Hamada, Japan Cruise Port

Hamada is a larger city in Japan’s Shimane Prefecture with a population around 57,000. Located in southern Japan, and at the southwestern tip of the prefecture, this city was founded on November 3, 1940 amidst the action and chaos of World War II. The Hamada Port is located in the center of the Iwami region and is almost directly between two other busy ports: Moji in the Yamaguchi prefecture, and Sakai, which lies near the border of the Shimane and Tottori prefectures. Besides allowing most sizes of cruise ship to dock on site, Hamada is a major trading port for domestic goods and trade between Japan and the Korean peninsula. While independent fishing is popular in the city, particularly near the port, there are also a slew of professional fishing companies and other fish-related industries throughout the city. The waters are also used for boating and other maritime exploration.

• Aquas is the largest aquarium in western Honshu. This grand environment contains an expansive variety of marine life, including white whales and penguins who sometimes put on shows for the visitors.
   
• Iwami Tatamigaura Beach has clean waters and beautiful views along with a peaceful lava tidal pool. The strange “rock bubbles” are a result of tectonic activity and are mesmerizing to watch.
   
• The Hamada Children’s Museum of Art is a wondrous stop that offers events for children on a daily basis. On display is beautiful and thought-provoking artwork done by children from all around the world.
   
• The Misumi Shrine is a lovely shrine, especially during the spring when the many azaleas around the great monument bloom in abundance.