The Wonderful Beaches in Oki

With the picturesque “Heart Rock” right in front and the uninhabited islands floating on the horizon, Akiya Coast is not only a popular visitors’ spot but also the perfect place just to chill and relax under the summer sun. This rocky coast is perfect for campers as Akiya Campground (reservation required) is right next door. Bring your tent, enjoy a splash (be careful of the rocks scattered along the coast), bask in the summer sun and enjoy some stargazing in the evening!

Facilities: Running water, washrooms, showers (cold water only), changing rooms and car park.
How to get there: 45 minutes by bike or 15 minutes by car from Hishiura Port. Alternatively, hop on the town bus and alight at “Akiya Kaigan” bus stop. The beach is a few minutes on foot away from the bus stop. Service is limited so make sure to plan ahead and check the schedule!
Special note: This beach is located on the northeastern coast of Nakanoshima Island and faces the Dōgo Channel. This particular area can be quite windy sometimes. Please stay alert to weather conditions and, if you are visiting with any, keep an eye on your holiday buddies or family members.

 

Just a stone’s throw away from Hishiura Port, this is the beach where you can soak in the scenery of Beppu area of Nishinoshima Island, and the perfect location for your last-minute beach splash before getting on the ferry. Earlier this year, a new camping facility (luxurious dome tents equipped with air-conditioning!) has just opened at the same location, so the beach is sure going to be bustling with more laughter!

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers, changing rooms and car park.
How to get there: 8 minutes on foot from Hishiura Port.
Special note: If you are planning to spend your day at the beach, there are a few restaurants near the ferry terminal for lunch. Check with the tourism association office for the most updated business hours before you head out!

 

Quietly sitting on the western side of the island, this beach is the locals’ hotspot. The shallow, rocky beach is perfect for families, or for anyone who would like to spend a day at the beach, soaking in the scenery of Dozen Inland Sea and parts of Nishinoshima Island.

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers, changing rooms and car park.
How to get there: 10 minutes by car from Hishiura Port.

Coming up next is Nishinoshima Island (Nishinoshima Town).

This beach is only a very short distance away from Beppu Port! Although it is quite a small one just across the road from the neighbourhood, it is equipped with shower facilities, a car park and there is also a café nearby. The view from this beach is superb; sometimes the Dōzen Inland Sea looks like a gigantic lake surrounded by Dōgo Island, Nishinoshima Island and Nakanoshima Island.

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers and car park.
How to get there: 5 minutes by car from Beppu Port. Alternatively, rent a bicycle or enjoy the walk down there from the port.

Located right at the centre of the island, this beach is the beach for locals and visitors alike. During the season, the store near the beach will be open and you can pick up some refreshments for your day. If you need more sunscreen or some snacks, the convenience store-like grocery store nearby is less than 5 minutes on foot.

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers, changing rooms and car park (space limited), small shop (drinks and snacks)
How to get there: 10 minutes by car from Beppu Port. Alternatively, hop on the town bus from Beppu Port or from Uragō area, and alight at “Sotohama Kaisui-yokujō” bus stop. The beach is about a minute away on foot from the bus stop.
Special note: Sotohama Beach is located right next to Funabiki Canal, which is a busy, functioning canal. Sightseeing boats are not the only vessels that use it; small, local fishing boats go through the canal as well, and their sailing route is right outside the beach. Swimming in the canal is strictly forbidden and for your own safety, please do not get too close to the outer edge of the marked swimming area.

 

 

Finally, let’s take a look at the beaches on Dōgo Island (Okinoshima Town).

This beach sits on the outside rim of Saigō Port area, and here you can enjoy the unobstructed view of the never-ending horizon, crystal-clear waters and soft sand. There is a small shop at the beach. This is one of the hotspots for locals during the season, especially for those enjoying summer fun with their families.

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers (coin operated), coin lockers, small shop (snacks and drinks), car park
How to get there: 20 minutes by car from Saigō Port.
Special note: This beach is tucked in a quiet corner on the island, and is outside the mobile network coverage area.

 

If you are staying in Nakamura area, this is the beach just outside your (your accommodation facility’s) doorstep! There is a grocery store where you can pick up refreshments, and the restaurant, Sazae-mura, is also there, right by the beach. Enjoy your day here on the white, sandy beach and drop by the restaurant for a delicious lunch!

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers and car park.
How to get there: 30 minutes by car from Saigō Port. Alternatively, hop on a bus that takes you to Nakamura (service limited).

 

This lovely sandy beach is located on the north-eastern shore of the island, in the area called Fuse. Not only can you spend your afternoon chilling by the sea, you can also grab a bite at the nearby restaurant Pōrest (their famous tempura rice bowl can sure fuel you up for the rest of the day!), visit Jōdogaura Coast and take a short stroll along the Sakiyama Walking Trail which are both only a short drive or a walk away; a 1-day itinerary!

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, showers, beachside eatery and car park
How to get there: 40 minutes by car from Saigō Port. Alternatively, take the bus that goes to Fuse area (service limited).

 

Fukuura Beach is tucked away on the western side of the island, in the area of Gōka. If you are staying in Gōka area, make sure to drop by the beach, even just to dip your feet in the cool summer sea! Mizuwakasu Shrine and a few eateries are just a short drive away, so you can spend your afternoon there after your morning swim. Fukuura Wharf, one of the departure points for the Rōsoku-jima Sightseeing Boat (booking necessary) is just next to the beach; make a reservation and you’ll have a 1-day itinerary for Gōka area!

Facilities: Running water, restrooms, shower, car park, eatery (light meal and drinks)
How to get there: 40 minutes by car from Saigō Port. Alternatively, hop on the bus that goes to Fukuura area (service limited).

 

“Beach season” is really a thing in Japan, and the locals typically only visit during the beach season, where facilities are open and set up. Most of the beaches here in the Oki Islands are open from mid-July to mid-August. Summer is also the season of typhoons and rainstorms, sometimes resulting in closure of beaches or shortening of the beach season. If you are planning a beach holiday on the islands, check with the tourism association offices for the most updated info.

・Your summer must-haves: sunscreen, hats and shades.

・Your beach essentials, especially clothing items: swimming costume, rash guard, marine shoes and towel.

*Long-sleeved rash guard does not only shield you from the strong UVs, but will also provide protection against potential scrapes from the sharp shells attached to the rocks. Marine shoes are also highly recommended as they can protect you from the rocky sea bottom, fragments of marine litter, and perhaps marine animals that dwell in the shallow waters.

・Cash, especially coins! A lot of the shower facilities at the beaches are coin-operated, so make sure to have some spare change with you. The coins will come in handy too, especially if you are planning to take the town buses, buy drinks from vending machines…

 

Some of the beaches are unstaffed, even during the season.

A lot of the beaches listed above have a staff stationed there during the beach season, but some of the beaches, especially the ones in Chiburijima Village, are unstaffed throughout the year. These staff will keep a watchful eye on all beachgoers, but they should not be mixed up with lifeguards. The beach staff will help contact the emergency service or authorities when needed, but they are not licensed life savers.  Beachgoers should always keep an eye on all members of your party.

 

Majority of the swimming areas are marked with a buoy line for safety measures. Some beaches face the open sea and some are located very close to boats’ sailing routes or wharfs; and getting too close to the outer edge of the swimming area can be very hazardous. Also, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills, you should never enter the water alone.