Takenohama Beach

For swimming and snorkeling in clear waters, Takenohama Beach is a hidden gem with turquoise waves in Hyogo Prefecture.

At peak summer times, the beach along the Takeno coast can get crowded, but the rest of the area is rather desolate. This beach is tucked away a few hours north of Kyoto city or just a train ride along the coast from Tottori Prefecture, which is one of GaijinPot Travel’s Top Destinations of 2019. Travelers who want a taste of the local life flock here to do some camping, beach bumming or just stay at one of the nearby seaside hotels.

Photo by: Hashi photo Gorgeous view of Takenohama Beach.

At the base of the Nekozaki Peninsula, Takenohama is on the list of the nation’s official  “100 Best Beaches.” The peninsula itself juts out into the Sea of Japan and even just walking the path to the beach, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a picturesque scene with mountains and a lighthouse.

In the area, tourists can enjoy geopark sea kayaking known as “Takeno Geo Canoe.”

Photo by: Hashi photo This beach is on the absolute pristine waters of the Sea of Japan.

Those who are visiting the much more well-known area of Kinosaki Onsen might be pleasantly surprised to find this beach nearby. There isn’t much in the area for refreshments, but the beach itself is all you need for a day of natural beauty and the clearest water.

Geopark Sea Kayaking in the San’in Coastal Geopark.

Also along the coast is Takeno Hot Spring, where you can bathe in geothermal waters and catch a relaxing view of the coastline. Enjoy the beach by day and a hot spring bath by night in this area little-known by tourists.

Not visiting this area in summer? There’s plenty to do in other seasons, too!

• Autumn: https://travel.gaijinpot.com/japan-sightseeing-essentials/things-to-do-kinosaki-onsen-autumn/
• Check out the nearby hot spring town: https://travel.gaijinpot.com/kinosaki-onsen