Summer has finally come to a close in Japan and most beaches are very much deserted after the Obon holiday, the unofficial date for the end of the beach season. However, as a last hoorah, a couple of friends and I managed to squeeze in one last trip to Takenohama, or Takeno Beach, in Hyogo Prefecture
Where is Takeno?
Takeno is located north of Hyogo Prefecture along the Japan Sea coastline. It is just a 10-minute train ride north of Kinosaki Onsen, a popular hot spring town. Takeno is just a sleepy, little village which is lucky to have one of the best beaches in Hyogo. It is around 3 hours from Osaka Station or 2.5 hours from Sannomiya Station in Kobe by express train.
How to get there
You will alight at Takeno JR Station and from the station, it will take about 20 minutes on foot to the beach. Alternatively, you can also take a short bus ride from outside 5e station to the beach.
You can take the JR Hamakaze limited express train from Osaka JR Station directly to Takeno JR Station. It will cost ¥5,500 and takes 3 hours. You can also take the same limited express train from Sannomiya JR Station in Kobe to Takeno Station which will cost slightly less at ¥5,170 and takes 2 hours and 39 minutes. These trains are covered under the JR Rail Pass.
*If you are going during the summer, check out the JR Seishun 18 Kippu Ticket which costs ¥12,050. It might end up being much cheaper as you can share with up to 5 people. Do note, however, that you can only take the local trains. From Osaka Station to Takeno Station will take over 4 hours, but it is worth the savings and beautiful scenery that you will get along the way.
What can you find in Takenohama?
Although the location might be a little remote, Takenohama has all the amenities you need. There is a small stall right on the beach that sells simple Japanese food fare and also summer staples like soft-serve and shaved ice (called “kakigori” in Japanese). Attached to the beach stall are paid shower stalls, so you can shower off the sand and change comfortably. A couple of free restrooms are available along the beach. You can also buy various floats or snorkelling equipment, alongside other beach essentials like sunscreen or a sun hat, close to the beach.
If you get hungry after your swim, there are several small restaurants and cafes near the beach, although the hours may not be fixed and the menu is very limited. Also, there is no convenience store or supermarket nearby. So, I recommend stopping by the nearest Lawson which is a 10 minutes walk away before you arrive at the beach.
Of course, most importantly is the beach. Just like a lot of the beaches on the Japan Sea coast of Japan, the water was crystal clear and calm, thanks to breakwaters in place. The beach itself is long, so you probably can find a spot to set up camp. Although the sand is a little coarser, the beach was generally clean. The water gets deeper quite quickly, so do be careful. However, it is great for those who want to do a little bit of snorkelling because you can find some tiny fishes close to shore!
Also, the view is spectacular. You can watch the sunrise emerging from behind the mountains that flank both sides of the beach. Head out early to catch the sunrise and you will find that you have the beach all to yourself.
Where to stay
If you plan to stay in Takeno, there are a few options, although most are “minshuku” or modest Japanese guesthouses. For a more moderate option, you can try Oku Kinosaki Seaside Hotel.
My personal recommendation, which I stayed at during my visit to Takenohama, is Guesthouse Hitotomaru. It is a quaint guesthouse run by a Japanese couple in a renovated traditional Japanese house. The rooms are adequate and comfortable and it is complete with all the amenities you may need - a washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, a shower room and several restrooms. They even have an attached cafe and bar where you can relax with your drink, browse their library and play some games! It is also just a 3-minute walk to the beach, making it very ideal if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach (which I absolutely did & could not have wished for a better location).
Takenohama is definitely worth the visit when summer comes around again. It is a little remote, so the place is peaceful and unspoiled. The beach is amazing for swimming and it is one of the more accessible beaches in Kansai by public transportation.
If you do not believe me, check out my short vlog from my visit to Takenohama below!
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