Wada Beach 若狭和田ビーチ

Fukui Prefecture is home to some amazing beaches, but none of them compare to the clear waters and clean white sands of Wakasa Wada Beach. Located in Takahama, the westernmost town of Fukui, Wakasa Wada Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag international environmental certification for beaches and marinas and is internationally recognized for the quality of its waters and the array of services it offers to beachgoers.

Wakasa Wada Beach is accessible by train from Tsuruga Station. Take the Obama Line to Wakasa Takahama (one hour and 15 minutes), and then walk 15 minutes or take a taxi.

The Foundation for Environmental Education has awarded Blue Flag status to just two beaches in all of Asia. One of them is Wakasa Wada. This rating means that Wakasa Wada Beach is much more than just a beautiful beach—it is safe, barrier-free, easy to navigate and well-maintained.

Not only that, there are many facilities for visitors. From barbecues to beach huts where you can buy food and rent parasols and canoes, you'll find everything you need on the shore.

Wakasa Wada Beach is one of eight beaches in Takahama. The Blue Flag-certified Wakasa Wada is the most popular, but the others are worth visiting. The best way to see these beaches is the four-kilometer cycling route. You can rent a bike from the Wakasa Takahama Tourist Association, which is based inside the train station.

If you're not a cyclist, you can also explore the nearby areas by canoe or paddleboard.

If you stick around until the sun goes down, you'll be in for a real treat. Chosen as one of the 100 spots with the best sunset in Japan, it goes without saying that the transition at Wakasa Wada Beach is breathtaking—you'll see the sun dip below Mt. Aoba, also known as the Mt. Fuji of Wakasa.

Wakasa Wada Beach is one of three spots in Fukui that made the list, along with Tojinbo and Cape Echizen.

While the beach itself is generally open to visitors year-round, the beach houses and other facilities are typically only available during July and August (opening hours vary). If you're there on August 1, be sure not to miss the impressive fireworks display.