Jun 26, 2018
Popular Beaches in The Kansai Region
A lot of people love going to the beach because as they say, they need a dose of vitamin sea. Unfortunately, not a lot of countries have the best beaches and sea views that people can enjoy either by swimming or just lounging around in the sand or in comfy lounge chairs. People have to travel far and wide to have fun at the beach and make the most of their summer.
Japan is surprisingly one of the countries where the autumn and winter season is more popular for tourists because of the ski slopes and cherry blossoms but actually has lovely beaches that you could also spend your summers in. The Kansai region has some breathtaking expanse of beaches that could rival the likes of beaches in tropical countries.
You can set up a mat and a beach umbrella and just lie around on the sand with friends with refreshments on hand and go swimming in between. Kids could create sand castles and adults could engage in watersports. You can even enjoy the sunset with your loved one and you just might forget that you’re not in Fiji, Bali or Hawaii when you visit these locations on the list.
Kotohiki Beach (Kyotango City, Kyoto)
It is part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park and was designated as a Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty. The sound of its golden white sands was selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan by the Ministry of Environment in 1996. Also known as Kotohikihama, it is perfect if you want to relax especially during off peak season. You might want to explore the outdoor rotenburo or rock hot springs perched on the beach.
Taganohama Beach (Awaji City, Hyogo)
If a quiet, secluded and less crowded beach on an island sounds appealing to you, then this small pocket of white sands is perfect for you. Crowds usually flock to the more popular beach on the opposite side of the island so this haven with its majestic sunset is the best hideaway far away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. You can either drive or cycle to this location since public transportation is limited.
Kada Beach (Kada, Wakayama)
A laid back atmosphere with fewer crowds is always a place where you can quietly relax and enjoy a good barbecue lunch with your friends and family. Kids can frolic in the shallow waters while you sit back and enjoy the sun. Even if it’s a bit far away from the city center, it still has amenities like showers and shops serving meals so you couldn’t go wrong in choosing this peaceful location when all you want is just a simple trip to the beach.
Nishikinohama Beach (Kaizuka City, Osaka)
It’s also popularly called the Nishiki Beach. You can pop this on your list of must see beaches but schedule your visit between the 8th of July to the 31st of August. The harmony of the two predominant colors, the white of the sands and green of the pine trees in the nearby forest has been famous for sometime and was chosen as The Best 100 Examples of Greenery in Osaka. Beachgoers can enjoy sumptuous barbecue while marveling at the pretty landscape and cool breeze.
Kotobikihama Kakezu Beach (Kyotango City, Kyoto)
One of the Top 100 Must-See Shorelines in Japan is famous for its singing sand that is actually the squeaking of the sand crystals when you step on it. The name means “Koto plucking sand” also because of the distinctive sound. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Japan as visitors are not allowed to smoke and trash is nowhere to be seen. Despite it being a favorite to locals and tourists, it’s not as crowded as other popular beaches so you can still enjoy the peace. The beachside eateries offer seafood breakfasts and there are loding houses that you can spend the night in if you want a longer vacation.
Tarui Southern Beach/Rinku Minamihama Bathing Beach (Sennan City, Osaka)
It’s an artificial beach across the sea from Kansai International Airport with white sand and palm trees and a good view of the access bridge. There’s a swimming area and beyond it is an area great for marine sports like wind surfing. Anglers or fishing enthusiasts come here often as it is a must visit spot for them. After a day of shopping at the nearby shopping malls, it’s refreshing that you are able to dip your tired feet in the water right away. It opens in early July.
Jinoshima Beach (Arida City, Wakayama)
You can swim or take a trip to an island. Pretty much what you do in tropical countries but it’s not anywhere there. It’s in Wakayama and a good ten-minute walk away from Hatsushima station where you’ll also find Hatsushima harbor and as a result you can take a ferry to the island. Be sure to visit between the 9th of July and the 21st of August so you can enjoy the sun, sea and sand.
Keinomatsubara Beach (Minami Awaji City, Hyogo)
If you happen to be in Japan with your loved one and are planning to propose during this trip, head out to this beach as its moniker “The Proposal Highway” would give you an idea that it’s undoubtedly the best place to bend a knee and slip that ring on her finger. Make sure you wait until sunset when you pop the question so that you’ll have a dramatic backdrop courtesy of one of The Best 100 Sunset Views in Japan.
You can set up a mat and a beach umbrella and just lie around on the sand with friends and go swimming in between. Kids are able to create sand castles and adults can engage in water sports. You can even enjoy the sunset with your loved one and decide to propose there.
By Nishikinoakira [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Justin Hanus editor
About the author