Otsu Beach

Otsu Beach lies in Anan City on Tokushima Prefecture's coast, about 30 km southeast of Tokushima City, and is one of the more accessible sandy beaches for day-trippers from the prefectural capital. The beach is a long, open stretch of sand facing the Pacific, wider and more exposed than the coves further south around Mugi and Kaifu, which gives it more surf but also makes it a popular general swimming beach for local families rather than a dedicated surf spot. The water is reasonably clear close to Anan, though not as consistently transparent as beaches further south along the more rural coastline. In summer the beach hosts beach volleyball courts, a sign of its role as a casual, community-oriented recreation spot rather than a scenic destination in its own right. Nearby seafood restaurants in Anan give easy access to a meal after a day at the beach, an advantage over the more remote southern beaches with limited food options. Because Otsu sits closer to Tokushima City and Anan's town center, it draws a more local, family-oriented crowd, especially on summer weekends, rather than the surf tourists found further south. Transport requires a bit more effort than some other beaches on this list: JR Mugi Line trains run to Anan Station, followed by about a 15-minute bus or taxi ride, since the beach itself sits outside easy walking distance from the station. Parking is available near the beach for those arriving by car, which is the more common way to visit given the transport time from the station. Otsu Beach works well as a straightforward, no-frills swimming and volleyball spot for a half-day visit rather than as a full-day destination, and it lacks the natural landmarks or surf reputation of Tokushima's more southern beaches.