Shichiri Mihama Beach extends for approximately 25 kilometers along the coast from Kumano City to Kiho Town in Mie Prefecture. Recognized as Japan’s longest pebble beach, it is known for its striking combination of colorful rounded stones, deep blue sea, and lush green pine forests planted along the shore as windbreaks.
The beach has received several prestigious distinctions, including selection for the 100 Best Beaches in Japan, the 100 Best Natural Sites in Japan to Preserve for the 21st Century, and the 100 Best White-Sand Beaches and Green-Pine Landscapes. Its distinctive coastal scenery makes it one of the most memorable natural attractions in the Higashi-Kishu region.
The beach is covered with smooth, multicolored stones known as Mihama pebbles. These stones originate upstream along the Kumano River, travel through the area around Shingu, and are gradually polished by the powerful waves of the Kumano-nada Sea. Over time, the waves have shaped them into the rounded stones that give the coastline its unique character.
Local collectors known as “hiroi-ko-san” gather these attractive pebbles, which are sometimes used to make accessories and other decorative items. The beach is also known as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, adding ecological importance to its scenic appeal.
Shichiri Mihama lies within Yoshino-Kumano National Park and includes the Shichiri Mihama Scenic Forest. A long stretch of pine woodland was planted to protect the inland areas from strong coastal winds and salt spray. The area’s natural beauty was recognized in 1983 when it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Natural Sites to Preserve for the 21st Century.
The contrast between the pine trees, colorful pebbles, and open sea creates a distinctive landscape that changes with the light and weather. Visitors can enjoy the long shoreline while appreciating the natural forces that have shaped this coast over thousands of years.
Ida Beach, in Kiho Town at the southern end of the coastline, is an important nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. Every year, from May 1 through September 30, the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
To protect nesting turtles and their hatchlings, vehicles and motorcycles are restricted from entering the beach during this period. Visitors should respect these conservation measures and avoid disturbing the shoreline, especially at night when turtles may come ashore.
With its extraordinary length, distinctive pebble-covered shore, pine forests, and protected sea turtle nesting grounds, Shichiri Mihama offers more than a beautiful seaside view. It is a place to appreciate the natural beauty of Japan’s Pacific coast and the importance of preserving its unique coastal environment.