Complete Guide to the Takahama Beach Season: Enjoy Fukui's Beautiful Coastline and Crystal-Clear Waters!

2026.08.03

Takahama Town is a popular summer resort boasting the white sands of Wakasa Wada Beach and crystal-clear waters. We introduce a relaxing seaside spot where you can enjoy swimming, SUP, snorkeling, and unwind amidst the breathtaking scenery of Wakasa Bay.

Every summer, many people from all over Japan visit Takahama Town in southwestern Fukui Prefecture to enjoy some of the region's most beautiful beaches. Blessed with crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking scenery along Wakasa Takahama is the perfect resort for a relaxing time by the sea.

Wakasa Wada Beach boasts beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Whether you want to enjoy swimming in the calm, clear sea, try marine activities like SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) or snorkeling, or simply relax on the beach while admiring the beautiful coastal scenery, this guide provides essential information to know before visiting Takahama during the summer swimming season.

The shallow, crystal-clear waters of Wada Beach are perfect for enjoying SUP (stand-up paddleboarding).

When is the swimming season at the beach?

The swimming season in Takahama Town typically runs from early July to late August. During this period, lifeguards are stationed at all times, and facilities such as beach huts and rental services are open, allowing visitors to safely enjoy swimming and marine leisure activities. Restaurants and shops also open, creating a lively, summery atmosphere.

2026 swimming season: July 11th (Sat) - August 30th (Sun)

The main beaches covered are: Wakasa Wada Beach, Shirahama Beach, Toriihama Beach, and Shiroyama Beach.

Some beaches will be open until August 23rd (Sunday).

Wakamiya Beach, Hamanasu Park Beach, and Ebisuhama Park Beach are busiest on weekends and during the Obon holiday period. If you want to relax and enjoy the beaches, visiting on weekdays or early in the morning will make your experience much more pleasant.

During the swimming season, qualified lifeguards are on hand to ensure the safety of visitors at Wakasa Wada Beach.

Popular beach in Takahama Town

Wakasa Wada Beach

Wakasa Wada Beach, known as one of Takahama Town 's most representative beaches, is popular for its crystal-clear waters and endless stretches of white sand. In 2016, it became the first beach in Asia to receive the international environmental certification "Blue Flag" in recognition of meeting stringent standards for environmental conservation, water quality, safety, and accessibility. The shallow, spacious coastline makes it a safe and enjoyable place for families with young children to swim, and it's also an ideal spot for those who want to relax by the sea.

During the swimming season, traditional beach huts line the shore, offering meals, snacks, and cold drinks. They are perfect spots to enjoy lunch between swims or to relax in the shade while admiring the beautiful coastal scenery.

At dusk, the beautiful setting sun over Wakasa Bay paints the sea in vibrant colors, offering a breathtaking view.

Many people gather at Wakasa Wada Beach to enjoy the " Wakasa Takahama Fireworks Festival," which is held every year on August 1st.

Shiroyama Beach

Located at the foot of the ruins of Shiroyama Castle, Shiroyama Beach boasts beautiful coastal scenery and gentle waves, making it a safe and enjoyable beach for families with young children. Across from Shiroyama Beach is a small cove beach affectionately known locally as "Baby Beach," offering a superb location with magnificent views of Meikyodo Cave.

The magnificent Meikyodo Cave located in Shiroyama Park

At Shiroyama Park's lawn area, tents can be set up during the daytime, and many beachgoers use it as a place to relax. During the swimming season, beachside cafes serving food and drinks are also open, and a dedicated area for barbecues is available.

The crystal-clear waters around Shiroyama Park are perfect for snorkeling. A rich array of marine life and diverse underwater scenery await, allowing you to fully enjoy exploring the underwater world.

Two paddleboarders enjoying stand-up paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters around Shiroyama Park.

The shallow, crystal-clear waters of Shiroyama Beach make it the perfect place for families to enjoy swimming with peace of mind.

Shiroyama Beach bathed in the twilight

Shirahama Beach

Between Wakasa Wada Beach and Shiroyama Beach lies a relatively quiet and peaceful beach. It's a recommended spot for those who want to avoid crowds and relax, yet there are beachside cafes nearby offering food and drinks, making it convenient for enjoying a swim.

