Keino Matsubara Beach

Keino Matsubara is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Kansai region, stretching 2.5 kilometers along the western coast of Awaji Island. The beach is backed by a forest of approximately 50,000 black pine trees (kuromatsu), some centuries old, creating a quintessentially Japanese 'white sand and green pine' landscape that has been celebrated in poetry since the Manyoshu era. Designated as a National Scenic Spot, the west-facing beach is particularly famous for its sunsets — selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Sunset Locations. Swimming is permitted from early July to late August, with lifeguards, changing facilities, and showers available during the season. The beach is also one of the few in Hyogo Prefecture where camping is allowed in designated areas during summer. Outside swimming season, the pine grove provides beautiful walking trails year-round. The combination of ancient pines, white sand, and Seto Inland Sea views makes this arguably the most scenic beach in all of Kansai.