Chichibu Shore

Chichibugahama Beach is a shallow, approximately one-kilometer-long beach in Niocho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. Known for its beautiful sunsets and fantastical scenery, it is one of Kagawa’s most representative tourist attractions. Facing the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, this long beach attracts many visitors as a popular swimming destination in summer. In recent years, the mirror-like reflections that appear at low tide around sunset have become a sensation, especially on social media. Known as the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Japan,” the beach draws many tourists from both Japan and abroad as a popular photography spot.

Chichibugahama is also famous for its beautiful sunsets over Hiuchinada Bay and has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunset Views in Japan.” In 2018, it was ranked first nationwide in Jalan Travel Magazine’s “Sunset Views You Want to Visit” ranking, earning high praise as one of Japan’s premier sunset destinations.

### Fantastical Reflections Appearing Only at Low Tide

The greatest attraction of Chichibugahama is the fantastical reflection scenery that appears around sunset at low tide.

When the tide recedes significantly, shallow tidal pools form across the beach. During the calm period known as “Seto no Yuunagi,” when the wind is light, the surface of the water becomes like a mirror, beautifully reflecting the sky, clouds, and people. Because the scene resembles Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats in South America, it is also called the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Japan” or the “Mirror of the Sky,” captivating many photography enthusiasts and tourists.

This spectacular view can be seen when several conditions come together: the beach’s shallow terrain, low tide, calm weather with little wind, and twilight. In particular, as the sun sets, the orange-tinted sky is reflected on the water’s surface, creating an enchanting landscape.

### A Shallow, One-Kilometer-Long Beach

Chichibugahama is a shallow sandy beach stretching for approximately one kilometer. Because the waves are gentle and the water is shallow, it becomes busy in summer with families and local residents enjoying the beach.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the sand while admiring the Seto Inland Sea’s beautiful scenery of numerous islands, or play in the tidal pools. It is a place where people can enjoy being close to nature throughout the year.

### A Spectacular View Known Throughout Japan and Abroad Thanks to Social Media

Chichibugahama began attracting nationwide attention around 2017, when fantastical photographs posted on social media went viral.

Images of people and the sky reflected on the mirror-like water became a major topic of conversation online, prompting many tourists from Japan and abroad to visit, amazed that such scenery existed in Japan. Today, the beach is known as one of Kagawa Prefecture’s leading photography spots. Not only professional photographers but also many travelers enjoy taking photographs in their own creative styles.

In recent years, information on photography techniques and recommended visiting times has become widely available, and more visitors are checking the low-tide schedule and weather conditions before coming.

### A Beautiful Beach Preserved by the Local Community

The beautiful scenery of Chichibugahama today has been preserved through the long-standing efforts of local residents.

There were once plans to reclaim the beach, but concerned local residents began cleaning the shoreline on their own initiative. Led by the Chichibu-no-Kai group, which has continued its activities since the 1990s, many community members have spent years collecting litter and protecting the beach’s beautiful environment.

Although the cleanup activities initially began with only a few people, many more participants have joined over the years. Chichibugahama has become a beach protected by the entire community. Cleanup efforts continue today as part of an ongoing commitment to preserve its beautiful scenery for future generations.

### Beautiful Sunsets

Chichibugahama is also highly regarded as a famous sunset destination.

The sun slowly sinking over Hiuchinada Bay is breathtakingly beautiful, and the changing colors of the sky—from red and orange to purple—captivate all who see them. At low tide, the beautiful sunset is also reflected in the tidal pools, creating a fantastical scene in which the evening sky seems to stretch both above and below.

Twilight is the most popular time of day throughout the year, attracting many tourists and photographers.

### A Filming Location for Movies and Other Productions

Because of its beautiful scenery, Chichibugahama has also been used as a filming location for movies and other productions.

It is known as a filming location for movies such as *My Yellow Bicycle* and *The Setouchi Pirates*. In recent years, its appeal has been shared throughout Japan and overseas via social media, making it a popular destination visited by many tourists.

### Facilities in the Area

The area around Chichibugahama offers cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other facilities where visitors can relax while enjoying views of the sea.

At Chichibugahama PORT, a facility that provides tourist information and promotes the area, visitors can obtain information about low-tide times and recommended photography techniques. Parking lots and public restrooms are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind. With photography guidance and a wide selection of nearby shops, the area warmly welcomes many tourists.

### Seasonal Attractions

Chichibugahama displays a different character in every season.

In spring, visitors can enjoy strolling along the beach in the mild weather beside the calm sea. Summer brings crowds enjoying swimming and marine activities. In autumn, the clear air makes the sunsets and reflections especially beautiful. In winter, the quiet seaside atmosphere allows visitors to take in the spectacular scenery at a leisurely pace.

Because the scenery varies depending on the season and weather, Chichibugahama offers new discoveries and attractions no matter how many times you visit.

### Chichibugahama Today

Today, Chichibugahama is one of Japan’s most spectacular destinations, highly popular for its beautiful natural scenery and the environmental conservation efforts of the local community.

Its mirror-like, fantastical landscape that appears at low tide, beautiful sunsets, approximately one kilometer of shallow sandy beach, and rich natural environment preserved by local residents come together to captivate visitors.

In addition to photography, visitors can enjoy strolling, watching the sunset, or simply spending a relaxing time by the sea. Chichibugahama is one of Kagawa Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions and a destination well worth visiting.