Enjoy searching for souvenirs by the sea
Shells, pieces of coral, and skeletons of sea urchins and starfish washed ashore by the gentle waves. When you hear the word “beach cleaning,” you may think of it as a slightly more formal activity that contributes to environmental preservation and social contribution, but organizer chief priest Toumi Nishiyama says, “Beach cleaning itself is fun. I think it is best if we can contribute to the community as a sustainable activity by having fun while doing it.”
The beach cleaning walks are along the paths where nuns used to walk to catch shrimp and shellfish. After about an hour of beach cleaning, which is like a treasure hunt or souvenir hunt in nature, you will arrive at a cave where the rocks have been carved by wave erosion. It is a mysterious sea cave that can be entered only when the tide is low. In the future, we are working on a plan to offer this experience for groups, such as elementary school students, or for small groups of customers who are accustomed to walking, to ensure safety and allow participants to enjoy an experience suited to their needs.
Walking the Shore and Seeing Beyond Life
It is estimated that about 8 million tons of plastic waste alone is washed into the oceans each year worldwide. Not only does drifting plastic debris have various negative impacts on the ecosystem, but it also becomes fine “microplastics” and concentrates in the bodies of fish, reaching our dinner tables. In Uragami Bay, where chief priest Nishiyama works, the amount of marine products has decreased significantly over the past 20 years, a change that can be seen and felt.
chief priest Nishiyama says, “Even though we are talking about getting rid of plastic, you can’t really understand the tragedy and difficulty of the situation until you actually see it firsthand. In terms of education, some parents may want their children to have a better understanding of the environment. I hope that the needs of those who want to learn and those who want to clean up the local ocean will match.”
Although 8 million tons seems like a tremendous number, the situation could be much better if people change the way they view and live their daily lives through beach cleaning. By the end of the experience, you will have a sense of accomplishment that only beach cleaning can provide. We hope that this fun and enjoyable beach cleaning experience will lead to learning and a better life for everyone who participates.
*Courses and experiences are subject to change due to weather conditions and tide levels, etc. (The changed experiences will include crafts using seashells and other materials found on the beach.)