Experience the coastal outdoors this summer along the Tango Peninsula

Meaning “sunset” in Japanese, it’s no surprise that Yuhigaura is known as one of Kyoto’s most beautiful beaches to head to for an unforgettable view of the sun dipping its golden light into the glistening horizon. Fine white sand and a shallow crystal sea grace the entire beach, but the most romantic (and irresistibly Instagrammable) spot to enjoy as the sun sets is Yurari swing. This beachside structure is made from driftwood and quickly became popular thanks to people sharing their dreamy sunset shots on social media. The best way to get here is by renting a bike from Yuhigaura-kistu Onsen Station (¥500 for the whole day, link in Japanese) so you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and scent of the coastal pines as you cycle.

If you’ve got time before sunset, drop your bike off a little further down the coastline at 135 ° EAST (website is Japanese) and swap your wheels for a surfboard. Surfing classes are held here daily and it’s especially suitable for beginners since the beach is a sand break, meaning a soft sandy sea bed rather than sharp coral or rocks. A two-hour class is ¥2,000 including wetsuit rental, and then ¥4,000 for the day. More experienced surfers can rent a board here for ¥1,000 and hit the waves solo. If surfing’s not your thing, SUP experiences (stand up paddleboarding) are also available for ¥3,000. SUP is a gentler way to glide along in a group and soak up the coastal scenery.

Access:
Parking Fee Daytime (During beach season): ¥2,000
Parking Fee Overnight (2 days, during beach season): ¥4,000
Bicycle rental: ¥500 per day
From Kyoto Station: Via limited express train: 3 hours 25 mins, ¥3,500, until Yuhigaura-Kitsuonsen Station

Best for: Sightseeing, camping, swimming, surfing

Visitors flock here for the famous geospot Tateiwa rock, but Nochigahama is also a popular summer location thanks to its nearby hot springs, campsite and gorgeous sandy beach. From mid-July to mid-August, you can camp overnight under a starry sky and then spend the day swimming, surfing or sea kayaking.

For adventurers who prefer a little more luxury than a campsite, stay overnight at Umashiyado Totoya Ryokan, a traditional-style Japanese hotel with tatami rooms and comfortable futon beds. There are plenty of other local lodging options that are all close to the beach.

Access:
Parking Fee (During beach season): ¥1,500 and up
From Kyoto Station: Via limited express train, Tantetsu Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line and bus: 4 hours, 20 mins, ¥5,640, until Tango Chosha Mae bus stop

Best for: Sightseeing, fishing

Hear the sound of Japan’s most famous singing sand beach at Kotohikihama. This adorable phenomenon of nature earned the beach its place as a nationally designated Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty. Subsequently, there’s a major focus on environmental protection and sustainable tourism here. It was the first beach in the world to be smoke-free and local volunteers regularly come together to clear any plastic and marine debris that wash up.

The little squeaks of the sand are best heard on a dry day at low tide because the sand doesn’t sing so well when it’s wet. If it’s raining during your visit, head to the Kotohikihama Singing Sand Cultural Building (yes, there’s a whole building dedicated to it) to hear these famous grains. You can also get up close by viewing the sand and other marine objects under the center’s microscopes (adults ¥300).

Aside from vocal sand, the beach is a popular spot for fishing. Local fishermen recommend heading towards the east side of the beach early in the morning to catch flounder and the western side for other varieties of flatfish. Summer and autumn are the best seasons to catch Japanese whiting, known as “kisu” in Japanese.

Access:
Parking Fee (During beach season): ¥1,000
From Kyoto Station: Via limited express trains, Tantetsu Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line and bus: 3 hours 45 mins, ¥5,640, until Kotobikihama bus stop

Best for: Bathing, local seafood

Selected as one of the 88 best bathing beaches in Japan, Shotenkyo Beach in Kumihama is a delight to visit in any season. Relax and refresh at the area’s many natural hot springs and explore the beautiful San’in Kaigan Geopark, one of the Global UNESCO Network of Geoparks. In winter, dining on local oyster and crab dishes is a must, while in the autumn, visitors enjoy fruit-picking, especially pears and grapes.

Then of course there’s the beach itself! A major attraction during the summer months, this long strip of white sand stretches out between the Sea of Japan and Kumihama Bay. With clear, shallow waters to the north and tall pines to the south, this stunning landscape is popular with bathers and perfect for anyone looking to swap the excitement of the city for a day recharging in a coastal paradise.

Access:
Parking Fee Daytime (During beach season): ¥1,500
From Kyoto Station: Via limited express trains, local Toyo-Oka Line and Tantetsu Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line: 3 hours, ¥5,290, until Shotenkyo Station

Best for: Surfing

Home to Kyoto Prefecture’s most powerful waves, this beach and its beautiful clear waters have the vibe of a little tropical resort. This location is especially popular for surfing, and the period between March to October is the best time to head out on a surfboard. Keep in mind that it can become crowded during peak beach season because the waves are some of the most irresistible for miles around. The sand bars forming this beach break are pretty stable thanks to the nearby river, but check the weather forecast beforehand as the waves can get too high for beginners if there’s a storm coming, and the sand bars also won’t be as reliable.

The public beachside house is ¥500 for use of the showers and changing rooms, but many people make the most of the free parking and simply change in the shade of their cars. Check out the playground at Hatchohama Seaside Park if you’re with kids or collect seashells and spot marine wildlife along the beach’s shoreline.

Access:
Parking Fee Daytime (During beach season): ¥1,500
From Kyoto Station: Via bus 3 hours 20 mins, ¥3,500, until Amino Honmachi bus stop, then walk for 17 minutes

For surfers looking for live updates on the weather and wave conditions across the prefecture’s coasts, this site has live updates and this site has live cams of each of the beaches (sites are in Japanese only). Kyoto Prefecture’s public transport system is well-connected and convenient, but renting a car can sometimes be the quickest option to hop between gorgeous beach spots — plus it’ll be easier to carry your rods, boards or kayaks if you’re bringing your own rather than renting.

While summer is the perfect time to explore Kyoto Prefecture’s coastline, there’s still so much more to do back on land. Check out more of Kyoto’s summer adventures here.