Oarai Sun beach is a symbol of inclusivity, culture, and revitalized coastal enjoyment of the Great Pacific Ocean. Nestled along a 1.3 km stretch of golden sand in Ōarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, about 90-minutes by train from Central Tokyo. As the Ocean day celebrated on 8 June, This post is a reflection of this day.
Oarai Sun Beach offers to the traveler the refreshing ocean breezes, photogenic sunsets, and an uplifting seaside scene of the great Pacific Ocean, making it an appealing destination for families, photographers, adventure seekers, and accessibility-conscious travelers alike.
Its Japan’s first universal beach, with accessible changing rooms, showers, on-site wheelchair rentals, and a flat, sandy terrain beach, it was designed in 1997 as a model beach for visitors of all ages and abilities. Patrolled by the Oarai Surf Life Saving Club from mid-July to mid-August, the beach features lifeguards, clear swimming zones, and accessible parking—the prime season attracts roughly 7,000 cars daily
The beach is Known for shallow, smooth swells and soft white sands—ideal for families and first-time surfers. Visitors can enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and even motor paragliding on the Pacific Ocean.
Local events like the pop-up Sunahama library, T-shirt exhibitions, and Night Wave art installations foster a creative vibe. Local highlights are Oarai Marine Tower & Aquarium, Oarai Isosaki Shrine, Seasonal treats & hot springs.
There are 2 parkings. Parking was full of cars. But still cars were moving.
We have to create a sustainable environment. And we don’t know how many animals depend on the oceanas crust. So it is our sole responsibility to keep our oceans plastic-free and clean.
People are playing with the dummy paragliding stuffs.
★Important information
Swimming period: July 16 – August 21, with lifeguard service.
Access:
By train: ~15-minute walk or shuttle bus from Ōarai Station (Kashima Rinkai Line)
Admission : Free
By car: ~10–15 minutes from Mito‑Oarai IC via Kita‑Kanto Expressway, parking (~7,000 spots)—paid during peak season- Rules: No vehicles, drones, or pets allowed on the beach; follow lifeguard instructions and respect shared spaces
