Oga Peninsula Geopark: Geological Treasure Trove Where the Sea of Japan and Rock Strata Interweave

Oga Peninsula Geopark

The Oga Peninsula jutting into the Sea of Japan in Akita was certified as a Japan Geopark in 2019 as "Oga Peninsula-Ogata Geopark." Earth history from 300 million years ago to the present is inscribed in the peninsula's rocks and strata.

Geological Highlights

- Nyudozaki Basalt: Columnar jointing basalt formed when magma cooled on the seafloor - 300-Million-Year-Old Marine Fossils (Unosaki Coast): Rare exposed Paleozoic marine fossils - Yellow Dust Strata: Layered strata of dust blown from the Asian continent - Wakimoto Coast Fault: Major fault revealing traces of crustal movement

Geosite Exploration

- Unosaki Coast: Selected as one of Japan's 100 Scenic Spots; spectacular at low tide - Nyudozaki: Main geosite combining geological interest and scenic beauty - Fishing Harbors and Rocky Shore Walks: Combining geology and marine life observation

Getting There

- From JR Oga Line Oga Station by local bus or rental bicycle to each geosite

Tips

Obtaining a geological map from the Geopark Visitor Center before exploring makes the trip efficient. Check tide times for Unosaki Coast in advance.