Shinmaiko Marine Park
About: Shinmaiko Marine Park was opened in 2002 and can be reached from central Nagoya in less than 60 minutes. The park’s beach, named the “blue park beach” is a 400m long man-made beach constructed back in 2002 with sand transported from Nagasaki Prefecture. The beach boasts good food stands, an area to rest, and full toilet / shower facilities. You can also find three large grassed areas – ideal for picnics, Frisbee, soccer or just taking a break from the sand. From the grassy mounds in the park you can see the splendid ‘Ise Bay’ and ‘Suzuka Mountains’.
Access: A 10 minute walk from Meitetsu Shin Maiko Station. There are also nearly 600 parking spaces costing 500 Yen in July & August.
Website (Japanese only): www.npgpa.jp/marin_01.htm
Chidorigahama Beach (Utsumi)
About: The beach which is shaped like a bow is definitely one of the best beaches in the Prefecture with soft, white sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is around 1.5km long attracting thousands of tourists all year round for beach fun and fishing in summer and hot spa bathing in winter.
Access: 15 minutes walk from Meitetsu Utsumi Station or 7 minutes by car from Minamichita IC, on the Chita Peninsula Expressway Toll Road Highway.
Himakajima Sunrise Beach & Sunset Beach
About: A short 90minute ride outside Nagoya and you’ll find yourself staring across at the beautiful Himakajima Island. With a population of only around 2000, the island comes alive in summer with tourists flocking from nearby prefectures to enjoy an escape from city life. If a day trip is not enough, there are a number of ryokan and small hotels on the island to accommodate you. Located in ‘Mikawa Bay’ at the very foot of the Chita Peninsula, the island is dependent upon its fishing industry of mainly Octopus and Fugu for income. There is a spectacular sunset to be seen from the western port and an equally breath-taking sunrise that can viewed from the eastern port. Himakajima offers visitors two very decent white sandy beaches on 
either side of the island, both of which are easily accessed from the ferry landing. Head east to get to Sunrise Beach and west for Sunset Beach (As one might expect).
Website: http://www.himaka.com/english01
Access: From Meitetsu Nagoya station take the Kowa line to Kowa Station. You can either walk or take the free shuttle bus (see below) to the ferry terminal.
Himakajima Bus and Ferry Info
Free Shuttle Bus: From Meitetsu Kowa station, Bus stop no. 2
09:02, 10:02, 10:33, 11:02, 11:33, 13:02, 13:33, 14:02, 14:33, 15:02, 15:33, 16:07, 16:37, 17:07, 17:37, 18:07
(Alternatively, you can walk from Kowa station on foot for 7 minutes to the ferry terminal)
From the Ferry Terminal to Himakajima:
07:45(W) , 09:10(E), 10:15(W), 11:15(W), 11:45(WE), 13:20(W), 14:15(E), 15:15(W), 16:15(WE), 17:15(W), 18:25(W)
From Himakajima East to Ferry Terminal: :
08:25, 10:10, 11:10, 13:25, 14:25
From Himakajima West to Ferry Terminal
07:00, 09:25, 10:20, 11:40, 13:35, 14:35, 15:40, 16:40, 17:55
Return Fare:
2610 Yen (adults) / 1310 Yen (children); takes 20 minutes to Himakajima West (W), and 25 minutes to Himakajima East (E).
Full timetable:
What to do when you’re there
Have Fun with the Dolphins
Where: Sunset Beach
When: Open: May to August 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
Admission: Park admission 300 Yen – ages 4 to 12 200 Yen
Dolphin Touch 1000 Yen (10 -15 mins)
Fureai Beach – play in waist deep water with the dolphins – 2000 Yen (20 mins) – over 5s only – sandals are recommended
Bicycle Rental – explore the island’s 5.5 km coastline
Where: Coffee & Snack Ikoi (08:00 – 17:00) – located in front of the West Harbour Tel: 0569-68-2331
Cost: I hour 500 Yen, all day 2000 Yen; 1000 Yen deposit
Octopus Fishing
What: Search the rock pools for octopuses and catch them with your bare hands. Then Barbecue and eat them!
Where: Sunrise Beach
Cost: 1500 Yen; limited to 40 people
