Beach Spots in Niigata Area

  • Kakudahama Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Nishikan-ku Kakudahama
    This beach area is operated by the Kakudahama Tourism Bureau and is in Nishikan Ward, Niigata City. Gentle waves and a large shallow beach make this a nice safe place for kids and parents and it's the perfect place to enjoy the abundance of natural scenery to your heart's content. Near the beach are campgrounds that don't require reservations as well as BBQ areas that are great for those on a day-trip who aren't spending the night. Tourist sight-seeing spots include the Kakudahama Cape Lighthouse and the cave were Yoshitsune hid while making his escape. There is also a well-known viewpoint where you can watch the setting sun sink into Sado Island. Various seasonal events are held including floating sumo wrestling tournaments, dances, and nagashi-somen (noodles served down a water chute).
  • Lavender Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Itoigawashi Teraji
    Lavender Beach is part of Omi Coast Geosite, about a 14-minute walk from Itoigawa Station in the city of Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture. The beach gets its name from the lavender-colored jade that can be found there. The open area near the beach contains the statue of Nunakawa-Hime, a ruler in Jomon Period, and the relief that portray the processing steps of jade. Beachcombers can find all kinds of stones other than jade, and it is a great place to find a unique stone for one's self.
  • Tassha Bathing Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Niigata Sado-shi Tassha
    A beach that gets its name from a Japanese folktale called Sanshodayu. The mother and her son called Zushio reunitedon the beach and were pleased to see each other in good health (tassha) in the story. It's on a broad and quiet cove on Senkaku Bay with amazingly transparent water. As it's protected by a weir and wave-breaking tetrapods, it remains relatively calm even on days with high waves so you can still have fun in the sea. Because it's just 10 minutes from downtown Aikawa City, the popular beach gets crowded with families and young people in season. The beach is gravel rather than fine sand, so wearing beach sandals comes recommended.
  • Kuwagawa Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Niigata Murakami-shi Kuwagawa
    This swimming beach is located about a 30-minute drive from the center of Murakami City. A broad beach with finely grained sand extends through Kuwagawa, a hamlet near the basin of the Sasakawa River, an area known as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. There is a rocky area nearby that is ideal for playing with rocks and fishing. Since the beach is also near a roadside station and an excursion boat dock, many people come here to barbecue or to participate in marine activities. The sun setting off Awashima Island is a splendid sight, and as sunset approaches, traffic comes to a halt.
  • Futatsugame Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Washizaki 1116-2
    Futatsugame Beach is located in the Washizaki district of Sado City, on Sado Island. The twin islands of Oki-no-shima and Iso-no-shima resemble a pair of turtles squatting in the sea, hence the name “Futatsugame”. The incredible clarity of the water makes this a great place for sea-bathing or just to enjoy the view. Futatsugame has been awarded Two Starts in the Michelin Green Guide (Japan). Futatsugame Beach is conveniently located, with hotels and campsites nearby.
  • Sekiyahama Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Sekiya
    Sekiyahama Beach Resort is located close to the town center; the beach is protected by wave-dissipating concrete blocks and breakwaters, and there are plenty of food and beverage stalls on the beach in the summer months. It is famous as a great place for strolling on the beach or for cycling. The gentle waves make this a very popular beach; the large, free car-park with a capacity of 650 vehicles adds to this popularity. Please note that water sports such as surfing and boating are prohibited. Sekiyahama Beach Resort is located around 20-minute drive from both the Niigata West Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway and the Niigata Central Interchange on the Ban-Etsu Expressway.
  • Naoetsu Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Mushuiwato
    Naoetsu Beach Resort, which is located close to a caravan site, it famous for its extensive sand dunes and for its pristine sea-water. In July through August, several exciting events (including the Naoetsu Gion Festival and the Beach Seine Festival) are held here. There are stalls selling food and beverages on the beach in summer, and with accommodation, a hot spring resort and public baths located nearby, this is a great place to bring the whole family. Naoetsu Beach Resort is located around 10-minute drive from the Joetsu Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.
  • Kujiranami Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Kujiranami
    With its beautiful scenery, Kujiranami Beach Resort has been included in the list of Japan’s Top 100 best beaches. The beach is located just behind the Kujiranami fishing harbor, accessed down a sloping path from an area of bed-and-breakfast accommodation. This small bay receives relatively few visitors, and so is a great place to relax on the beach. Visitors can also enjoy fishing from the rocks. Kujiranami Beach Resort is located around 10-minute drive from the Yoneyama Interchange of the Hokuriku Expressway.
  • Kanayama Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Teradomarikanayama
    Kanayama Beach Resort is the home of Teradomari’s beach resorts and is basically a sand beach that is popular with families. There are craggy areas, too, so you enjoy the rocks as well. Please be advised that you cannot barbeque or engage in marine sports here. There are nearby minshuku lodges with changing rooms and showers, which can be quite useful. 30 minutes by car via Nakanoshima-Mitsuke Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.
  • Teradomari Central Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Teradomari Region
    Teradomari Central Beach Resort is a long, shallow coast and ocean bathing area adjacent to Fish Market Street, attracting many visitors each year. The view of phoenixes set in the sand and rows of parasols (free to use) let you enjoy the feeling of being at a resort. Approximately 30 minutes by car via Nakanoshima-mitsuke Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.
  • Sasagawa Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Murakamishi Sasagawa
    The Sasagawa Beach Resort features exquisitely fine sand, as well of a view of both the clear ocean and the Sasagawa waters lined with rocks shaped by the rough waves. The sunset near Awashima Island is simply phenomenal. You can enjoy fishing at the rocks nearby too. Approximately 30 minutes from Murakami Senamionsen Interchange on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway.
