The bench held the Guinness World Record for the longest bench from its installation in 1987 until it was surpassed in 2011.
The structure is constructed from Noto Hiba (false arborvitae), a tree species native to the Ishikawa region.
Masuho-ga-ura Beach, where the bench is located, is famous for having over 360 varieties of small seashells, often called 'sazare-ishi'.
The bench is designed to accommodate approximately 1,500 people simultaneously.
The location is positioned on the Noto Peninsula, which is recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System site.
The Longest Bench in the World is a 460.9-meter-long wooden structure located along the Masuho-ga-ura Beach in Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Originally completed in 1987, it was designed to provide a continuous seating area for thousands of visitors to view the sunset over the Sea of Japan. The structure is built using locally sourced cedar wood, reflecting the regional forestry industry. It stretches along a coastline known for its high concentration of tiny, colorful seashell fragments that wash ashore. The site serves as a community landmark and is maintained as a public viewing platform. It does not charge admission and remains accessible as an outdoor public space.
The center section of the bench, which allows for a symmetrical shot capturing the length of the wood against the horizon.
Bring a bag to collect the small, colorful seashells that frequently wash up on the sand in front of the bench.
Check the local weather forecast before visiting, as the coastline can be quite windy and exposed.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sandy terrain.
Do not attempt to walk on the beach during high-tide storms, as the waves can reach close to the base of the bench.
