[ Tosashimizu City , Kochi Prefecture ] 2 spots where you can safely splash around in the water

Introduction

Tosashimizu City is surrounded by the sea, but the ocean currents around Cape Ashizuri Misaki are strong, and surprisingly there are not many spots where you can safely enjoy playing in the water or swimming.

In this article, we will introduce places where people from outside the prefecture can safely enjoy swimming.

There is a parking lot and parking space. There is no sudden depth or strong current.

We will introduce one spot each by sea and river that meets the above conditions.

As a general rule, if you are affected by a typhoon or heavy rain, you should never go near the sea or rivers.

• Table of Contents
• Sakurahama, the only designated swimming beach in Tosashimizu City
• "Kagumi River" is a popular water play spot for children in Shimizu .
• [Swimming Prohibited] Beautiful but Dangerous "Okinohama"
• A life jacket for peace of mind
• Other sea activities information

Sakurahama, the only designated swimming beach in Tosashimizu City

This may come as a surprise given the image of Tosashimizu City as a city surrounded by the sea.
Sakurahama Beach is the only designated swimming beach in Tosashimizu City.

As you can easily see from the map, there are Misaki and Cape Ashizuri Misaki on the east side, and the bay is also surrounded by land on the west side, so it is generally very calm except when a typhoon approaches when strong southwesterly winds blow.

Also, in the summer, due to the influence of the sea breeze, the wind blows from offshore towards the shore, so you won't be swept out to sea while swimming using a life jacket or other inflatable device.

As I will explain later, compared to Oginohama, which has rip currents and where accidents occur almost every year, this is a safe beach with very few accidents.

There is also an adjacent car park that can accommodate over a dozen cars, and the even larger Tatsukushima municipal car park is just a few minutes' walk away. There are also facilities with showers and disabled toilets, making the site highly convenient.

access

Tatsukushi , Tosashimizu City

By car: Take National Route 321 and go through the Tatsukushi Municipal Parking Lot for about 1 minute (look for the road sign for Tatsukushi Minokoshi Beach, Sea Gallery Sakura Beach)

About 15 minutes from the center of Tosashimizu City
About 40 minutes from Cape Ashizuri Misaki
About 45 minutes from Shimanto City(Furusato Forest Road via Oki and Masuno)

bus
5 minutes walk from Tatsukushi bus stop on Kochi Southwest Transportation Line

"Kagumi River" is a popular water play spot for children in Shimizu .

The Kagumi River, which flows through the Kagumi district in the northwest of the city, is a popular spot for children living in the Shimizu district (urban area) of Tosashimizu City .

There are stairs leading down to the riverbank,

The site has been recently renovated and there is parking space for a few cars.

When I was in elementary school, the area from the dam in front of Kasuga Shrine to the bridge upstream was called "Miyamae."

On the day this photo was taken, it had rained for several days immediately prior, resulting in a lot of water, but under normal circumstances the pond is almost completely still, making it relatively safe for children of elementary school age to play in.

access

Kagumi , Tosashimizu City

From Kakumi Bridge on National Route 321, follow the riverside road (on the right bank) for about 500m until you reach the parking lot.
If you are driving a private car, please be careful of oncoming vehicles as the roads are narrow.

5 minutes walk from Kochi Southwest Bus "Kakumibashi" stop

[Swimming Prohibited] Beautiful but Dangerous "Okinohama"

If you are coming to Tosashimizu from Shimanto City on National Route 321, you will be able to see the beautiful white sand and emerald blue scenery of Oginohama Beach unless the weather is extremely bad.

Even in winter, it is a popular spot that attracts many surfers from outside the prefecture, and in summer, people can be seen enjoying swimming in the sea, even though swimming is prohibited.

However, due to the topography of Oginohama, rip currents (locally called "makidashi") are likely to occur.
Although it may have a negative image, it is also a dangerous beach in some sense, with drowning accidents occurring there almost every year.

The northern area is relatively calm, and the Ogi River (with a small bridge over it) flows into Ogihama Beach.
As long as parents are watching over their children, it is okay to play on the beach (but at your own risk).

Of course, even if you don't intend to swim, it is a superb spot where you can spend a wonderful time just gazing at the ocean from the quiet, beautiful sandy beach.

However, if you want to enjoy serious swimming and snorkeling, Sakurahama is the place to go.

Oki Beach

Oki, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture 787-0301

A beautiful beach with white sand beaches and green forests gently curving for 1.6 km. It is also known as a surfing spot, and surfers visit from all over the country. Also, the endangered loggerhead sea turtles come ashore and lay their eggs on this beautiful sandy beach. The point where you can see the coastline from above is perfect for a short break during the drive. It is also recommended at dusk when the sky turns bright red.

A life jacket for peace of mind

Wearing a life jacket will make swimming safer and more enjoyable.

In recent years, more and more people are enjoying swimming at Sakurahama Beach wearing life jackets (especially for small children).
Rental will also be available after the beach opens, so if you don't have one yet, please feel free to use it.

Other sea activities information

Umihiko's Playground (Okinohama Beach, Surfing School)

"Umihiko's Playground" is a surfing school located in Oginohama, which was introduced above.

Anyone from beginners to advanced students can take lessons empty-handed.

Kochi Prefecture Okinohama Surfing School Umihiko's Playground

Tatsukushi Diving Center

Tatsukushi Diving Center is based in Tatsukushi, where Sakurahama Beach is located.

This popular diving center, located in the beautiful Tatsukushi Bay, offers everything from snorkeling experiences for beginners to fun diving and license acquisition.

Tatsukushi Diving Center

Nishimoto Ferry

Nishimoto Ferry, which has its office at Tatsukushi Fishing Port

The main function is a "ferry boat" that takes anglers to fishing spots on the sea, but various plans are also available, such as family fishing and escorting to snorkeling points that can only be reached by boat.

Nishimoto Ferry