Summer in Kansai has just arrived. It brings the beautiful sunshine, the scent of the sea and the need for cold refreshments. While our team loves the energy of downtown Osaka, the true magic of the season lies along the stunning coastlines just a short train ride away.Whether you are packing your bags for a weekend getaway or cooling off in the city, here is our ultimate guide to romanticizing your Kansai summer and how to bring those exact vibes into your vacation.

Kansai Coast: Where the City Meets the Sea

Osaka residents are incredibly lucky. Some of the most beautiful beach destinations  in Japan are right in our backyard.

Wakayama

Shirahama Beach | 白良浜

Shirahama in Wakayama is famous for its pristine white sand imported from Australia, this resort beach feels like a tropical paradise right in Kansai area. The nearby hot spring resorts make it an incredible weekend getaway. Not only the sea, there also have many tourist spots around Shirahama beach where you can plan for a day trip such as Sandanbeki Cave, Senjojiki rock and Engetsu Island. Shirahama is also famous for its onsen (Japanese hot spring) as an onsen town. You can enjoy viewing the ocean at the hot springs like Saki-no-yu Onsen right against the crashing waves of the ocean. When to Go:  July to August is the best time to swim. This is the prime season to enjoy the resort’s white sand and clear waters. Shirahama beach has opening around early May. However, the water temperature becomes truly comfortable for swimming in July. How to Go: ● From Osaka by train (total 3 hours): JR Kisei Main Line (JR Kuroshio Limited Express) Shirahama Station  (2.5 hours) → Meiko Bus (to Sandanbeki or Shirahama center) (15 mins) →  Shirahama (白浜 or 白良浜) bus stop ● From Osaka by highway bus (total 3.5 hours): Meiko Bus from Osaka Station or Namba Station direct to Shirahama Bus Center. ※ No need to transfer at the train station

Kobe

If you want to combine your beach trip with other activities after Suma beach, we recommend visiting Kobe Suma Sea World aquarium, Suma Rikyu Park (the botanical gardens with traditional teahouse and a rose garden overlooking the ocean) and Sumaura Ropeway to Mount Sumaura for panoramic views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Osaka Bay at Samara Sanjo Yuen for one day journey.

Suma Beach | 須磨海岸

Suma Beach in Kobe is perfect for a day trip, offering a lively boardwalk, palm trees and the beautiful skylines. Suma Beach is the most popular sand beach near Kobe city, famous for its easy access, lively summer atmosphere and beautiful sunset views. When to Go: July to August is the best time to swim. The beach have temporary Umi-no-ie (Beach Shacks) where offering food, cold drinks, showers and locker rentals.  Note: Alcohol consumption outside the beach shacks is banned, tattoos must be covered and loud music or fireworks are prohibited. How to Go: ● JR Kobe Line JR Suma Station → 1 min by walk  ● Sanyo Main Line Sanyo Suma Station → 5 mins by walk

Kobe Suma Sea World | 神戸須磨シーワールド

Kobe Suma Sea World is an “edutainment” aquarium located along the scenic coast of Kobe. Re-opened in June 2024 on the site of the former Suma Aqualife Park, blending the education and entertainment to connect visitors with marine life. It’s widely celebrated as the only facility in western Japan that houses the orcas (killer whales). Address: 〒654-0049 兵庫県神戸市須磨区若宮町1丁目3-5 Open hours: 10:00〜18:00 (Monday〜Friday), 9:30〜19:00 (Saturday〜Sunday)  WEB:  https://www.kobesuma-seaworld.jp/en/  How to Go: ●  Sanyō Main Line (JR Kobe Line) Sumakaihinkōen Station → 5 mins by walk ●  Sanyō Main Line (JR Kobe Line) Suma Station → 20 mins by walk ●  Sanyō Electric Railway Tsukimiyama Station → 10 mins by walk

Kyoto

Kotohiki Beach (Kotohikihama) | 琴引浜

Kotohikihama in Kyoto is known for its “singing sands” that squeak when you walk on them, ideal for nature lovers who are seeking a clean beach and clear waters. When to Go: The best time to visit Kotohiki Beach (Kotohikihama) is between mid-July to mid-August for swimming How to Go:  From Kyoto Station (total 2 hours 40 minutes):  ●  JR Hashidate Limited Express Amino Station ●  JR San-in Main Line Miyazu Station →  Kyoto Tango Railway Amino Station ●  Tango Mineyama Line bus (to Kyogamisaki) Amino Station  →  Kotohikihama bus stop  → 10 mins by walk

