Photo By: WikiCommons/ 663highland
Region
Kansai
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Kobe
Population
5,550,742

Ohama Beach

Mountains, coastline and great local eats all tucked away on a serene island getaway.

By Lilly Seiler

Ohama Beach

Photo by: WikiCommons/ 663highland

Sumoto City, located at the center of Awaji Island, is a beautiful destination for anyone looking to unwind by the ocean. Sumoto is most famous for its largest beach called Ohama beach, which translates to “big beach.”

Travelers can spend a whole day here swimming, sun tanning and indulging in summer treats from the on-site snack vendors. Having a beach barbecue is also possible, but visitors must check any restrictions beforehand.

The view of the mountains merging with the sea in the sunshine is breathtaking. Fortunately, Ohama beach is lined with pine trees that offer ample shade from the sun, which is a lovely respite from the sweltering summer weather.

Seasonal Attractions

Photo by: iStock/ Mr Saryanto The biggest highlight of the festival.

Recently, Ohama beach opened an attraction called “Frolic Sea Adventure Park Awajishima,” a floating obstacle course where you can challenge your physical strength and splash into the ocean. The price is generally ¥3,000 for one hour. It is only open from July to August, and the price increases to ¥3,600 during Obon. Ohama beach also comes well-equipped with pristine bathrooms, showers and offers convenient lockers for valuables.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Ohama beach, especially during “Shima Matsuri” in August. During Shima Matsuri, the streets of Sumoto City are filled with parades of “Awa Odori” dancers and food stalls. The festival’s biggest highlight is the firework show at night.

Off-season

Photo by: iStock/ kazhiya Drop by the market for dinner, movie and a show.

During the off-season, Ohama beach is still a marvelous location for a leisurely walk, and sometimes various small events are held throughout the year. Depending on the time of year, travelers can experience Ohama beach’s “Umizora Night Market.”

After strolling around and shopping at the pop-up vendors, locals cuddle up on the beach to watch a movie projected on a giant screen floating on the water. This event usually happens around late September to early October. Ohama beach is also conveniently surrounded by walkable, fashionable cafes and restaurants that make lunch and dinner plans hassle-free.

How To Get There

Address

By train

Board a highway bus from Kosoku Maiko or Sannomiya station to Sumoto Kosoku Bus Center. Ohama beach is an easily accessible 5-minute walk from Sumoto Kosoku Bus Center.

By car

Ohama beach is a 7.25 hr drive from Tokyo station.

Where To Stay

Sumoto Onsen Yume Kai Yu Awajishima
  • 1-1-50 Yamate, Sumoto-shi, Hyogo, 656-0024 Japan
  • ¥19,800 - ¥19,800
  • 4.16/5 (1,734 reviews)
  • 0.3 km
Awajishima Kanko Hotel
  • 1053-17 Orodani, Sumoto-shi, Hyogo, 656-0023 Japan
  • ¥34,100 - ¥60,500
  • 4.75/5 (1,267 reviews)
  • 1.3 km
Sumoto Onsen Shimahana (Awaji Island)
  • 1277-5 Orodani, Sumoto-shi, Hyogo, 656-0023 Japan
  • ¥15,400 - ¥72,600
  • 4.33/5 (924 reviews)
  • 1.7 km
Umi no Hotel Shimahana Residence Villa
  • 1280-6 Orodani, Sumoto-shi, Hyogo, 656-0023 Japan
  • ¥44,000 - ¥96,800
  • 5/5 (29 reviews)
  • 2.1 km
Casa Grande Hotel (Awajishima)
  • 167-1 Yamazoe, Minamiawaji-shi, Hyogo, 656-0121 Japan
  • ¥5,500 - ¥5,500
  • 5.8 km

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