About
In the southwestern part of Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, facing the tranquil Osaka Bay, there stretches a beautiful beach where white sand and green pines weave a picturesque landscape. This place was named “Nishikinohama” (literally, “Beach of Two Colors”) because of the harmonious blend of the white sand and the blue-green pine forest. True to its name, the scenery created by the shining white sand and the deep green pine trees never fails to captivate the hearts of visitors.
Long ago, the beauty of this area was praised by the Heian period poet Ki no Tsurayuki. In his “Tosa Diary,” he wrote, “The color of the pines is blue, the waves on the shore are as white as snow, and the color of the shells is suou (a reddish-purple)...,” vividly describing the landscape. This poetic depiction continues to convey the charm of this beach across the ages.
In spring, the beach bustles with families enjoying clam digging. Children search for shells along the water’s edge, while adults watch over them with warm smiles. When summer arrives, swimmers flock to the beach to enjoy swimming and sunbathing under the blue sky. The shallow sea is safe even for children, making it an ideal spot for families.
However, this beautiful beach once faced environmental deterioration. The nearby Konoki River was rated as having the worst water quality among all secondary rivers nationwide in the 1990s. As a result, the water quality at Nishikinohama also declined, and the beach began to lose its former brilliance.
Even so, the local people loved and continued to protect this beach. Thanks to the combined efforts of local residents and volunteer groups, who engaged in cleanup and environmental conservation activities, the water quality gradually improved. These efforts bore fruit, and in 2024, Nishikinohama became the first beach in Osaka Prefecture to receive the international environmental certification “Blue Flag.” This indicates that Nishikinohama is recognized internationally as a beautiful and safe beach.
Currently, Nishikinohama is also being developed as a universal beach that everyone can enjoy. Beach mats have been installed and amphibious wheelchairs introduced so that wheelchair users can also enjoy swimming in the sea. Thanks to these measures, everyone, regardless of disability, can now fully enjoy their time at this beautiful beach.
At sunset, the view of the sun sinking into Osaka Bay through the pine forest is truly spectacular. The sky and sea are dyed crimson, and the shimmering light reflected on the waves deeply moves all who see it. This beautiful scene has been selected as one of the “100 Best Sunsets in Japan,” and many people visit to etch this moment into their memories.
Nishikinohama is a place where natural beauty and human effort are fused together. A visit here allows you to experience the contrast of white sand and green pines, history and culture, and the warmth of the people. The time spent on this beach will surely become a special memory deeply engraved in your heart.