Kamai Beach | 蒲井浜

Kamai Beach (Kamaihama) is a hidden gem located in the Kumihama area in Kyotango city (京丹後市), tucked away in the northern coast known as Kyoto by the Sea. It offers a peaceful atmosphere that is popular for families trip and swimming during summer When to Go: Mid-July to mid-August is the best time to swim. The beach facilities such as showers, changing rooms and beach huts are opened. How to Go:  From Kyoto Station (total 3 hours 50 minutes):  ● JR Hashidate Limited Express Toyooka Station  →  Kyoto Tango Railway Shotenkyo Station

Yuhigaura Beach | 夕日ヶ浦海岸

Yuhigaura Beach is a breathtaking destination located in Kyotango area, northern Kyoto prefecture, along the scenic sea of Japan. Renowned as one of the The 100 Best White Sand and Green Pine Coasts of Japan, its name literally translates to “Sunset Inlet” also reflecting its reputation as a best sunset spot in the country. When to Visit: July – August is the best time to swim with shallow waters. Activities like beach yoga and surfing are also popular. How to Go: ● From Kyoto Station (total 3.5〜4 hours): JR Hashidate Limited Express Line Amanohashidate Station (or) Toyooka Station → Kyoto Tango Railway (Tantetsu) Miyamai-Miyatoyo Line Yuhigaura-Kitsuonsen Station  →  25 mins by walk ● From Osaka Station (total 3.5 hours): JR Kounotori Limited Express Line Kinosaki Onsen Station (or) Toyooka Station  →  Kyoto Tango Railway Yuhigaura-Kitsuonsen Station

Osaka

For an unforgettable summer trip in Osaka, visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to escape the heat indoors and view magnificent whale sharks, or head south along the coast to Nishikinohama Beach or Tokimeki Beach to enjoy swimming, beach volleyball and seaside barbecues.

Nishikinohama Beach | 二色の浜海水浴場
Nishikinohama Beach is one of Osaka’s most popular beaches, famous for its distinct two-color contrast of green pine forests and white sandy shores. Located near Kansai International Airport in Kaizuka city, provides a scenic waterfront getaway just south area from central Osaka. Address: 〒597-0062 大阪府貝塚市澤 How to Go: ● Nankai Main Line Nishikinohama Station  →  10 mins by walk

Tokimeki Beach (Tannowa Beach) | 淡輪 ときめきビーチ
Tokimeki Beach (Tannowa Beach) is a beautiful white sand beach located in Misaki Town, offering the clear waters with a view looking toward Kansai International Airport. It’s highly popular for swimming, beach volleyball, beachside barbecues and seasonal clam digging. Address: 〒599-0300 大阪府泉南郡岬町淡輪 WEB: http://www.tannowa.or.jp/ How to Go:  ● Nankai Main Line → Tannowa Station →  15 mins by walk

Cool Treats: The Art of the Japanese Summer Dessert

When the heat peaks in the afternoon, Japanese creativity shines brightest. The traditional and modern treats focus on visual transparency and texture can make you feel instantly cooler. 🍧 Kakigori (Shaved Ice): Many cafes in Kansai serve the shaved ice to order, from Uji matcha greentea, seasonal mango to espresso topping. 🍧 Cream Soda: Step into a Kissaten (Japanese traditional cafe) for a vibrant green melon soda topped with a vanilla ice cream scoop and a bright red cherry. inspired by American soda fountains and drugstores in US in late 19th centuries, evolved from a vanilla-flavored beverage into the green melon float in Japan. 🍧 Mizu Shingen Mochi (Raindrop cake): This famous translucent dessert looks exactly like a giant drop of the water. Made with mineral water and agar. It’s served with roasted soybean powder (kinako) and black sugar syrup (kuromitsu). 🍧 Warabi Mochi: A jelly-like confection made from bracken starch. It’s so popular at summer festivals, offering a refreshing bite after a long day in the sun. 🍧 Ramune and Frozen Fruit Skewers: The blue glass bottle of Ramune (ラムネ/ Japanese soda) with its seal is one of the popular beverages during summer in Japan. Pair it with frozen strawberries and pineapples for a street snack.

Bring the Outside In: Shop the Ocean Vibe Collection

Even on the days when you are staying inside to beat the Osaka heat, our online store has launched the sealife collection.

Designed right here in our Osaka studio, these premium reflective stickers are perfect for notes, skateboards, fishing equipments, smartphone cases and cars. Tap the link on our online store, to explore the full collection and bring a piece of the ocean world into your everyday life.

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