Shichiri Mihama Beach 七里御浜

Shichiri Mihama Beach is covered with gravel and stretches for 22 kilometers, making it the longest beach in Japan. You'll appreciate the views and spacious surroundings here along the coast of Kumano-nada Sea.

If you're here in the right season, you'll see loggerhead turtles laying their eggs.

You can get to the beach by train and then on foot, or drive here.

Renting a car would be the most convenient way to access and tour this remote part of Mie, but you can also take the JR Kisei Main Line to Kumanoshi Station, then stroll south across the Ido River and onto the beach. A tourist information center with some information in English is across the street from the station.

Although swimming is not allowed due to the large waves and powerful currents, walking along the shore is highly recommended.

You might be interested to know that the beach stones find their way beyond the coast to serve as pieces for the ancient board game of go, as garden stones, and as accessories.

Nature fans and kids especially will be excited to see the loggerhead turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beach every year. The best time to see the aquatic reptiles is between May 1 and September 30.

To protect them, restrictions on cars and motorcycles are in effect at this time.

If you're hunting for a panoramic photo opportunity, head over to the Matsumoto Pass along the Ise Route, a trail for pilgrims that offers picturesque views of the beach.

The Kumano Fireworks Festival happens right on the beach on August 17, where you can watch boats offshore launch prismatic rockets into the sky and the spectacular result.