Beaches in Japan: Best of Osaka!

Beaches in Japan have beautiful coasts and turquoise waters. Heading there is one of the best ways to beat the heat Osaka Prefecture is known for being Japan’s food center and history, but it also has some of the best beaches around!

But there are many nature-filled scenic places to visit too, like beaches! While there aren’t any beaches within Osaka City, a few are on the edges of the prefecture. All of them are very accessible by public transport or by car. 

While technically beaches are open 24/7 in Japan, many beaches are closed for swimming until late July or early August. So it is essential to check beforehand if you can swim. If you can’t swim, you can do a barbeque on the beach instead! Many beaches have rental barbecue kits, or you can buy one from a goods store like Don Quijote. 

Another popular activity to do at beaches in Japan is fireworks. Supermarkets and convenience stores usually sell sparklers from late May. Lighting some sparklers with friends while watching the sunset can be enjoyable! Some beaches have events from early July, mainly related to sports such as windsurfing or volleyball competitions. 

Top 4 Beaches in Japan: Osaka Edition!

In this section, we will introduce the best beaches in Osaka, how to get to them, their features, and events they may have. 

Tan’nowa Tokimeki Beach

Tan’nowa Tokimeki Beach is located in South Osaka in the Sennan District. It is approximately one hour away from Namba Station by train. This area is known for its white sandy beaches,  crystal clear water, and beautiful sunsets. The beach has been mentioned in a few literary works, such as Kino Tsurayuki’s Tosa Diary and the Manyoshu. On a good day, you may even see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge! 

The beach is famous for clam digging at low tides between late March and early June. From July 1st to late August, bathing is allowed at the beach between 9 am and 5 pm. Outside of swimming, there are volleyball nets and barbeque facilities–some for free, others for rent). 

Location

〒 599-0301 Tannowachisaki, Misaki-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka

Directions

12 min. walk from Tannowa Sta. of the Nankai Line

• A free shuttle bus is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays from July 15–Aug. 20. Please check the timetable.

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Nishikinohama Beach

Nishikinohama Beach is located in South Osaka in the Kaizuka district. It is approximately 1 hour away from Namba Station by train. It offers beautiful scenic views and is on the “100 of the most scenic greenery spots in Osaka” list. The beach’s name, “Nishiki,” literally translates as “two colors.” These “two colors” refer to the white of the 1 km-long sand beach and the green of the pine groves. 

The beach is popular with families and young people. It is also popular among fans of windsurfing and jet skiing. Kids can also participate in clam digging on the beach between mid-April and early June. Barbecue facilities are available at this beach for free or to rent. Bathing is allowed from Mid-July to late August from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Location

〒 597-0062 871 Sawa, Kaizuka-shi, Osaka

Directions

About a 10-minute walk from Nishikinohama Station on the Nankai Railway Main Line

Hakotsukuri Beach – Pichi Pichi Beach

Hakotsukuri Beach – Pichi Pichi Beach is an artificial beach in South Osaka in the Hannan district. It is approximately two hours away from Namba Station by train. It is 700 meters in length and 80 meters in depth. Locals usually call it “Pichi Pichi Beach”. The beach is famous for being the location of the National Junior Boys Beach Volleyball Tournament, held every year in early August. 

On a good day, you can see Awaji Island (in Hyogo Prefecture), the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Kansai Airport from the shores. The beach is open for bathing from July 1st to August 31st between 9 am and 5 pm. There are barbeque and volleyball facilities available on the beach.

Location

〒 599-0232 3346 Hakotsukuri, Hannan-shi, Osaka

Directions

A 15-minute walk from Hakotsukuri Station on the Nankai Railway Main Line

Tarui Southern Beach

Tarui Southern Beach is an artificial beach in South Osaka in the Sennan district. It is approximately 1.5 hours away from Namba Station by train. It is well-known for its white sand, palm trees, and sunsets. Moreover, it’s one of “Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots.“ It is also popular amongst people who are fans of marine sports such as windsurfing. You can see Rinku Town, Kansai International Airport, and its access bridge from the beach.

The beach is open for bathing from July 6th to August 18th between 9 am and 5 pm. Barbeque facilities are not available at this beach. Apart from swimming and marine sports, you can witness sea turtles laying eggs on the shore! In addition, a recreational park called “Sennan Long Park” opened in 2020 and featured many restaurants and sports parks, great for families! 

Location

〒 590-0535 Rinkuminamihama, Sennan-shi, Osaka

Directions

A 10-minute walk from Tarui Station on the Nankai Railway Main Line

Japanese summers can seem tough because of the heat and humidity, especially in major cities. So, planning a day or weekend trip to the beach is a perfect way to relax and unwind to escape the heat!

With some beaches in Japan having barbeque and sports facilities, such as volleyball or windsurfing, it can be fun for the whole family! Which beach do you wish to visit and why? Let us know in the comments below!