Uppurui Wind Turbine Park is a popular scenic spot in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan together with a striking group of enormous wind turbines.
The area is also known for its unusual place name. Although written as “Jurokurajima” in Japanese, 十六島 is pronounced “Uppurui.” It refers to the cape and surrounding coastal area extending into the sea along the western part of the Shimane Peninsula.
The coastline is characterized by dramatic rock formations created by the powerful waves of the Sea of Japan. Together with its geological features, the area is part of the Shimane Peninsula-Shinjiko-Nakaumi Geopark, making it a fascinating destination for both scenic views and nature lovers.
The main attraction of Uppurui Wind Turbine Park is the impressive line of 26 enormous white wind turbines standing along the coastal mountains.
Beginning in 2011, wind turbines were developed along the coastal areas of the Shimane Peninsula, including Uppurui, Kamaura, Shiozu, and Mitsu, as part of a renewable energy project. The sight of the huge turbines slowly turning against the blue sky and the Sea of Japan creates a dramatic and memorable landscape.
From the park on Uppurui Cape, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan. On clear days, it may even be possible to see the distant Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse.
A walking path leads up to higher ground near the park, where visitors can look across the entire group of wind turbines. From this elevated viewpoint, the turbines can appear to float above the sea, creating an almost surreal scene.
Uppurui Wind Turbine Park is also notable as a renewable energy facility that harnesses the power of nature.
The strong sea winds blowing in from the Sea of Japan are used to generate electricity. As a form of renewable energy, wind power plays an important role in reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
The enormous turbines make a powerful impression, yet they also create an interesting visual harmony with the rugged coastline and expansive sea. Their appearance changes throughout the day, offering different scenery depending on the weather and light.
At sunset, the white turbines stand out beautifully against the setting sun over the Sea of Japan. The combination makes the area a popular location for photography.
The Uppurui area is known not only for its dramatic scenery but also for Uppurui nori, a rare traditional seaweed harvested along the local rocky coast.
Uppurui nori has a long history and is recorded in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, an ancient regional chronicle compiled during the Nara period. In the past, it was highly valued and was presented as a special offering to the imperial court.
This rock seaweed grows on rugged coastal rocks exposed to the powerful waves of the Sea of Japan. The harvesting season is extremely short, generally lasting only from December to February, and production is very limited.
Today, Uppurui nori is considered a rare and premium local ingredient. It has a distinctive aroma of the sea, a soft texture, and a pleasantly springy bite. In the local area, it is especially cherished as an essential ingredient in New Year’s ozoni, a traditional Japanese soup enjoyed during the New Year.
Uppurui nori is collected entirely by hand in dangerous rocky areas where machinery cannot be used.
The seaweed harvesters, traditionally known as “shimagō,” work on designated rocky harvesting grounds known as “nori-jima.” They face the harsh winter sea while carefully gathering the seaweed using knowledge and techniques passed down through generations.
The work can be extremely demanding, with waves and sea spray constantly surrounding the harvesters. Their skill and effort are essential to producing the fragrant, high-quality Uppurui nori for which the region is known.
In recent years, harvests have declined partly due to factors such as rising temperatures, making this traditional food even more precious.
Uppurui nori is often enjoyed in ozoni and clear Japanese soups, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes.
It is delicious when prepared as tempura, added to chawanmushi steamed egg custard, sprinkled over ochazuke rice with tea, or used as a topping for soba noodles.
Tempura is particularly popular because frying brings out the seaweed’s rich aroma while creating a crisp texture and pleasant salty flavor.
It can also be made into tsukudani, a sweet and savory preserved dish often eaten with rice. In recent years, local cooks have also begun incorporating it into Western-style dishes such as pasta, demonstrating how this traditional ingredient can be enjoyed in new ways.
Uppurui Wind Turbine Park can be reached from Unshu-Hirata Station on the Ichibata Railway. From the station, take a bus for approximately 23 minutes and get off at the Uppurui Shako bus stop. The park is then about a 10-minute walk away.
The area is also popular as part of a scenic coastal driving route. On a clear day, the journey itself is an enjoyable experience, with expansive views of the Sea of Japan and the rugged coastline along the way.
Uppurui Wind Turbine Park offers a fascinating combination of dramatic coastal scenery, renewable energy, geological landscapes, and traditional food culture.
The enormous white wind turbines rising above the Sea of Japan create an unforgettable modern landscape, while the traditional harvesting of Uppurui nori reveals the long-standing relationship between local people and the sea.
When exploring western Shimane and the Izumo area, a visit to Uppurui provides an opportunity to experience both the natural power of the Japanese coastline and the traditions that have developed alongside it.