Sasago Beach holds a very special place in my heart. This was the first place I went to with my husband. I had been living in Okayama for a couple of years and during that time I meet my husband. We had spent a lot of time going to cafes, the movies and the familiar activities that young couples do to get to know each other. After a few months had passed and of course summertime had arrived, my husband asked me if I wanted to go to the beach. Coming from New Zealand and being a water lover I jumped at the idea of visiting a new beach.
I wasn't sure where we were going but he said it was a place he had been going to since he was a kid. As we set off from Okayama City I was excited to see where he would take me. I didn't know that we would be driving to Shimane prefecture but I of course enjoyed the long drive. From Okayama City to Sasago Beach by car it took about 90 minutes, using the expressway. This is probably the best way, however you can travel to this beach using public transportation.
From Okayama you to need to go to Yonago City and then you cross over from Yonago city to Sakaiminato city (which is in Tottori prefecture) to Shimane. I wasn't really paying much attention to where we were driving but as we passed over this weirdly tall bridge and we winded down this narrow road, straight in front of us was this pristine beach with white sand and crystal clear water. I was very surprised as the beaches I had been to were very busy with lots of people but here at Sasago beach but there were hardly any people, which I liked.
We could park the car right at the beach in the local parking and walk just 2-3 meters to find where we would place our towels and swimming things. I still remember this first time as if it was just yesterday. After our day at the beach we walked to the local ryokan which has outside showers, showered off the sand and enjoyed a shaved ice treat.
At the time, I was just so happy to have been able to come to Sasago beach and would never have imagined that this place would become a place that I would come back every year. From my first memories to my new memories made with my children. If you happen to be near Yonago City or in Shimane, please visit Sasago beach to make your own memories.
