7 Universal Beaches Across Japan That Everyone Can Enjoy, Regardless of Disabilities

This time, we will introduce universal beaches across the nation.

With the rainy season over and the hot days continuing, many of you might be thinking, "I want to go to the beach!"

However, since there are many unexpected dangers at the beach, it is recommended to use universal beaches where everyone, regardless of disabilities, can enjoy activities like swimming.

Anyone can experience marine activities, so if you love the sea or are planning a trip, please read on until the end.

1. Can you enjoy the sea in a wheelchair?

Some might wonder, "Can you enjoy the sea in a wheelchair?" or "Isn't it a dangerous activity?"

In fact, there are amphibious wheelchairs available.

With large, soft tires, they can move freely even on difficult sandy beaches and can go directly into the sea.

People with disabilities or the elderly using wheelchairs can also enjoy the sea with family and friends.

However, due to the cost of introducing such special wheelchairs and a shortage of manpower, there are still not many universal beaches where people can safely enjoy themselves.

In response, in 2022, the NPO Suma Universal Beach Project and the Nippon Foundation launched the "Universal Beach Project Plan" to support the tools and manuals needed to aim for universal beaches.

Japan has many beautiful seas. Universal beaches are now gaining attention so that everyone can enjoy such nature.

2. What is a Universal Beach?

A universal beach refers to a beach where anyone can enjoy safely and comfortably.

When using the beach, it's important not only to consider wheelchair mobility but also the availability of changing rooms and barrier-free toilets.

Especially for wheelchair users, securing space for wheelchairs and setting up assistance beds are necessary.

Furthermore, having dedicated parking spaces for wheelchairs makes getting in and out easier and more comfortable.

Additionally, having lifeguards stationed to respond appropriately in emergencies is also a crucial point for ensuring safety.

Previously introduced on Ayumi, we have videos showing wheelchair traveler Tatsuya Miyo and other wheelchair users visiting universal beaches.

These beaches are filled with thoughtful details and a spirit of heartful barrier-free, so please take a look.

Reference:

3. Top 5 Universal Beaches Nationwide

3-1. Suma Beach in Hyogo (Suma)

First, we introduce the "Suma Universal Beach", which is made barrier-free during the beach opening season by the NPO Suma Universal Beach Project mentioned earlier.

To make marine sports easily enjoyable, the beach is equipped with beach mats that allow wheelchairs to comfortably reach the water's edge, amphibious wheelchairs called hippocamps for enjoying swimming, and a Universal Mega SUP that can be ridden while on a hippocamp.

Additionally, for people with disabilities, there is a facility called Suma-kun House, which is equipped with a barrier-free toilet, shower room, changing space, and changing bed, with convenient features throughout.

Moreover, there are 20 parking spaces for the disabled in the first parking lot, making access easy and attractive.

In 2024, a record number of 144 groups and 456 people used the facilities, increasing its recognition year by year.

In 2025, it will open as a universal beach on weekends and holidays from July 10 to August 24, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Be sure to apply in advance if you wish to use it.

Reference: Universal Beach 2025

The Suma Universal Beach Project aims to break the stereotype that "you can't enjoy the sea in a wheelchair," and has supported the universalization of beaches in 42 locations across 25 prefectures nationwide (as of July 2025).

Suma Beach is a place that can be considered the origin of universal beaches. If you've given up on enjoying the sea, please visit.

Reference: Enjoy with Items and Ideas｜NPO Suma Universal Beach Project

3-2. Oarai Sun Beach in Ibaraki (Oarai)

Next, we introduce the "Oarai Sun Beach Swimming Area", a swimming area covered by a vast sandy beach and selected as one of the top 100 swimming areas.

The representative of the "Oarai Surf Life Saving Club" was inspired to transform it into a universal beach after seeing children with disabilities unable to enter the sea.

Oarai Sun Beach Swimming Area has parking spaces for people with disabilities, changing rooms, toilets, and shower rooms.

Additionally, special wheelchairs called Landeez, which are comfortable with inflatable rubber tires, are available for free.

However, please note that during busy times, usage may be limited to the sandy beach only.

Also, a membership card is required for the first use, and the card must be presented from the second time onwards.

In 2025, the beach opening period is from July 19 to August 17.

Enjoy the sand and sea comfortably at a beach created through trial and error with people with disabilities.

Reference: Oarai Sun Beach Swimming Area

3-3. Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach in Okinawa

"Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach" is the largest artificial beach in Okinawa, stretching 700 meters. With nets to prevent habu and jellyfish and beach monitors always on duty, you can enjoy it safely.

