It’s no wonder locations such as this have been the musings of Japanese artists in the past. Floating in the water among these rocky behemoths is one of the best ways to view such wonders, and a good way to do just that is on a Uradome Coast Island Cruise.
Like floating through a Japanese painting in real life, Uradome Coast Island Cruise is a 40-minute water cruise along the rocks and shores of Tottori Prefecture. This leisurely voyage provides a scenic route with ample opportunity for picture taking of many wondrous earth formations and beaches, all while taking in the fresh sea air. On a beautiful day, the water itself is a marvel, often clear enough to witness sea life at depths nearly 25m (82ft) deep.
Additionally, the Uradome Coast Island Cruise building offers a shop and place to grab a bite to eat. The restaurant restaurant serves fresh local seafood straight from the Sea of Japan, sushi and sashimi are quite common. However, you can also find some more unique options like squid-ink udon, squid-ink curry, and even squid-ink ice cream (they taste better then they sound)! This makes it easy to grab a meal before or after your cruise, then continue to explore more of what Tottori Prefecture has to offer.
Ticket price is by age, Infants are free (1-free per 1-adult), children Elementary school age are 700-yen, everyone older and Adults are 1,400-yen. Hours of operation are March to November from 9:30 until 15:30 (departing every hour). Major holidays, such as Golden Week and Obon, have an increased number of departures and are expected to be crowded. Reservations can only be made for groups of 15 or more, likewise large-group discounts are available. Disability discounts are available but Japanese disability identification may be required to receive discounts.
Caution with weather when visiting, the cruise ship is covered so a little rain isn’t much of an issue. However, particularly foul weather will cancel departures. A clear sunny day is best to experience everything Uradome Coast Island Cruise has to offer.
Getting There
Uradome Coast Island Cruise is in Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture. The best station to use is Tottori Station. Accessible taxis are readily available at the station.
Accessibility
There is a long ramp from the road to the boat moorings and benches to sit on while waiting for your boat ride.
Uradome Coast Island Cruise does have multiple ships available (prices vary), however not all of them are be wheelchair accessible. Their Pleasure Boat cruise is easily wheelchair accessible via a ramp placed at the pier while the boat is moored (Though a sharp turn is required when getting off the ramp into the boat).
The front half of the boat is fully covered and has windows, but requires taking several stairs into the cabin.
The rear of the boat has a roof, but open sides. There are benches to sit on and a bit of room to move around for wheelchair users, allowing riders to see multiple views.
Seeing-eye dogs are allowed on the cruise.
The restaurant in the ticket office has several seating options including traditional Japanese seating, booths with fixed seats and a large table. The large table is the best option for wheelchair users as it has removable seats. There is a basic wheelchair accessible toilet available at the ticket office.
Conclusion
Exploring Japan by water is another excellent way to enjoy what it has to offer, and this cruise makes it easy for people living with disabilities to enjoy it as well. If you enjoy being on the water and find yourself in Tottori prefecture, then you will definitely want to give the views from Uradome Coast Island Cruise a look.
