Kokufu Beach

Kokufu Beach sits immediately next to Iwami Seaside Park's Anegahama Beach in Hamada City, reached from its larger neighbor through a short tunnel carved into a sea cave, a distinctive approach that sets it apart from most beaches on this stretch of the Shimane coast. The sand is fine and white, and the water here is known for particularly high transparency, even by the standards of the generally clear San'in coastline. Unlike the long, open, activity-focused arc of Anegahama next door, Kokufu Beach is smaller and more sheltered, forming a shallow, calmer swimming area that suits cautious swimmers and children better than the more exposed main beach. That same shelter also draws snorkellers, who come for underwater visibility among the rocks framing the cove, while the deeper water further out attracts surfers on days with enough swell working past the point. The beach has no equipment rental, campsites, or dedicated lifeguard station of its own, relying instead on its proximity to Iwami Seaside Park for those services; visitors typically walk over through the sea cave tunnel or arrive by taxi and treat the two beaches as a single outing. Because access is via the tunnel or a short walk from the larger park, Kokufu Beach tends to see fewer visitors than Anegahama itself, giving it a quieter, more low-key character despite sitting only steps away. By car, Kokufu Beach is roughly a 15-minute taxi ride from Hamada Station, and there is no direct bus service. The absence of on-site facilities means visitors should plan to bring their own food, water, and snorkelling gear, or make use of what is available at neighboring Iwami Seaside Park before making the short trip through the cave tunnel.