Ohama Beach Complete Guide: Access, Parking, and Beach Opening Information

Ohama Beach, located in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a popular spot that attracts many families from outside the prefecture during the summer season, while boasting high name recognition as a sacred place for surfers.

This article provides a thorough guide to everything you should know to enjoy swimming at the beach, from basic information such as access and parking at Ohama Beach to activities and recommended hotels.

What Is Ohama Beach? 

Ohama Beach is a swimming beach on the Sea of Japan side of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

As swimming is available from mid-July to mid-August, it is enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, from surfers to families.

Here, we will take a closer look at the features of Ohama Beach and how to access it so that even first-time visitors can fully enjoy its beautiful sea.

Features

Located in nature-rich Nagato City, Ohama Beach offers not only clear, emerald-green waters for swimming, but also a beautiful sandy shore where you can relax and enjoy a true vacation atmosphere.

In addition, Nagato City’s stable climate—so stable that the center of a typhoon has not passed overhead in the past 10 years—is another noteworthy point, as it makes it less likely for beach plans to be disrupted.

In the off-season, thrilling waves unique to the Sea of Japan roll in, and the area is known as a mecca for surfers.

Access

Ohama Beach is about 17 minutes by bus from Hitomaru Station on the JR San'in Main Line, and about a 3-minute walk from the Ohama bus stop.

As there is parking nearby, you can also visit by car.

It tends to get crowded before noon or in the evening on holidays, so if you visit on a holiday, it is recommended to come early in the morning or shift your timing slightly to after midday, such as around 2–3 PM.

3 Recommended Ways to Enjoy Ohama Beach

In addition to swimming, Ohama Beach offers a wide range of marine activities.

Here, we introduce three recommended ways to enjoy Ohama Beach to the fullest.

Please use this as a reference whether it is your first visit or you would like to try something different from usual.

Camping 

Ohama Beach is right next to the camping and glamping facility Ocean BASE Kawashiri, so you can enjoy a camping experience right after spending time at the beach.

With BBQs, stargazing, and more, you can enjoy summer outdoor activities alongside the beautiful sea, making it ideal for those who want to create special summer memories.

Fishing 

As Nagato City is rich in marine resources, you can catch a wide variety of fish such as whiting and flounder even from the sandy shore at Ohama Beach.

However, please note that fishing is prohibited during the swimming season.

For those who would like to enjoy fishing even in summer, the Nighttime squid fishing tour, where you can fish from a boat, is recommended.

The plan with accommodation includes the lodging fee at the nearby accommodation Sea Breeze +1987, making it a great-value way to enjoy your trip—fishing enthusiasts should be sure to check it out.

Surfing 

If you visit Ohama Beach in the off-season, we recommend trying surfing.

Ohama Beach receives good waves from autumn through winter and into spring, making it a popular spot that attracts surfers from outside the prefecture.

If you are trying surfing for the first time, it is recommended to visit the nearby River Surf Shop.

They offer surfing experience lessons from 7,000 yen, so even beginners can enjoy it with ease.

Just Steps from Ohama Beach! 5 Recommended Places to Stay

There are many well-known sightseeing spots around Ohama Beach, such as Motonosumi Shrine and Senjojiki, so a variety of hotels are scattered throughout the area.

Here, we introduce five recommended hotels that are easy to access from Ohama Beach.

Yuya-wan Onsen Hotel Yokikan 

Yuya-wan Onsen Hotel Yokikan is an accommodation where you can enjoy hot springs with excellent beauty benefits along with spectacular views of Yuya Bay.

In addition to the highly beneficial hot springs, the property also has a bar with a wide selection of local Yamaguchi sake, allowing you to savor a relaxed, grown-up time after enjoying Ohama Beach.

Sea Breeze +1987

Sea Breeze +1987 is an accommodation located right by Ohama Beach, offering a variety of room types, including glamping trailer houses.

With many activities available, such as BBQs and the Nighttime squid fishing tour, it is recommended for families who want to enjoy themselves together until nightfall.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato 

Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato is an accommodation located in Nagato Yumoto Onsen Town, one of Yamaguchi’s most renowned hot spring areas, featuring a building inspired by an Edo-period “ochaya” residence.

After enjoying the hot springs, you can cool down by strolling along the riverside promenade and through the onsen town, making it perfect for refreshing after a day at the beach.

Ryokan Inspired by Yang Guifei Gyokusenkaku 

Ryokan Inspired by Yang Guifei Gyokusenkaku is an accommodation where you can enjoy unique outdoor activities such as a tent sauna and the waterside plaza “Kawadoko.”

With a full range of child-friendly services, including children’s slippers (free), yukata, and kids’ meals, families can relax and unwind from travel fatigue.

Bettei Otozure 

Bettei Otozure is an accommodation based on the concept of modern hot spring therapy, offering many experiences unique to Japan.

All rooms are equipped with open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious bathing experience that is difficult to find at other hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohama Beach

Here, we have compiled frequently asked questions about Ohama Beach in a Q format.

What are the opening hours of Ohama Beach?

It is open from 9:00 to 16:30.

When does Ohama Beach open for the season?

In FY2025, it will be from July 19 (Sat) to August 15 (Fri).

In general, it tends to open for about one month from mid-July each year.

Can I have a barbecue at Ohama Beach?

BBQs are possible if you use Oda Ohama Campsite (Ocean BASE Kawashiri).

Which swimming beaches are popular in Yamaguchi Prefecture?

In addition to Ohama Beach, Tsunoshima Ohama Beach and Omijima Beach are also popular.

Are there showers at Ohama Beach?

Yes, there are hot showers available for 300 yen per 3 minutes.

Summary

In this article, we explained everything from basic information about Ohama Beach to recommended ways to enjoy it.

Ohama Beach is a popular tourist spot where you can not only enjoy swimming in a beautiful sea, but also take part in a variety of activities such as surfing and camping.

With many well-known, relaxing attractions nearby, such as Tawarayama Onsen and Motonosumi Shrine, why not visit Ohama Beach this summer?