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Hamagurihama Beach

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hamagurihama Beach

Relax on one of Japan’s best bathing beaches in Kyushu

Shinkamigoto Town, Nagasaki Prefecture

The soft white sands, cobalt blue waters, and scenic views of Hamagurihama Beach in Shinkamigoto-cho, Nagasaki Prefecture have won it a government listing as one of the top 100 bathing beaches in Japan. A beach opening event, Let’s Play At Hamagurihama Beach Day, is held every year in July.

Surrounded by pine trees and verdant hillsides, Hamagurihama Beach’s waters are shallow and clear. They are safe for children to happily paddle in and ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The gentle waves are rarely high, making it a relaxing beach for even the most nervous of swimmers.

Changing rooms, showers, a beach hut, and refreshment facilities allow you to enjoy a full day at Hamagurihama Beach. An extraordinarily photogenic spot, it changes in atmosphere and color as the day passes and looks different every season.

The beach’s town, Shinkamigoto, also has an unusual history. Located on the westernmost tip of Kyushu, north of the Goto islands, its network of hidden caves once served as a refuge for Christians persecuted by the Shogunate during the Edo period (1603–1868).

How to get there

Shinkamigoto can only be accessed by boat from the ports of Nagasaki, Sasebo, and Hakata. If you are flying into the area from Fukuoka Airport, you can access Shinkamigoto via Hakata Station.

From Hakata Station, take the limited express train to Sasebo Station (about 2 hours), then take the high-speed boat (1 hour and 25 minutes) or ferry (2 hours and 35 minutes) to Arikawa Port. From there, travel to Hamagurihama Beach by taxi (3 minutes), by bus (about 12 minutes), or on foot (about 25 minutes).

Alternatively, walk or take the bus from Hakata Station to Hakata Port Terminal, then take the overnight ferry to Aokata Port (about 6 hours). From there, take a taxi (about 12 minutes) or bus (about 23 minutes) to the Hamaguri bus stop.

Naname-go, Shinkamigoto-cho, Minamimatsuura-gun, Nagasaki-ken