  • Senami Hot Spring Beach Resort
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Murakamishi Senamionsen
    Every year, roughly 100,000 visitors come to Senami Hot Spring Beach Resort to enjoy beach bathing, a one-kilometer stretch of beach right behind the Senami Hot Spring town. People love that they can go straight to the beach from their ryokan (lodgings) in their bathing suits. It has been designated as on the Top 100 Beaches in Japan. Approximately 14 minutes by car via Murakami Senamionsen Interchange on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway.
  • Tanihama Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Jouetsushi Nagahama 130
    With gentle waves and high-quality water, this beach swimming area is perfect for everyone to enjoy from children to the elderly. It is not only one of the best shoal beaches in the Hokuriku region but has historical significance as well. Since the Meiji period it has been used for swimming training for the military and legend states that when Emperor Juntoku was travelling from the capital to Sado Island he paused here transfixed by the beauty of the setting sun. There are nearby lodgings and dressing rooms as well as beachside cafes and free shower facilities. It's about one-minute on foot from Tanihama Station on the Nihonkai Hisui Line or can also be easily accessed by car as it is 10-minutes away from the Nadachi-Tanihama Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.
  • Nou Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Itoigawashi Nou Higashimachi
    The Benten-iwa Rock and the red handrails are key features of this beach. It's a 20-minute walk from Nou Station on the Nihonkai Hisui Line. You can also get there by car going five-minutes north from the Nou Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. The shallows are surrounded by concrete blocks, perfect for small children to enjoy. BBQ facilities are also available making this popular beach area fun for everyone from adults to kids. The Sea Festival is held every year on Marine Day. Come out and experience banana boats and other marine sports as well as game tournaments.
  • Nozumi Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nagaokashi Teradomarinodumi
    From the JR Teradomari Station take the Onozumi Bus for 30 minutes. The beach is a five-minute walk from the Onozumi bus stop. It stands out for its long beachfront stretching out from the entrance to the Echigo Nanaura Seaside Line. The north area is a swimming beach for 500 meters, with shallows stretching out into the ocean. This makes it a great place to look for shells and crabs, which small children can also enjoy. The center and south areas of the beach prioritize wind surfing and other marine sports. Drawing huge crowds of youths, this popular spot is called the marine sports Mecca.
  • Banjin and West Banjin Beaches
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Banjin
    These beaches, characterized by their wonderful water quality, were selected for the 2006 list of '100 Best Swimming Beaches.' The sandbar has a rocky area populated by tons of shellfish, crabs, and other small sea creatures making it a popular area for children to go searching. The beautiful site of the sunset sinking into the Sea of Japan also draws lots of couples and tourists. Found on the west side of Kashiwazaki Bay just a 10-minute walk from JR Kujiranami Station the beach is easily accessed. When the Nichiren monks were exiled to Sado Island this is where they set sail from. The Nichiren Buddhism's Banjindo Hall is nearby, making this beach overflow with a historic atmosphere.
  • Fujitsukahama Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Shibatashi Fujitsukahama
    This beach area allows surfing, boardsailing, and water skiing. That means it's hugely popular with those looking to enjoy marine sports, drawing tourists from all over. The beach is about a 10-minute drive from the Seiro-Shibata Interchange on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway in Niigata Prefectural Shiunjikinen Park. With a wide shallow beach and great water quality even children can play safely. The beach is known for its family accommodations with campgrounds and hot spring bathing facilities. Every year on August 12th the beach serves as a popular viewing place for the fireworks display put on as part of the Castle Town Shibata Festival.
  • Sawata Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Kawaharadahonmachi
    This beach on Sado Island faces Mano Bay. Part of its appeal is its closeness to downtown, being only a two-minute walk from the Kawarada shopping area, so you can easily pickup whatever you may need. Sporting a wide shallow beach and gentle waves many families come to this beach. With the Kubota Campground nearby the summer season brings lots of tourists and excitement. Located halfway along National Route 350 which runs north-south across Sado Island, the beach is easily accessible from anywhere on the island. Complete with various lodging facilities this is the perfect base point for exploring Sado Island.
  • Tonowa Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Tounowachou
    This wide beach is characterized by its 510-meter length and its average 90-meter width. The nearby Kashiwazaki Marina and beachfront park give it a marine resort feel making it popular with young people and couples. The beach is also very easy to access, being just a 10-minute walk from JR Kujiranami Station or by car 10-minutes from the Yoneyama Interchange or 15 minutes from the Kashiwazaki Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. With more than 400 parking spots available the opening of beach season is a lively affair bringing tourists from all over Japan.
  • Aoyama Kaigan Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Nishi-ku Aoyama
    This swimming beach is found straight northwest along the single road from JR Kobari Station. Close to Aoyama City Center this beach area is marked by its wide sandy beach and incredibly clear water. The parking lot is jointly managed by the Nagisa Fureai Center and has 260 spots. Cafes line the seaside and there are plenty of things to enjoy beyond swimming. The beach is well known as being a great spot to enjoy the sunset and every August is the site of the Nihonkai Yuuhi (Sea of Japan Sunset) Concert. Between famous artists and fireworks displays it's a booming event every year.

Niigata Areas

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Found along the northwestern coast of Japan, Niigata prefecture is celebrated for its high-quality rice and breathtaking nature, most notably its spectacular mountains, whose white peaks draw in snow sports lovers from far and wide over the winter months. Hit the slopes at Yuzawa, pick out your favourite modern artist at Echigo Tsumari, or take a ferry over to Sado Island for an extra adventure.

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