You can freely play on the sand and in the sea using a chair board, an amphibious wheelchair (for a fee).

The chair board can be used for 60 minutes per session. An adult may need to accompany young children.

Other activities such as sea kayaking, banana boating, and snorkeling are also available.

Equipped with wheelchair-accessible toilets and showers, you can move from the parking lot to the beach using a slope while remaining in your wheelchair.

Wheelchairs are available for free rental, and if you make a reservation, local staff will assist with transfers.

Barrier-free toilets and showers are, of course, available, and a first aid room can be arranged upon request.

If you're considering Okinawa for your summer vacation or travel destination, please consider it.

Reference: Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach

3-4. Miuda Beach in Nagasaki

"Miuda Beach" is a beach recognized as one of Japan's 100 best beaches.

Tsushima is popular among tourists for its natural white sandy beaches made of rare shell components and its emerald green sea that shines in the sunlight.

Additionally, barrier-free parking spaces, barrier-free toilets, and diaper changing stations are available.

Moreover, it accommodates guide dogs, allowing visually impaired individuals to explore the beach.

During the beach opening period, lifeguards are on duty, ensuring safe use for swimming and other purposes.

Reference: Miuda Beach

3-5. Beaches in Minamichita Town, Aichi

The beaches in Minamichita Town, Aichi, including "Yamami Beach," "Utsumi Beach," "Himakajima Sunset Beach," and "Shinojima Beach," are part of the "Minamichita Universal Beach Project."

In 2025, it will be held from July 12 to August 31 from 10 AM to 4 PM, only when reservations are made.

Please note that the location varies by date.

During the event, you can use beach mats that allow wheelchairs and strollers to move on the sand and amphibious wheelchairs called hippocamps.

Universal beach instructors will provide support, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease.

Note that using hippocamps requires a fee and a reservation.

Reference: Beach Bathing in a Wheelchair in Minamichita Town｜General Incorporated Association Minamichita Universal Project

The Minamichita Universal Beach Project aims to turn "can't" into "can!" and organizes various events where you can experience universal tourism in addition to universal beaches.

Additionally, to allow people to experience universal beaches nationwide, they offer beach mat rentals, so if you're interested, please contact them.

Reference: General Incorporated Association Minamichita Universal Beach Project

3-6. Miyuki Beach in Odawara, Kanagawa

"Miyuki Beach" in Odawara City, Kanagawa, is known for its spectacular views of the Izu Peninsula and Miura and Boso Peninsulas.

With beach houses and barbecue facilities, many people use it for leisure purposes beyond swimming.

It's relatively close, about a 20-minute walk from Odawara Station, and many people access it on foot from the station.

Miyuki Beach has no parking lot, so if you visit by car, you'll need to use a paid parking lot.

In August 2022, the first barrier-free beach event in the western Kanagawa area was held at Miyuki Beach.

This event was organized by the ODAWARA Barrier-Free Beach Executive Committee, with cooperation from organizations like the Kanagawa Western Area Rehabilitation Council. It has now become an annual tradition.

On the event day, mats are laid on the sand, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to access the sea, allowing everyone to enjoy swimming safely.

A particularly popular experience is using a special wheelchair called a Mobi Chair that floats in the water, with volunteers helping to swim out to the sea.

Even those who had given up on entering the sea can enjoy the temperature and feel of the seawater and the sensation of being rocked by the waves, receiving positive feedback.

Reference: Miyuki Beach｜General Incorporated Association Odawara City Tourism Association

3-7. Sotoura Beach in Shimoda City, Shizuoka

Sotoura Beach in Shimoda City, Shizuoka, is a quiet beach selected as one of the top 100 swimming areas, located in a cove.

With high transparency, shallow waters, and calm waves, it is popular among families with children and women.

Sotoura Beach's cove-like shape means that even on days when strong winds make swimming at typical beaches risky, the waves are often calm enough for swimming.

Additionally, the wide shallow area reduces the risk of children being swept away by waves, making it an attractive option.

Reference: Sotoura Beach｜Shimoda City

Shimoda City is developing the Shimoda City Universal Beach Project.

The Shimoda City Universal Beach Project hosts a Universal Beach Experience Event at Sotoura Beach, introducing and allowing participants to try using amphibious wheelchairs.

