Description
General information about the beach
Glass Beach, located near Nagasaki Airport, is known for its colourful glass pebbles that sparkle in the sun. This unusual spot, created from recycled glass, has become a popular attraction.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Unique glass beach
- Free entry
- Morizono Park nearby
- Airport views
- Photogenic spot
Cons
- Not for swimming
- No infrastructure
- Little shade
- Glass can be slippery
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for photographers, lovers of unusual places and families with older children. Not suitable for swimming or small children.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Glass Beach is the only beach in Japan entirely covered with recycled glass. Created in 2016 to improve water quality in Omura Bay, it has become a popular photogenic spot thanks to the sparkling multicoloured glass beads.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
glass
Sand Color
Main sand colour
multicolored
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
glass
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
200 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
none
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Insurance & Connectivity
Get travel insurance and mobile internet before your trip
Travel insurance
EKTA — international coverage
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Visitor insurance
VisitorsCoverage — for travelers
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Flight compensation
AirHelp — claim for delayed flights
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Flight compensation
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Tours & Activities
Book excursions, tickets and experiences near the beach
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream
Water
Towel
Flip-flops
Cash
First aid kit
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is on sunny days, when the glass sparkles most brightly. In the morning there are fewer people.
Local Rules
Smoking is prohibited in the park. Walking barefoot on the glass is not recommended.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
International transfer
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Transfers worldwide
intui.travel — group & private
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Car rental
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Car rental
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Car rental
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Car rental in Europe
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Bikes & scooters
BikesBooking — rent motorbikes
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Local car rental
Localrent — direct from local providers
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach
Morizono Park
Scenic park next to the beach with views of Omura Bay
Nagasaki Airport
Airport 5 minutes away with views of runways
Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Glass Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +22.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Glass Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.1 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Glass Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — glass. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Glass Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — glass. Sand colour — multicolored. Texture — medium. Beach length — 200 metres.
Glass 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.
Glass Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Glass Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Glass Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Glass Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit.
Glass Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is on sunny days, when the glass sparkles most brightly. In the morning there are fewer people.
Glass Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Smoking is prohibited in the park. Walking barefoot on the glass is not recommended.
Glass Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for photographers, lovers of unusual places and families with older children. Not suitable for swimming or small children.
Glass Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Glass Beach is the only beach in Japan entirely covered with recycled glass. Created in 2016 to improve water quality in Omura Bay, it has become a popular photogenic spot thanks to the sparkling multicoloured glass beads.
Glass Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique glass beach, Free entry, Morizono Park nearby, Airport views, Photogenic spot. Cons: Not for swimming, No infrastructure, Little shade, Glass can be slippery.
Glass Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Morizono Park, Nagasaki Airport. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Glass Beach: how do I get to the city of Nagasaki?
The beach is located near the city of Nagasaki. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Nagasaki.