Kitaura Beach, located in Mihonoseki, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Shimane Peninsula. With its exceptionally clear water and broad white-sand beach, it is a popular summer destination and is regarded as one of the scenic highlights of the San’in region.
The gently sloping, shallow shoreline generally has relatively calm waves, making it a comfortable place for families with young children. During the summer season, visitors from Shimane and other parts of Japan gather here, creating a lively atmosphere along the coast.
One of Kitaura Beach’s greatest attractions is the vivid emerald-green sea set against the rugged ria coastline characteristic of the Shimane Peninsula. The sandy beach stretches for approximately 500 meters, providing plenty of space to relax and enjoy the summer sunshine.
At the center of the beach is a small headland known as Nakurahana. A sacred grove and the historic Inazumi Shrine stand nearby, adding a cultural dimension to the natural scenery.
The rocky area around the shrine acts as a natural breakwater, helping to create relatively calm waters. This contributes to the beach’s appeal as a place where visitors can enjoy swimming in a relaxed environment.
The rocks are also a good place to observe small marine creatures. Children can search for shells and look for small fish in the shallow water, making a visit an enjoyable opportunity to experience the coastal ecosystem firsthand.
Kitaura Beach offers a variety of marine activities in addition to swimming. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular, allowing visitors to glide slowly across the clear water while taking in views of the Shimane Peninsula from the sea.
A water park equipped with attractions such as a giant slide and trampoline is another popular feature. It provides plenty of entertainment for both children and adults looking for an active day at the beach.
When you need a break from swimming, you can try fishing from the breakwater. The surrounding waters are known as one of the Sea of Japan’s productive fishing grounds, and catches may include horse mackerel, Japanese whiting, filefish, and sea bream.
Bringing fishing equipment along with your beach gear makes it possible to enjoy a full day of different activities by the sea.
Behind the sandy beach, traditional houses with distinctive red Sekishu roof tiles create a nostalgic coastal landscape. The area also has many small Japanese inns, making it possible to stay overnight and enjoy the Sea of Japan during the quieter hours of the evening.
Kitaura has also been used for school outdoor programs and university training camps, reflecting the traditional culture of community and recreation that has long been associated with Japanese seaside towns.
At night, the atmosphere changes completely. Listening to the sound of waves while relaxing by the coast offers a peaceful experience that is difficult to find in busy resort areas.
Every year around Marine Day, a Japanese national holiday held in July, Kitaura hosts seasonal events including a sea tug-of-war competition.
One of the best-known events is the Ebisu Cup Marine Tug-of-War Tournament, a popular local tradition that brings together beachgoers and residents. The event adds a lively, community-centered atmosphere to the summer beach season.
From JR Matsue Station, take an Ichibata Bus bound for the Mihonoseki Terminal. At the terminal, transfer to the Mihonoseki Community Bus’s Kasura Line and travel for approximately eight minutes. Get off at the Kitaura bus stop.
With its exceptionally clear water, emerald-green sea, white sand, rocky coastline, and traditional seaside scenery, Kitaura Beach offers a memorable way to experience summer in the San’in region.
Whether you want to swim, try SUP, explore the tidal rocks, go fishing, or simply relax while listening to the waves, Kitaura provides a refreshing coastal escape surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shimane Peninsula.