6 Best Beautiful Beaches Near Osaka: Dreamy Summer Destinations in Kansai
- Written by: WESTPLAN
There are numerous beaches near Osaka, spread around the Kansai region, with gleaming white sands and crystal waters that contrast with the clear blue summer sky.
Included among these spectacular Kansai-area destinations are, Keino Matsubara on Hyogo’s Awaji Island, Shirarahama in Wakayama, Makino Sunny Beach on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga, and Osaka’s new Sen’nan Marble Beach and Sennan Long Park.
- Table of Contents
-
- 1. Keino Matsubara Beach (Hyogo): Beautiful sunsets seen from a pine forest
- 2. Shirarahama (Wakayama): A large resort with a tropical mood
- 3. Sen’nan Marble Beach (Osaka): A favored destination for lovers
- 4. Amanohashidate (Kyoto): One of the three most scenic spots in Japan
- 5. Makino Sunny Beach (Shiga): Beautiful water and scenery unique to Lake Biwa
- 6. Isonoura (Wakayama): Kansai’s surfing sanctuary
1. Keino Matsubara Beach (Hyogo): Beautiful sunsets seen from a pine forest
Keino Matsubara Beach, which is about 2 hours JR Osaka Station via train and highway bus, is located on the west side of Minamiawaji City in southwestern Awaji Island.
It’s known for its scenic charm and 50,000 black pines spread along a 2.5 kilometers stretch. In 1928, the area was designated as a national scenic spot, and in 1955, it was designated as Setonaikai National Park.
Keino Matsubara is the largest beach on Awaji Island and typically opens in summer. Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has selected 100 ocean areas and lakes nationwide at which visitors can swim comfortably, and among those, Keino Matsubara is one of the most highly rated.
The best time to visit, other than for daytime swimming, is in the evening. The sunset across the Harima Sea, selected as one of the “100 Best Sunsets in Japan,” is a magnificent sight, and the contrast with the pine forest is exquisite.
Visitors also get a beautiful view of Shodo Island just offshore and Goshokuhama beach to the north. Keino Matsubara is also home to “Proposal Road,” lined with Ibushi tiles unique to Awaji Island that have been inscribed with pledges of undying love.
Recommended hotels nearby
-
-
Address
970-6 Matsuho Kotsuro, Minamiawaji-shi, Hyogo, 656-0304
View Map -
Nearest Station
Maiko Station (JR Kobe Line / JR San-yo Line)
-
Address
970-6 Matsuho Kotsuro, Minamiawaji-shi, Hyogo, 656-0304
-
-
Address
886-2 Matsuhokotsuro, Minamiawaji-shi, Hyogo, 656-0304
View Map -
Nearest Station
Maiko Station (JR Kobe Line / JR San-yo Line)
-
Address
886-2 Matsuhokotsuro, Minamiawaji-shi, Hyogo, 656-0304
-
Keino-matsubara Beach慶野松原海水浴場
- Address Matsuhokotsuro, Minamiawaji, Hyogo 656-0304
TEL: 0799-43-5221 (Minamiawaji City Commerce and Tourism Division)
Access: Approximately 70 minutes by express bus bound for Fukura from Sannomiya Station or approximately 50 minutes by express bus bound for Fukura from JR Maiko Station, then about 10 minutes by taxi from Kosaitan bus stop
2. Shirarahama (Wakayama): A large resort with a tropical mood
Shirarahama is 2 hours and 40 minutes from Osaka’s JR Tennoji Station via limited express train and bus. Originally named Shirahama, this 620-meter white sand beach is one of Kansai’s most iconic beaches.
Located in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, it’s the town’s main beach for sightseers and is visited by about 450,000 people every year. Selected as one of the “100 Best Beaches in Japan,” the Shirarahama celebrated its 20th anniversary as a sister beach to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii in 2020.
Shirarahama is a shallow beach and the smooth quartz sand is comprised of 90% silicic acid. The contrast between the emerald green sea, blue sky, and pure white sand is breathtaking.
In summer, umbrellas color the beach like flowers and palm trees provide a tropical mood. Watching the sunset from the beach is very popular, but sunrise is also recommended, when the early morning light reflects off the sand.
Shirarahama Beach will be open from May 3rd to August 31st, 2024. The nearby “Shirasuna” mixed bathing outdoor bath invitingly offers hot spring bathing on the beach (bathing suits allowed).
Services for international guests
English pamphlets at the tourist information center, and foreign language signs on the beach.
Recommended hotels nearby
-
-
Address
868, Shirahama, Wakayama, 649-2211
View Map -
Nearest Station
Shirahama Station (JR Kisei Line / JR Kinokuni Line)
Vacancy search, reservation
-
from 22,659JPY 1room, 2adults
Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.
-
Address
868, Shirahama, Wakayama, 649-2211
-
-
Address
Shirahama-cho 1384-18 Daigo, Kanayama, Wakayama, 649-2211
View Map -
Nearest Station
Shirahama Station (JR Kisei Line / JR Kinokuni Line)
Vacancy search, reservation
-
from 19,952JPY 1room, 2adults
Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.
