Summer is here, and the swimming beaches are open for business. Although Aichi Prefecture may not be known for its beaches, here is a small sample of the many places where you can enjoy the sun and sand, and splash around. In addition to public toilets and showers, many beaches have umi-no-ie (海の家 / lit. beach house), facilities that may offer changing rooms, showers and a shaded rest space for a fee, with some also providing meals.

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Utsumi Beach 内海海水浴場

With extensive shallows and fine white sand, this 2km-long crescent-shaped beach is the longest swimming beach in the Tōkai region. Chidorigahama (千鳥ケ浜), the main section of the beach, was selected as one of Japan's 100 greatest beaches.

When: 1 July to 31 August

Address: Chita-gun Minamichita-cho Utsumi Shinden (知多郡南知多町内海字新田)

Access: A 15-minute walk southwest from Utsumi Sta. (内海駅) on the Meitetsu Chita Line (名鉄知多新線)

Facilities: Showers, toilets, umi-no-ie, paid parking (around 1,500 Yen/car)

Photo courtesy of Minami Chita Town

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Yamami Beach 山海海水浴場

Yamami Beach, close to Utsumi Beach, is an ideal spot for families and those looking to relax. With a view looking out over Ise Bay, this is a great spot to watch the sunset. Look for the tower adorned with three blue dolphins.

When: 1 July to 31 August

Address: Chita-gun Minamichita-cho Yamami (知多郡南知多町山海)

Access: From Utsumi Sta. (内海駅) on the Meitetsu Chita Line (名鉄知多新線), take the Umikko Bus (海っ子バス) bound for Morozaki-kou (師崎港) to Yamami (山海) (about 10 minutes). Umikko Bus timetable available here (Japanese).

Facilities: Showers (available at umi-no-ie), toilets, umi-no-ie, paid parking (around 1,000 Yen/car)

Photo courtesy of Minami Chita Town

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Himakajima 日間賀島

Himakajima Island is located off the tip of the Chita Peninsula, and easily accessible via high speed boat from Kōwa Port. Accommodation is also available on the island, so you can take your time and enjoy a summer break on the closest island to Nagoya.

・Sunrise Beach (Higashihama) 東浜海水浴場（サンライズビーチ)

Only a 2-minute walk from Himakajima's East Port (東港), and known for its beautiful sunrises, this 300m-long beach has the atmosphere of a private beach, making it popular with families and couples.

When: 2 July to 31 August

Facilities: Showers, toilets

Photo courtesy of Minami Chita Town

・Sunset Beach (Nishihama) 西浜海水浴場（サンセットビーチ）

Located close to Himakajima's West Port (西港), this cosy beach takes its name from the spectacular sunsets that visitors can enjoy.

When: 2 July to 31 August

Facilities: Showers, toilets

Photo courtesy of Minami Chita Town

Access: From Kōwa Sta. (河和駅, around 45 minutes from Nagoya) on the Meitetsu Kōwa Line (名鉄河和線) walk to Kōwa Port (河和港, 5 minutes) and take a high speed boat to Himakajima (around 20 minutes; Adults 1,400 Yen one way, 2,690 Yen return / Children 710 Yen one way, 1,360 Yen return). Boats stop at West Port or East Port, or both, then go on to Shinojima (篠島). Boats also depart from Morozaki Port (師崎港). See the Meitetsu Kaijō Kankō-sen (名鉄海上観光船) website (http://www.meikaijo.co.jp/timetable.html, Japanese) for details.

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Shinojima Sun Sun Beach 篠島海水浴場（サンサンビーチ）

Shinojima, also located off the Chita Peninsula in Mikawa Bay, is a picturesque island rich in history and tradition. The 800m-long crescent-shaped beach features white sand, clear water, and gentle waves, making it safe for children.

When: 1 July to 31 August

Access: From Kōwa Sta. (河和駅, around 45 minutes from Nagoya) on the Meitetsu Kowa Line (名鉄河和線) walk to Kōwa Port (河和港, 5 minutes) and take a high speed boat to Shinojima (around 30 minutes; Adults 1,400 Yen one way, 2,690 Yen return / Children 710 Yen one way, 1,360 Yen return). Boats travel to Shinojima via Himakajima (West Port or East Port, or both).

Facilities: Toilets, umi-no-ie

Photo courtesy of Minami Chita Town