The crystal-clear, beautiful sea at Shirahama Beach

Aobayama Mountain as seen from Shirahama Beach

Hamanasu Park Beach

Hamanasu Park Beach is a popular beach for families, known for its calm, shallow waters and relaxed atmosphere. The offshore breakwater keeps the waves calm, making it a safe and enjoyable place for young children and those who are not experienced swimmers to swim.

A promenade stretching approximately 1.4 km runs along the coast, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wakasa Bay while strolling or jogging. During the swimming season, barbecues are permitted in designated areas, and the beach boasts excellent facilities including showers, toilets, parking, and beachside cafes, making it a comfortable place to spend the entire day.

Summer camp

Takahama Town boasts numerous beautiful campsites that can be enjoyed by everyone from camping beginners to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Among them, the most popular is Wakasa Wada Campsite, which enjoys an excellent location just a 30-second walk from Wakasa Wada Beach.

Nestled in a pine forest by the sea, this campsite offers spacious tent sites, hot showers, cooking facilities, barbecue equipment, and rental gear, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, fishing, and watching the beautiful sunset over Wakasa Bay.

For more details about Wakasa Wada Campsite, please see the following page: https://wakasa-takahama.jp/spot/wakasawadacamp/

Wakasa Wada Campsite

In addition, Takahama Town has many other attractive campsites. Coastal campsites such as Tsunehata Campsite and Oshita Campsite offer easy access to the sea and allow you to enjoy camping in a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, Hirose Auto Campsite, located along the coast in western Takahama Town, offers spacious sites overlooking a tranquil beach, allowing you to fully enjoy a relaxing outdoor experience.

Whether you want to enjoy a lively beach camping experience or spend some quiet time surrounded by nature, the campgrounds in Takahama Town are the perfect base for swimming, hiking, and various other outdoor activities.

Sunset over Wakasa Bay

Another major attraction of visiting Takahama's sea is the beautiful sunset. As the sun sets, the sky over Wakasa Bay changes its appearance moment by moment, from golden to orange, pink, purple, and crimson, and these colors are reflected on the calm surface of the sea, creating a fantastical scene.

No two sunsets are ever the same, and one of its charms is that you can enjoy a different view each time you visit. Whether you stroll along the coast, relax on the sand, or admire the view from a stand-up paddleboard, you can enjoy a special time to end your day in your own style.

Travel tips

During the summer months, the sun is strong, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinks. Some beachside cafes and privately owned shops only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. Parking lots tend to fill up quickly on weekends and during the Obon holiday period, so it's recommended to arrive early in the morning. When enjoying marine activities such as swimming, SUP, or sea kayaking, be sure to check the weather and sea conditions beforehand.

access

Takahama Town can be accessed via the JR Obama. Major beaches are within walking distance or a few minutes' drive from the nearest station, making them easily accessible by train. If you're traveling by car, there are parking facilities around the main beaches, so you can rest assured.

A summer moment spent by the Nihon Sea

With its crystal-clear waters, family-friendly environment, and diverse range of outdoor activities, Takahama Town is a popular summer destination representing Fukui Prefecture. It's perfect for a day trip to enjoy swimming in the sea, or for a more leisurely stay exploring the Wakasa Bay Bay coastline. Why not spend a memorable summer in Takahama Town, where you can enjoy both peaceful moments amidst beautiful nature and active experiences?

For the latest information on Takahama beaches and for direct inquiries, please check the contact information below.

[Wakasa Takahama Tourism Association]

77-1-8 Miyazaki, Takahama Takahama Town Fukui Prefecture 919-2225 (Inside JR Wakasa Takahama Station)

TEL: 0770-72-0338 FAX: 0770-72-0774 Business Hours: 8:30 - 17:15 https://wakasa-takahama.jp/

[Wakasa Wada Campsite]

104 Wada , Takahama Town, Fukui Prefecture 919-2201, Fukui Prefecture TEL: 0770-62-1777 Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Brian Keith Eastlake, Writer promoting the charms of the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas, Fukui Prefecture Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team

I also post daily on Instagram. Please check it out! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakasabayexplorer/