Kamayahama Beach: Windfarm and Sand Craft

Kamayahama Beach on the Sea of Japan coast was named one of Japan's 100 most beautiful beaches in 2006, and is known locally as Sunset Beach for the views it offers as the sun drops below the water. Eighteen wind turbines, each 63 meters tall with 102-meter blade spans, run along 3 kilometers of the shoreline and generate enough power for roughly 17,000 homes. Every July, the Sand Craft in Mitane festival draws sculptors from Japan and overseas who create large detailed works, some exceeding 3 meters in height. The sculptures remain on display through the end of August.