This 4km/2.5mi-long pebble beach by the Sea of Japan in the northeast of Toyama prefecture is known as the "beach of jade", because of the presence of jade stones washed in by the sea. Of great symbolic importance in Japanese culture since Prehistoric times (Jomon civilisation), jade comes in many shapes and colours, ranging from mauve to dark green. Tourists and locals take great delight in combing the beach for the stones or just enjoying being by the sea!