When you ask Fukuokans about their top beach, Shingu Beach is consistently in the running. Still in a populated and accessible region, but less developed than Momochi Beach with its shopping, dining, and surrounding towers and stadiums, Shingu Beach has a lot to offer. The stretch of sand is long and particularly wide, the surroundings are more natural than urban, it has a large parking lot right on location as well as a nearby train station, and it has Shingu-ya—a fantastic beach house.
Unlike other narrow beaches, the sand here is a couple of kilometers long and about 50 meters wide in front of the beach house. Although the sand could be cleaned of debris more often, most of it is conveniently flat and ball sports are not restricted here. Neither are tents, barbecues, and other things that are barred from beaches in residential areas. The sheer size of the place gives you the freedom to enjoy the beach with breathing room.
There’s a good separation between Shingu Beach and local residences because of a pine forest that lines the shore. Also, you’ll see that the curve of the land is appealing in sight, as well as a group of nearby islands here in the Genkai Sea, part of the Sea of Japan. If you’re facing the water, Ainoshima is viewed straight on, and Oshima lies off to the far right. Oronoshima may be visible to the left, as well as the far distant Okinoshima to the right of Ainoshima. These patches of green add to the natural beauty of your experience at the beach.
Accessibility is a big factor, and this beach hits the sweet spot. You’ll have to travel a bit, but you can get there by city subway. It doesn’t have a line of shops and restaurants right there on the beach, but that means there’s more nature and less resort-like distractions. If you run out of drinks or food, other beachgoers may kindly help out; if not, there’s the beach house.
Public restrooms are located along the access road from Nishitetsu Shingu Station that goes through the forest and emerges at Shingu-ya and the parking lot. It takes about five minutes to walk from the station to the beach. Parking is 500 yen a day and the lot is often full during midday in peak season. There are no public showers, but Shingu-ya offers changing rooms and hot showers for a small fee, as well as rental floats and other beach gear, besides serving food and drink. During summer, the beach has lifeguards on staff.
新宮海岸—Shinguu Kaigan—Shingu Beach