In 2025, a universal beach workshop was held on the morning of July 9. Additionally, in July and August, beach mats will be installed, and a universal beach experience using amphibious wheelchairs will be conducted.

Past events like "Shimoda Universal Beach at Sotoura Beach" have received feedback such as being moved by the ability to descend to the beach and proceed to the sea even in a wheelchair.

Reference: Shimoda City Universal Beach Project｜Shimoda City

4. Points to Enjoy the Sea More in a Wheelchair

4-1. Check for Marine Sports and Events You Can Enjoy at the Sea!

After entering the sea, enjoy marine sports as well.

Like the Universal Mega SUP at Suma Beach, various events are available at tourist spots that can be enjoyed even in a wheelchair.

The following video shows wheelchair traveler Tatsuya Miyo enjoying diving.

Additionally, Zero Gravity, which provides accommodations for comfortably enjoying the southern part of Amami Oshima, offers tours where you can enjoy snorkeling, clear kayaking, wakeboarding, and more with a guide.

Reference: Amami Oshima Zero Gravity "Shimizu Villa"｜General Incorporated Association Zero Gravity

Ayumi also introduces barrier-free marine sports that can be enjoyed in a wheelchair, so please take a look.

Reference:

Event information is regularly updated on each beach's website, so be sure not to miss it.

4-2. "Yui Maru Beach Fest" Held Annually in Okinawa Since 2023

Azama Sun Sun Beach in Nanjo City, Okinawa, is known as the nation's first universal design beach.

Opened in April 2000, this artificial beach boasts high water transparency, long stretches of white sand, and a wide swimming area.

Since 2023, the "Yui Maru Beach Fest" has been held annually at Azama Sun Sun Beach.

"Yui Maru" means "helping each other" in Okinawan dialect, and true to its name, it's known as an event that supports people with disabilities, where supporter students, marine staff, and people with disabilities and the elderly come together to enjoy marine sports and disability sports.

Additionally, in 2024, the Okinawa Rehabilitation Sports Day was held, featuring games devised by students of the Okinawa Rehabilitation Welfare Academy that everyone could enjoy.

Moreover, there is a giant swing set right on the breakwater, offering a thrilling experience as if flying over the sea.

Azama Sun Sun Beach is a wheelchair-friendly beach, equipped with special mats called Mobi Mats, designed for safe wheelchair movement on sand and soil.

Reference: Azama Sun Sun Beach

Reference: Yui Maru Beach Fest

4-3. Japan's Largest! Experience Para Surfing at "Shizunami Para Surfing Festa"

Para surfing, where people with disabilities compete in surfing skills, is divided into classes according to the type and degree of disability, allowing surfing enjoyment in each class.

For those who haven't tried para surfing yet, the "Shizunami Para Surfing Festa" is recommended.

The first Shizunami Para Surfing Festa was held in July 2022 at Shizunami Surf Stadium in Makinohara City, Shizuoka, under the theme of "adding universal value to existing things." According to a survey conducted with participants, 100% said they would like to participate again, and the event had a satisfaction rate of 91%, making it a highly satisfying event.

The Shizunami Para Surfing Festa includes a para surfing experience event and the international para surfing competition "JAPAN OPEN," attended by overseas athletes.

Many people participate in the para surfing experience event, where they receive direct instruction from para surfers.

In 2025, it was held over two days, May 31 and June 1, and "N's Marche in Shizunami Para Surfing Festa 2025" was held simultaneously.

With many wonderful shops from around Makinohara participating, led by the fun members of N's Marche, it was a huge success.

Reference: Shizunami Para Surfing Festa

4-4. Take Measures Against Heatstroke and Manage Body Temperature!

Summer, when beaches are bustling, poses a risk of heatstroke. Some disabilities make it difficult to regulate body temperature, so extra care is needed.

Additionally, wheelchairs have the issue of heat being trapped as the seat and body are always in contact, causing the back to become sweaty.

For heatstroke prevention tips, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

Even in safely managed areas, moving around with caution can be tiring, so taking frequent breaks is important.

When enjoying a universal beach, be sure to pay attention to your health management.

5. Conclusion

This time, we introduced universal beaches nationwide. Whether you enjoy the scenery by the sea or actively engage with tools like Landeez, the choice is yours.

Additionally, the "Suma Universal Beach Project" offers traveling universal beaches nationwide.

The "Minamichita Universal Project" offers beach mat rentals. If there are no universal beaches nearby, these options are recommended.

After taking measures against heatstroke and managing body temperature, please enjoy swimming at a universal beach.