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Home / Beaches / Chirihama Beach

Chirihama Beach

Пляж Чирихама
Japan · Beach · Kanazawa
moderate
Best month: July

Best for

Ideal for families and lovers of unusual holidays: the only beach in Japan where driving on the sand is permitted. Suitable for swimming, driving on sand and collecting seashells.

Best month

July

Water
+20.0°C
Length
8 000 m
A famous beach, the only one in Japan where driving on the sand is allowed. It features a unique experience and scenic views, popular for walks and swimming.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A famous beach, the only one in Japan where driving on the sand is allowed. It features a unique experience and scenic views, popular for walks and swimming.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • 8 km beach drivable by car
  • Fine and compact sand
  • Swimming possible
  • Fresh grilled seafood at beach stalls
  • Scenic sunset views
  • Free access
  • Close to Kanazawa

Cons

  • Water not crystal clear
  • No lifeguards
  • Can be crowded due to cars
  • Limited natural shade
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families and lovers of unusual holidays: the only beach in Japan where driving on the sand is permitted. Suitable for swimming, driving on sand and collecting seashells.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The only beach in Japan where cars, motorcycles and even buses can drive on the sand. The sand is so fine and compact that it supports the weight of vehicles.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
8 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
blue
Water Clarity
moderate
Underwater Visibility
6.0 m
Average Water Temp
+20.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.4 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
July
Season end
August
Best month
July
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats, but exercise caution when driving on sand.
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Beach stalls at Chirihama

Seafood

Beach stalls with fresh grilled seafood

Nearby cuisines

Seafood

Fresh grilled seafood at beach stalls

Must try: Grilled shellfish, prawns, squid
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Headwear
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is from May to October. Swimming is in July and August. Sunsets here are especially beautiful.
Local Rules
Observe speed limits when driving on the beach. Do not leave litter.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Beach stalls

Fresh grilled seafood right by the beach

Kanazawa

City with historic attractions 1 hour away

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Chirihama Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity moderate, average temperature +20.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Chirihama Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.4 m.
Chirihama Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Chirihama Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 8 000 metres.
Chirihama Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in July. It ends in August. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Chirihama Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Chirihama Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Chirihama Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Chirihama Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beach stalls at Chirihama. Cuisines available: Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Chirihama Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Headwear.
Chirihama Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is from May to October. Swimming is in July and August. Sunsets here are especially beautiful.
Chirihama Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Observe speed limits when driving on the beach. Do not leave litter.
Chirihama Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Chirihama Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families and lovers of unusual holidays: the only beach in Japan where driving on the sand is permitted. Suitable for swimming, driving on sand and collecting seashells.
Chirihama Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The only beach in Japan where cars, motorcycles and even buses can drive on the sand. The sand is so fine and compact that it supports the weight of vehicles.
Chirihama Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: 8 km beach drivable by car, Fine and compact sand, Swimming possible, Fresh grilled seafood at beach stalls, Scenic sunset views, Free access, Close to Kanazawa. Cons: Water not crystal clear, No lifeguards, Can be crowded due to cars, Limited natural shade.
Chirihama Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Beach stalls, Kanazawa. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Chirihama Beach: how do I get to the city of Kanazawa?
The beach is located near the city of Kanazawa. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Kanazawa.

City

Kanazawa

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.