CONTRIBUTED BY MEREDITH NOVARIO
Are you looking for a beach that screams “back to nature” but is kid friendly as well? Toguchi Beach is all that and more. This beach makes me feel like I’m on the set of “LOST” because it’s isolated and wild in some parts. The views from some of the bluffs are breathtaking.
And yet, they have a kiddie play area with two of the coolest cement slides on the island. Also great covered pavilions for picnicking. Very awe inspiring, yet practical at the same time. But then again, that’s what Japan is all about.
Toguchi Beach
Address: Toguchi Beach; 228 Toguchi, Yomitan
GPS Coordinates: 26.3644617929, 127.738609923
Directions from Foster or Kadena Gate 1:
North on Hwy 58 (that’s a right out of Kadena Gate 1). Pass Naval Kadena and the McDonald’s on 58. You will see a light immediately after the pedestrian crossway and across from Kadena Gate 4. This is the MizuGama intersection. Make a left at this light. At the second light after you turn the road forks so make sure you take the left fork going towards the tombs. You will shortly find yourself on a red bridge. Keep going, you will see a Family Mart on your left. At the next light you will see a Japanese gas station with blue trim and an orange and white sign. There is a large stone shisa at the entrance of this gas station. You will also see a large red arrow for Toguchi Baech pointing left with the words 1 km on it. Following the arrow, turn left. You will find yourself on a small road with fields and houses. Look for the red arrow that says 500 km and turn right at the arrow. Toguchi Beach is at the end of this road and you should automatically turn into the parking lot.
Directions from Kadena Gate 3:
There is a shortcut to Toguchi Beach. Take a left out of Gate 3. At the next light you will see a sign with a large white/orange dragon on it. There is also an overhead sign pointing to Kadena Athletic Field. Take a right at this light. Keep going. You will eventually cross Hwy 58. After about 10 minutes you will see a Japanese Gas station with a large stone shisa on your left, and Starbucks across the street. Keep going straight. You will also pass a large red arrow marked 1 km on your right. Look for the arrow marked 500 m. Turn right. You will find Toguchi Beach at the end of the road.
Is this a dog friendly beach? If not, where is one?
I just saw some Americans there tonight with a dog. There doesn’t seem to be a problem
When I was working at Torii Station we used to pick up bento lunches and eat them at the highest covered pavilion overlooking Toguchi Beach. Nobody ever bothered us.
The beach at Sunabe Baba Park (Dolphin Park) by the seawall near Gate 1 is where we take our dogs. We see a lot of the locals and SOFA status people do the same. HTH.
Jennifer- Most parks and beaches here do not allow dogs. There are some, but I don’t think they’re that great. Of course, if you’re pcsing in July, there’s a chance they won’t fly your dog anyway.
We are PCSing to Kadena in July 2010 from Colorado and can’t wait for the warm weather and beaches. We have an athletic black lab who loves to swim. Are there any dog friendly beaches or parks?
Here’s the # for the pavilions at Toguchi Beach. 098-982-8877 I’m not sure if they speak English–I had a Japanese friend call for me. You can bring your own (pre-cooked) food there. I’m not sure what the deal is with grilling out. I think you have to rent the grill or something like that.
That’s really unfortunate that Torii is closed since my son’s birthday is mid April. Well the beach sounded like a good idea but since we can’t even prepare our own food it seems like a lost cause. Hmm, and that was my back up plan. Guess it’s back to the drawing board.
How much was it to rent the pavillion? I can understand you can’t grill your food when they have a restaurant there but can you bring your own food to have a picnic party there?
You can rent the pavillion, but you can’t serve your own food. You have to have it catered by the restaurant. We had a birthday party there this weekend and I was grilling food for everybody. I then got a visit by the owners and got the big “X”.
Torii beach is closed until April 24-26 timeframe…didn’t know when the birthday party was but thought I would mention it just in case.
As far as Toguchi goes, I think you can ask about renting the pavilions and/or hooking up to the gas tanks provided by going into the little shop near the parking lot. You can also get some great Yakisoba in that shop area.
Yeah I’ve thought of Torii too since it’s still relatively close. I need to search around and find out where to call to ask about reserving and fees. I’ve wanted to do a party at Araha for 2 years now but can’t see spending 7000 yen on the pavilion alone.
Why not go to Torri?
Does anyone know if you have to pay a rental fee for the covered pavilions for a birthday party? I’m trying to decide on a beach location with pavilions and play area for my son’s 4th birthday. Any info would be greatly appreaciated!
We went here on January 11 of this year, it was a bit cold but it was still fun. I would have never found this place if it wasn’t for this website. If you want to see video of the park and beach check this out: http://www.youtube.com/andrewrcoy
this is our favorite beach/park. we take most of our japanese students (from the mainland) here for a picnic with a view and some beach exploring. it is a must see!
Can’t wait to try this place out although I hope I don’t run into any “others”!