Sun Plage Iwasaki [Carp Shopping Street] (サンプラージュ岩崎【カープ商店街】)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A shopping street that spreads along the Horikawa Canal (堀川運河) near JR Aburatsu Station (JR油津駅). In recent years, vacant storefronts have been turned into restaurants and cafes, and there are now plenty of family-friendly eateries serving set meals and rice bowls made with local seafood and Nichinan-grown ingredients. A stone arch bridge called Horikawa Bridge (堀川橋) spans the canal, and simply strolling along the water lets you enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Nichinan port town. It sits at just the right distance for a bite before swimming, making it a perfect stop on the way to Odotsu Beach (大堂津海水浴場).

Tips

A few minutes' walk from JR Aburatsu Station (JR油津駅). There are coin-operated parking lots around the shopping street. Since you'll be swimming afterward, it's best to go easy and choose a lighter lunch rather than overeating. It's also a convenient spot to pick up drinks or extra beach gear.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. Arriving before noon, around 11am, makes it easier to get a seat.

Access & map

3-10-6 Iwasaki, Nichinan-shi, Miyazaki 887-0014