5 Popular Kyushu Beaches to Visit This Summer

2024-08-26

Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan’s main islands and is the 3rd biggest of the country’s 4 islands. In Japanese, “Kyushu” means “nine provinces”, a historical reference to the 9 original prefectures that once divided the island.

Some of the islands’ most popular and well-known cities include Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Beppu. Kyushu is known for its active volcanoes, natural hot springs, crystalline beaches, and a more relaxed, slower pace of life. If this sounds enticing to those thinking of moving to Japan or relocating to another part of the country, Village House has properties across all 47 prefectures, Kyushu included. Check out their website for more details.

So, are you thinking of heading down to Kyushu for the summer? Well, for those looking for some fun in the sun, sand, and surf, here are 5 popular Kyushu beaches you may want to add to your itinerary.

Takahama Beach

Located on Goto Island in Nagasaki, Takahama Beach was named one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, and is famous for having some of the whitest sand and clearest waters on both Goto Island and in Japan. The west-facing side of the beach overlooks Sagaro Island and has a natural sandbar that provides a shallow and safe swimming area for those not confident in their swimming abilities.

Those who came by car can head on over to Gyoran Kannon Observatory, which is only a 3-minute drive from the beach. There, visitors are treated to a full view of the length and breadth of Takahama Beach.

Lastly, those looking to try some local cuisine can indulge in goto-udon, an udon dish made only on Goto Island because its primary ingredients are sourced locally.

Tanoura Beach

A combined beach and seaside park, Tanoura Beach can be found in Oita City and is only a 10-minute drive from JR Oita Station. The beach is a JLA (Japan Life Saving Association) certified beach, meaning that JLA assessed and approved the safety of the beach for visitors. It is estimated that during summer, this beach and seaside park sees around 10,000 visitors.

Tanoura Beach is also known as “Lover’s Sanctuary” by the Japan Tourism Agency and is considered a sacred place for couples.

There are numerous facilities available for visitors and beach-goes including a free-to-use rest house located in the center of the park; an artificial island called Tanoura Airlie; and of course, the beach, which is open during the summer months of July and August. Visitors to the beach can rest assured that safety protocols are in place due to lifeguards on duty.

Aoshima Beach Park

Aoshima Beach Park is a beach park and garden located in Miyazaki. It’s considered one of the top oceanfront attractions in Kyushu and as of 2021, is open all year round.

Only a mere 10-minute walk from Aoshima train station, Aoshima Beach Park has a variety of facilities for visitors including beaches set up with sunbeds and parasols, “shade boxes”, which are private rooms with cushions to block out the sun, permanent restaurant, and shops selling different kinds of food and drink.

Other activities and events that visitors might enjoy include beach yoga and fireworks.

Aze Prince Beach

A public beach located on Tokunoshima’s northeast coast, the beach got its name in 1969 when the then-Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko toured the area. The 1.5km long beach boasts pristine white sand and the crystal-clear waters harbor coral reefs, which are home to numerous tropical fish. This makes Aze Prince Beach a prime spot for snorkelers.

The beach is split into three general areas:

A multi-purpose open space area that’s free for visitors to use
A compound with a free cooking area and free-to-use showers
The beach itself

Karatsu Nishinohama Beach

Karatsu Nishinohama Beach is a public beach found in Karatsu, Saga, a small coastal city in the northern region of Saga Prefecture. The area is known for its beaches, caves, and castles, the latter of which is visible from the beach. Karatsu is also well known for its history of pottery so visitors wanting a break from the sun, sand, and surf can head on into the town to learn more about this aspect of the town’s history.

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CheR

Freelance writer with over 2 years of experience writing for the Village House Blog, ESL teacher, and digital nomad who has lived in countries including The Czech Republic, The UK, The U.A.E., Japan, and most recently, Georgia. Is constantly on the hunt for the best, most optimal apartment for remote work when not enjoying going to film festivals, concerts, and the theater.

2024-08-26