Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Ohama Beach

Beach

Part of Awaji Island

Prefecture

Hyogo

Type

Beach

N/A

0 reviews

Cafe

About This Destination

A 750-meter white sand beach in Sumoto, recognized as one of Japan's top beaches by the Ministry of Environment. Swimming season runs from early July to late August.

Ohama Beach is a beautiful 750-meter stretch of white sand backed by pine trees on the eastern coast of Awaji Island, a short walk from central Sumoto. Designated as one of Japan's top swimming beaches by the Ministry of Environment, it has been a beloved summer destination for Kansai residents for generations. The beach is officially open for swimming from early July through late August; the 2026 season runs 10 July to 31 August, with swimming hours 8:30 to 17:00. During swimming season, the beach has lifeguards on duty, changing rooms (free), warm showers (300 yen), coin lockers (300 yen), and a beach house serving food. Outside of swimming season, the beach is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the pine-lined promenade. Parking is free outside summer but costs 1,000 yen per visit during swimming season. Note that barbecues and any open-flame cooking, camping, fireworks, drones, fishing (including carrying spears or harpoons), powered pleasure craft, and taking pets into the water are all prohibited, SUPs and kayaks are not allowed inside the swimming area, and rubbish must be carried out with you.

Location

Prefecture: Hyogo

Address: Sumoto, Hyogo, Japan

Nearest Station: Sumoto Bus Center (10 min walk)

Best time to visit: Early July to late August for swimming and beach houses; the white-sand bay is a pleasant walk year-round outside the busy summer season

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Beach house open during swimming season (July-August) with simple food and drinks. Sumoto city center nearby has many restaurants.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Ohama Beach open for swimming?

The official swimming season runs from early July to late August. In 2026 it runs 10 July to 31 August, with swimming hours 8:30 to 17:00. Lifeguards, changing rooms, showers, and beach house facilities are only available during this period, and Sumoto City confirms the dates each spring.

How much does parking cost at Ohama Beach?

Parking is free outside of summer. During swimming season (July-August), parking costs 1,000 yen per visit.

What activities are prohibited at Ohama Beach?

Barbecues and any open-flame cooking, camping, fireworks, drones, fishing (including carrying spears or harpoons), powered pleasure craft, and taking pets into the water are all prohibited, and SUPs and kayaks are not allowed inside the swimming area. Rubbish must be carried out with you.

How do I get to Ohama Beach?

From Kobe, take a highway bus to Sumoto Bus Center (about 90 minutes, 1,900 yen), then walk 10 minutes to the beach. By car, cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and follow signs to Sumoto.