Relax and rejuvenate with a day of laid-back comfort at Shimamu Beach, a rustic and picturesque stretch of stones and pebbles set below green-covered cliffs on the Shakotan Peninsula.
Start your visit by walking through the long, narrow tunnel to the observation platforms that are approximately 197 feet (60 meters) above sea level. Breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the views which include huge pillars of rock rising up from the water just offshore. Then, make your way down to the beach via the steep staircase this will take you approximately 20 minutes. You need to be of at least moderate fitness to make the journey down to the beach and back up again.
There are no services on the beach so bring everything you need with you such as sunblock, food, water and other refreshments. However, there is a restroom, public drinking fountain and a restaurant near the tunnel above the beach.
This attractive part of the coast is rarely packed with visitors, so you should be able to find plenty of space to call your own. You may even discover you are the only ones on the beach. Enjoy a stroll along the shoreline, investigate the rock pools for small fish and dip your toes into the clear water or go for a swim.
The beach is part of the Shakotan Peninsula on the western coast of Hokkaido, approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Otaru. Although you can arrive by a 2-hour bus ride from the small harbor city, the most convenient way to get here is to drive and use the free parking lot.
However you travel to Shimamu Beach, finish off your visit with a meal of local seafood specialties such as seafood rice bowls in the restaurant. The area is particularly known for its sea urchins or “uni” in Japanese.