Mihama and Suishohama美浜・水晶浜

Lights along the beach pick up the white water and turn each breaking wave blue. Arrive before 17:19, when the sun sets over Wakasa Bay, for the change from orange sky to glowing sea. This year a path of light leads 200 m along the shore to a lit torii, with food trucks, a lantern-lit eating area and ambient sound timed to the waves.

There are no seats: bring a chair or mat, a torch (the coast is dark) and warm layers. Stay inside the viewing area; the sea at night is dangerous. The first NIGHT WAVE on the Sea of Japan side ran here in September 2025.

Fine white sand and some of the clearest water on the Sea of Japan coast, on the west side of the Tsuruga peninsula: one of Japan's 88 best bathing beaches. It faces west, so evenings end with sunset over Wakasa Bay, and with few buildings around, the stars are bright.

Swimming season runs from early July to the end of August, 8:00–17:00, with beach houses for food and showers. About 2,000 parking spaces: ¥1,000 on weekdays, ¥2,000 at weekends and in Obon. No camping or barbecues on Mihama's beaches.