This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Fukushima Prefecture is roughly divided vertically into three regions: Hamadori, which faces the Pacific Ocean from the east; Nakadori, where the Oshu Kaido road runs; and Aizu, a basin in the mountains to the west
16 beaches along the Pacific coastline where you could swim, from Soma in the north to Iwaki in the south , but many of them were closed due to the tsunami caused by the earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident.
However, in 2023, once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided , eight locations are scheduled to open, bringing excitement and cheer back to the Hamadori summer.
Fukushima Prefecture's unique beaches
From the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Information Site
The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture is far from both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, so a common way to escape the summer heat is to go swimming in the nearby Lake Inawashiro
Lake Inawashiro is the fourth largest lake in Japan and is known for its clean water. There are 16 swimming spots on the lakeshore, and many people visit the lake to swim, not only from the Aizu region but also from Koriyama in the Nakadori region, which is close to the lake.
The advantage of swimming in a freshwater lake is that the waves are gentle, there is no salt, so it doesn't sting your eyes, and you feel refreshed and not sticky after getting out, so you don't need to take a shower
Fukushima Prefecture beaches scheduled to open in 2023 (excluding Iwaki City)
This year, beaches will be open at three locations in the northern part of Hamadori, one in Naraha Town in the south, and four in Iwaki City
The beach opening in Hamadori, Fukushima Prefecture, has a special meaning that is different from other Tohoku prefectures, and we will introduce it all to you
First of all, the following four beaches outside of Iwaki City are scheduled to open for the season
Tsurishihama Beach (Tsurishihama: Shinchi Town)
From the official Shinchi Town website
This beach is the northernmost beach in the Hamadori area, near the border with Miyagi Prefecture, and reopened in 2019
The beautiful sandy beach is popular, and the shallow waters and gentle waves make it a popular beach with families with small children
From the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Information Site
Kitaizumi Beach is located on the south side of the Hirono Thermal Power Plant, and due to the influence of the breakwater, it produces waves of unparalleled quality, even in the country, and is sometimes used as the venue for world-class surfing competitions
The beach is shallow and has gentle waves, and there are many facilities in the surrounding area where you can enjoy the vast nature, such as Flower Square and Hill Square
Kitaizumi Beach ＜Information＞
Beach name: Hokusen Beach
Location: Kanazawaura, Haramachi Ward, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 0244-24-5263 (Minamisoma City Tourism and Exchange Division)
Swimming hours: 9:00-16:00
Swimming period: July 15th (Sat) - August 20th (Sun), 2023
From the Fukushima Soso Reconstruction Promotion Organization official website
Iwasawa Beach is located on the north side of the Hirono Thermal Power Plant and is adjacent to Kitaizumi Beach.
The shallow waters make it a great swimming spot, and like Kitaizumi Beach, it also has waves perfect for surfing, making it a popular beach for surfers
The beach is also popular for its unique night view of the Hirono Thermal Power Plant which is adjacent to the beach
the Iwasawa Surfing Games will be held for the first time in 13 years in 2023
Four beaches in Iwaki City scheduled to open this year
Iwaki City, the largest city in Fukushima Prefecture, has many large beaches, but the following four beaches are scheduled to open for swimming in 2023.
Hisanohama and Hatachi Beach
From Iwaki City Tourism Site
It is a round gravel beach, and Benten Island is right in front of you, with the striking red bridge and red torii gate that span it
It is also known as a famous sunrise spot, and many people visit on New Year's Day to see the first sunrise of the year
Hisanohama and Namitate Beaches ＜Information＞
Beach name: Hisanohama/Namidate Beach
Location: Tanoami Yokouchi, Hisanohama-cho, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 0246-22-7480 (Iwaki City Tourism Promotion Division)
Swimming hours: 9:00-16:00
Swimming period: July 15th (Sat) - August 15th (Tue), 2023
This beautiful beach with white sand was selected as one of the "100 Best Beaches in Japan" due to its clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters
Located north of Shioyasaki Lighthouse, this is one of Iwaki City's most famous swimming beaches, and after the earthquake, the seawalls and coastline were renovated.
Usuiso Beach ＜Information＞
Beach name: Usuiso Beach
Address: 200 Hirausuiso Kozuka, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 0246-22-7480 (Iwaki City Tourism Promotion Division)
Swimming hours: 9:00-16:00
Swimming period: July 15th (Sat) - August 15th (Tue), 2023
Introducing some of the most popular lake bathing spots in Fukushima Prefecture and some recommended swimming spots!
There are 16swimming beaches on the vast Lake Inawashiro and one at Lake Numazawa in Kanayama Town, heading from Aizuwakamatsu to Tadami
Shidahama Lake Beach (Shidahama: Inawashiro Town)
From the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Information Site
As you head towards Aizu from Koriyama on National Route 49, Lake Inawashiro will come into view, and Shidahama Beach, with its expansive white sand, will soon come into view on your left
Not only is it conveniently located, but it also has areas for camping and BBQs, and you can enjoy pedal boats and other activities, making it a great place for families to swim in the lake
From the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Information Site
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Inawashiro, it not only has a campsite but also offers rental of rowboats and pedal boats, allowing you to enjoy a variety of activities in addition to swimming in the lake in the natural surroundings.
There is a "beach house" (not a beach house) where you can purchase snacks and drinks, and there are also changing rooms and toilets, so you can enjoy swimming in the lake in comfort
From the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Information Site
Located on the west shore of Lake Inawashiro, this lakeside beach is a popular spot for Aizuwakamatsu residents to escape the summer heat
The beach is in a cove, and even among the gentle waves of Lake Inawashiro's swimming beaches, the lake surface is particularly calm , allowing you to enjoy a peaceful swim surrounded by pine forests.
Nakatahama Lake Bathing Beach＜Information＞
Beach name: Nakatahama Lake Beach
Location: Kiyama, Shizukatamura, Minatomachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone number: 080-5228-3408 (Mr. Kobayashi, Representative of Nakatahama Long Beach, Minatomachi Tourism Association)
Swimming period: July 15th (Sat) - August 15th (Tue), 2023
From the Fukushima Prefecture Tourism Information Site
This lake is the only place in the prefecture where kokanee salmon live, and is visited by many anglers during the fishing season from April to September every year
From June onwards, when the water level increases, people can enjoy swimming in the lake, and the Numazawa Lake Water Festival is held every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of August , attracting people to enjoy swimming in the lake and waterside events.
Even before the earthquake, swimming in the sea and swimming in lakes were given equal importance in the summer in Fukushima Prefecture, and the beach situation there was a little different compared to the other five prefectures in Tohoku
However, the beaches were closed after the earthquake, and even now, 12 years later, the beaches in Hamadori are far from fully recovered, and depending on how the aftermath of the nuclear accident is dealt with, the continued existence of beach activities is in jeopardy
Visiting more beaches in Fukushima Prefecture, which is finally showing signs of recovery this year, may help to boost momentum for recovery, even if only a little
I'm a former Edokko man who loves Morioka and the six Tohoku prefectures, and I also love history, food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. I'll be introducing you to the interesting, delicious, and great things about Tohoku!
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