Exploring Chita Peninsula – Family Fun in the Aichi Sun

Apr 25, 2022

Exploring Chita Peninsula – Family Fun in the Aichi Sun

With the weather finally taking a turn for the better and the cherry blossoms dropping their flowers, it is that time of year when you might think about heading for the coast, and around Nagoya, that means the Chita Peninsula to the south of the city.

Though not as renowned as the tropical beaches of Okinawa, as dramatic as the sand dunes of Tottori, or in possession of the mythical origins of Sagami Bay, the Chita Peninsula area still has much to offer. It makes for an excellent destination for those sunny days with friends and family.

Clam-hunting

The spring/summer fun kicks off on Yamada Beach, where from April to June (the dates change depending on the year), you can get your hands dirty within the mudflats looking for clams and other shellfish.

Digging clams is a great, family-friendly event, and your kids will revel in digging at the muddy sand for fresh shellfish to fill your buckets – and later, your cooking pots. Located close to the main Minamichita town, an area well-known for its fresh seafood, your haul is guaranteed to be some of the most delicious you have ever caught with your own two hands.

Where: Yamada Beach, Yoshino Toyooka, Minamichita, Chita District, Aichi 470-3411 (map)
When: Until June 19. See link for specific event days.
Admission: Adults 1,400 JPY; children 1,000 JPY

Morozaki Port Fish Market

If you want fresh seafood but don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, then Morozaki Port Fish Market could be just what you are after. Located at the intersection of the Ise and Mikawa Bays, Morozaki has been a fishing town for countless generations.

Every morning, local fishers’ hauls are brought to the area, and from 8 am the market opens to the general public, with a veritable cornucopia of fish, seafood, and other local delicacies available. All are locally produced, and many of the non-seafood products are made by hand by local townsfolk.

Where: Chita District, Minamichita, Morozaki, Hayashizaki-jima (map)
When: Daily 8:00-12:00; closed Wednesday
Website: morozaki.jp

Beaches

There are many beaches along the Chita coastline, but the best known are Utsumi, Rinku, and Shinmaiko.

The largest in the Tokai area, Utsumi Beach, is probably the most popular, visited by approximately 500,000 people each year. The coast stretches two kilometers along Chidorigahama and Higashiyama areas with over 30 seaside clubhouses and hotels. Be warned; things get pretty lively here come sundown.

Rinku is the largest artificial beach in the Tokai area, and it attracts a young party crowd. It hosts many summer events, including live concerts and music festivals, and there are plenty of facilities such as food trucks and a barbecue area. Watersports equipment is available for hire to enjoy activities such as paddle boarding, and Tokoname Rinku Beach Park is also known for its stunning sunsets.

The nearest beach to Nagoya, Shinmaiko Marine Park, is an artificial beach, though it is no less lovely for it. There is a sizable barbecue area that you can rent out, and the shop can supply charcoal at a small additional cost. However, if barbecue isn’t your thing, there are food stands selling refreshments of all kinds.

Mihama Circuit Kunimoto

While most of what’s going on in the Chita Peninsula is coastal-based, Mihama Circuit Kunimoto is slap bang in the middle, which is probably for the best – you don’t want sand on the track, do you! If it’s the smell of petrol and burning rubber that gets your motor running as opposed to seaweed and sun cream, this is definitely the best option,

Whether it be cars, motorbikes, or carts, there are all manner of exciting motorsports to rev your family’s collective engine. If you have your own wheels, that’s great, but it is possible to rent if not. Just make sure you contact the circuit in advance as numbers are limited.

Where: Umaike-16 Noma, Mihama, Chita District (map)
Website: mihama-circuit.com

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Image: Via https://mihama-circuit.com/kart/
Image: Via http://minamichita-kk.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/20220207104538.pdf
Image: Via https://www.morozaki.jp/asaichi/