Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture facing Tsuruga Bay in the Sea of Japan is a port town with a nostalgic mood. You can enjoy beautiful sea and mountain views including “Kehi no Matsubara” (one of the three most scenic pine groves in Japan). In addition, there are walking spots such as “Red Brick Warehouse” and “Tsuruga Museum Street” with retro cityscape.
Among them, the uninhabited island called “Mizushima” has recently gained popularity. The white sand beach and the emerald green sea spread out and it seems to be a beautiful island called “Hawaii in Hokuriku”.
Mizushima is a long and narrow island extending from north to south. There is a dock on the south side of the island, and if you walk north from there, you will arrive at a beautiful beach where you can swim. In particular, the area with pine tree shade seems to be a popular spot. The south side is a secret area with few people, but it is not suitable for swimming because there are many rocks.
The only way to access the island is by boat. There are two docks at Mizushima, “Irogahama” and “Urasoko”, but “Urasoko” can only be used by guests staying at a guest house. Those who enjoy Mizushima on a day trip can only come and go from the “Irogahama” pier, so don’t make a mistake.
Mizushima’s charm is its beautiful beach reminiscent of Hawaii. First of all, please enjoy swimming in the emerald green sea. Mizushima is a shallow sea, so even small children can play with peace of mind.
Mizushima, which is introduced as “Hawaii in Hokuriku” in TV programs and magazines, is gaining attention every year. There are days when more than 1000 people land on this small island. There seem to be days when there are around 100 people on weekdays.
Anyway, when you arrive on the island, let’s secure a place. The central pine forest is shaded by trees, and the sandy beach in front of you is the safest place to swim. That’s why it’s an overwhelmingly popular place. If your children are together, land as soon as possible and secure the best position. It is better to arrive at the dock early on Saturdays and Sundays, especially when congestion is expected. By the way, there are few places on the island that can be shaded, so it is highly recommended to bring beach umbrellas and tents.
The beach in front of the pine forest is shallow and the waves are calm, as deep as an adult’s lap. It is attractive that small children can swim with confidence. However, there are a lot of rocks and shells on the sea floor, so you may cut your legs. So try to wear marine shoes as much as possible.
Snorkeling is also recommended if you want to enjoy this transparent sea. If you look into the sea, there are more fish than you can imagine, and you can see a lot of goby that you can’t step on the seabed. Anyway, the beach on Mizushima is interesting.
“Mizushima” is really beautiful and popular. So it seems crowded with many people on Saturdays and Sundays, and it can take a tremendous amount of time until the parking lot is full and you get on the boat. If you want to enjoy Mizushima without fail, go on a busy weekday or stay in a nearby inn and take the first boat in the morning.
The island the color of the sea changes from dark blue to beautiful emerald green
A white isolated island floating in the sea of the emerald green. There is a place in Fukui Prefecture where you can enjoy such a superb view without going to the southern country. “Mizushima Island” is an uninhabited island that can cross only about two months from early July to the end of August. “I do not have time or money to go to a tropical country, but I want to enjoy the beautiful sea!” You surely should be satisfied with such a greedy guy.
“Mizushima Island” is an uninhabited island located at the tip of the Tsuruga peninsula. A small island with a total length of about 500 meters is a clear blue sandy beach shining in clear blue ocean, and this beautiful scenery spread beyond the Sea of Japan.
To cross the “Mizushima Island”, you will head to Irogahama beach on the other side. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Tsuruga IC on Hokuriku Expressway. From JR Tsuruga station, take the community bus for about 30 minutes and get off at “Irogahama” stop. From Irogahama to “Mizushima Island”, only the ferry is the access method. Moreover, since this ship operates only about 2 months from the first half of July to the end of August every year, if you miss this period, you can not go there until one year later.
“Mizushima Island” is an uninhabited island, so there is only a simple toilet in the island. Since there are no convenience stores and other shops on the beach, you should bring all drinks and lunch etc. It would be better to change clothes to a bathing suit before getting on board.
As you approach the island the color of the sea changes from dark blue to beautiful emerald green. This is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the sea in a relaxed atmosphere with a little bit different from urban beach. Why don’t you go to the beautiful sea to heal your mind and body?
A Desert island
“Mizushima” island in Tsuruga-shi, Fukui, it is a desert island where you can pass to there only for the period of two months (July and August) of the year.
Hawaii of Hokuriku
Mizushima is located at the tip of Tsuruga Peninsula. The water around Mizushima is so pure that it is called “Hawaii of Hokuriku”, and you can see a lot of fish, too. It is famous as a diving spot because the wave is calm, too,
Suited for sea-bathing
The sea here forms a shoal, and is suited for sea-bathing. It is right Hawaii itself with the blue clear sea and the pure white sandy beach. The ferry-boat operates for every year from the beginning of July to the end of August. When you miss this chance, you cannot reach Mizushima until next year.
Incredibly beautiful sea is spread in front
It is said that you can see such a beautiful sea because it is the desert island.
You never thought that here is the Sea of Japan when the incredibly beautiful sea was spread in front of you.
There is nothing other than beach, restrooms, shower because it is a desert island.
Don’t forget to take lunch, a parasol and a bath towel.
Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)
Name: | Mizushima Swimming Beach |
Adresse: | Irohama Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0844 Japan |
Access: | Irogahama Wharf JR Hokuriku-honsen Line “Tsuruga-eki Station” (30 minutes by car) From Irogahama to Mizushima (10 minutes by ferry boat) |
Tel: | (+81) 770-22-8167 (Tsuruga Tourism Association) |
Price: | Passage fare for Ferry boat Approximately 1,200 yen Please refer the official web page. |
Official site: | http://www.turuga.org/ |
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