Iwami Seaside Park 石見海浜公園

At Iwami Seaside Park, it's hard to believe you're not on a tropical island. This five-kilometer stretch of white sand beach and turquoise waters is less than two hours by car or bus from Hiroshima City .

It is a 10-minute walk from Hashi Station to Iwami Seaside Park.

Buses running between Hamada and Gotsu stop near the entrance to the central park area.

For those coming by car, the Hamada Higashi exit of the San-In Expressway leads directly to the main park entrance.

Even at the peak of summer, you can still find a quiet spot at this family-friendly beach. Iwami Seaside Park offers summer seaside activities including swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, barbecues, tennis and beach volleyball courts.

You can rent cabins, use the auto-camping area, rent pre-erected tents, or use the first-come-first-served free camping area.

The park is popular year-round with surfers.

It is not officially part of the park, but if you go west, you will find Iwami Tatamigaura. This is an intriguing section of coastline with unusual rock formations, fossils, and tide pools. A short walk from a tunnel that passes through a sea cave will bring you to white, sandy Kokufu Beach.