noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
place by the sea; seaside area
Refers to a location or area near the sea, often contrasted with 山手 (やまて, mountain side). Used as a noun or with の to modify another noun.
See also: 山手 (やまて)
There is a small fishing port on the seaside of this town.
Seaside settlements are vulnerable to tsunami damage.
山手 refers to the area near mountains, while 海手 refers to the area near the sea, its direct opposite.
Compound of 海 (うみ, sea) and 手 (て, direction, side). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for indicating location relative to a landmark.