-
Address
Shirahama-cho 1384-18 Daigo, Kanayama, Wakayama, 649-2211
-
-
Address
Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Shirahama, 649-2211
View Map -
Nearest Station
Shirahama Station (JR Kisei Line / JR Kinokuni Line)
15 minutes by bus
- Phone Number 0739-43-6588
-
Address
Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Shirahama, 649-2211
3. Sen’nan Marble Beach (Osaka): A favored destination for lovers
Sen’nan Marble Beach, about an hour from Namba Station on Osaka’s Nankai Electric Railway, is a rare white marble beach. It overlooks Kansai International Airport, making it possible to watch planes taking off from Kansai Island.
The beach is Osaka Prefecture’s first certified “Lovers’ Sanctuary,” and the beach’s heart-shaped marker has become a popular photo spot for couples and families.
Along with the adjacent Tarui Southern Beach, the sunset view has been selected as one of the “100 Best Sunsets in Japan” and is a must-see. The sun sets in the same direction as Kansai International Airport, creating a fantastic scene.
Tarui Southern Beach, connected with Sennan Marble Beach to form an L-shape, is a sandy beach with a panoramic view of Kansai International Airport, and you can swim while watching the planes taking off and landing.
In 2020, an area of about 2 kilometers along the beach was transformed into Sennan Long Park, Kansai’s largest recreation facility, featuring a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
In front of Marble Beach, there is a glamping area with a jacuzzi, independent villas with ocean views, a “marche area” where you can enjoy local food, and a community area with restaurants and cafes.
Services for international guests |
Sennan City has an English tourist pamphlet that includes a description of Sennan Marble Beach, the Long Park website has an English version, and there are English signs at the beach.
Recommended hotels nearby
-
-
Address
674-1 Minami Nakayasumatsu, Izumisano-shi, Osaka, 598-0033
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hagurazaki Station (Nankai Line)
19 minutes on foot
-
Address
674-1 Minami Nakayasumatsu, Izumisano-shi, Osaka, 598-0033
-
-
Address
Kinku Port Kita 3-5, Tajiri, Osaka, 598-0093
View Map -
Nearest Station
Hagurazaki Station (Nankai Line)
19 minutes on foot
Vacancy search, reservation
-
from 30,000JPY 1room, 2adults
Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.
-
Address
Kinku Port Kita 3-5, Tajiri, Osaka, 598-0093
-
Sen'nan Marble Beach泉南マーブルビーチ
- Address Rinkuminamihama, Sennan-shi, Osaka 590-0535
TEL: 072-483-8191 (Sennan City Industrial Tourism Division)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Okadaura Station on the Nankai Main Line
4. Amanohashidate (Kyoto): One of the three most scenic spots in Japan
Around 3 hours by limited express train from JR Osaka Station, Amanohashidate is a scenic spot facing the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It’s known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The views from the Kasamatsu Park observatory, where you can see Amanohashidate from the north side, and from Amanohashidate Viewland on Mt. Monju on the south side are both captivating must-sees.
The Kasamatsu Park overlook is popular because, from that vantage point, Amanohashidate looks like a rising dragon. It’s also famous as the birthplace of the oddly named “Crotch Peep,” in which viewers bend at the waist and look back through their legs, resulting in an interesting inverted view of Amanohashidate, the sky, and the sea.
Amanohashidate has two beaches. Both offer good-quality waters, calm waves, and places to rest in the shade of the nearby pine trees.
One is Amanohashidate Beach, just a 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station on the Monju side, which has beautiful blue pines and white sand beaches. There are tourist attractions such as Chionji Temple and Amanohashidate Viewland in the vicinity, and after swimming, you can relax at the Chie-no-Yu hot spring.
The other, Amanohashidate Fuchu Beach, is near the Amanohashidate Activity Center, where you can enjoy watersports like sea kayaking and stand-up paddling by reservation. In 2024, the beach is open from July 13th to August 18th.
Recommended hotels nearby
-
-
Address
310 Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto, 626-0001
View Map -
Nearest Station
Amanohashidate Station (Tantetsu Miyatoyo Line)
5 minutes on foot
-
Address
310 Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto, 626-0001
-
-
Address
Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto, 626-0001
View Map -
Nearest Station
Amanohashidate Station (Tantetsu Miyatoyo Line)
7 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 0772-22-8030
-
Address
Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto, 626-0001
5. Makino Sunny Beach (Shiga): Beautiful water and scenery unique to Lake Biwa
Makino Sunny Beach, about a 2-hour train ride from JR Osaka Station, is considered the most beautiful beach on the shores of Lake Biwa. White sands and pine forests stretch for about a kilometer from Takagihama in the north to Chinaihama in the south, and were selected as one of the “100 Best White Sands and Green Pines in Japan” in 1987.
Makino Sunny Beach overlooks two more scenic spots in Chikubu Island and Kaizu Osaki, which are among Lake Biwa’s eight most scenic areas. In addition, it has a good reputation for clean water and has been selected as a “special selection” in the lake category of the Ministry of the Environment’s “100 Select Beaches.”
You can enjoy Lake Biwa’s beautiful scenery all day long, like the view of the lake from the pier, which is especially eye-catching when colored by the sunrise and sunset.
The lake terrace’s 13-meter tall observatory is a symbol of Takagihama and an ideal viewing point for both the lake and surrounding area throughout the year. It’s a recommended spot for taking pictures of the sunrise and sunset.
Services for international guests (Takagihama)
Staff use tablets for translation when conversing with guests
-
Makino Sunny Beach Takagihamaマキノサニービーチ高木浜
- Address Makinocho Nishihama, Takashima-shi, Shiga 520-1811
TEL: 0740-28-1206 (Takagihama Auto Campsite), 0740-27-0325 (Chinaihama Auto Campsite)
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Makino Station
6. Isonoura (Wakayama): Kansai’s surfing sanctuary
Isonoura, a beach located in Nirigahama, Wakayama City, is popular among surfers in the Kansai region and is Osaka’s closest surfing area. From Osaka Namba Station, take the Nankai Main Line toward Wakayama, changing to the Kada Line at Wakayamashi Station, before getting off at Isonoura. From there, it’s just a short walk away.
It’s a popular destination for surfers, from beginners to advanced wave riders. The scene of the sunset across the ocean, palm trees, and surfers gives the beach a resort-like feel.
Isonoura has beautiful smooth, white sand and a panoramic view. The vast, shallow beach is about 1,200 meters long and 1.5 meters deep, even 100 meters from the water. During the sunbathing season (July 1st to August 31st), surfing and swimming areas are clearly marked so that beachgoers can swim safely.
There’s also a surfing school (Japanese language only). The “Beginner Course” is about 2.5 hours long and includes onshore training before entering the water. Boards and suits are available for rent, so anyone can join.
Recommended hotels nearby
-
-
Address
1905 Kada, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama, 640-0103
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kada Station (Nankai-kada Line)
23 minutes on foot
-
Address
1905 Kada, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama, 640-0103
-
Isonoura Beach Resortマリンパーク磯の浦
- Address Isonoura, Wakayama, 640-0114
TEL: 073-452-2737 (Isonoura Beach Resort)
Access: 1-minute walk from Isonoura Station on the Nankai-Kada Line
These Kansai beaches are relatively easy to reach from central Osaka, and the clean waterfronts and spectacular views are worth a visit.
* Information in this article is accurate as of the time of updating in June 2024. Please check official websites for the latest information.
English translation by Gabriel Wilkinson
Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Todai-ji Temple
Temples
Nara, Ikoma, Tenri
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Abeno Harukas
Landmarks
Shinsekai, Tennouji, Tsuruhashi
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Your Trip to Shiga Prefecture: The Complete Guide (Activities, Hotels, Savers & More)
-
Enjoy a Deeper Connection to Japan With Fascinating Cultural Experiences in Kyoto and Osaka
by: James Davies
-
What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in November: Top Events, Festivals, Fall Foliage & Illuminations
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Fade into Kyoto: Momotaro Jeans Heads to New Denim Destination
by: Chehui Peh
-
Don’t Miss the Autumn Fireworks Festivals! Enjoy Fun Displays & Competitions Across Japan
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Nintendo Museum Finally Opens! Explore Nearby Uji, Top Tourist Spots, and Travel Tips
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Charming Hotels to Enjoy the Spectacular Views of Arashiyama's Autumn Leaves from Your Room
-
Spacious Family Hotel in Namba: 20 Comfortable Stays for Family Fun
-
Experience Stunning Views of Osaka Castle from Private Spaces: Top Hotels Near Osaka Castle
-
Recommended by Visitors! Arashiyama's Best-Rated Hotels
-
Family-Friendly Universal Studios Japan Hotel with Excellent Access
-
Enjoy Night Views from Your Room! Recommended Hotels in Namba Area
-
Enjoy a Comfortable Stay in Osaka! 10 Hotels with Convenient Airport Shuttle Services
-
Top 10 Recommended Hotels Near Namba Station with Great Access
-
Autumn in Japan 2024: Fall Foliage Forecast & Where to Enjoy the Colorful Leaves (+Tour Info)
-
Ippudo Osaka and More: These 5 Ramen Restaurants in Osaka Are Going Viral
-
Kichijoji – Explore Tokyo’s Top-Rated Stylish Suburb in Half a Day!
-
Michelin Star Restaurants & More: 3 Best Okonomiyaki Shops in Dotonbori Osaka
-
Secrets to Shopping in Japan: Guide to Annual Sales in Japan & Where to Shop
by: Miyu Shimada
-
3 Best Hotels in Kobe, Japan with Amazing Views of Kobe Bay!
- #best gourmet Osaka
- #things to do Osaka
- #what to do in kyoto
- #what to bring to japan
- #best gourmet Kyoto
- #new years in Osaka
- #what to buy in nanba
- #Visiting Osaka
- #onsen tattoo friendly arima
- #daiso
- #Visiting Kyoto
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #japanese nail trends