It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That is, if you love sunshine, surf, and most definitely hate snow. If you’re like me (Southern California born and raised, University of Hawaii graduate), then you live for the beach, and moreover, the ocean. Swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, body boarding; it really doesn’t matter as long as it’s in salt water.
To get my salty fix (and a tan), I like to head south to Wakayama. I pack a beach towel, lunch bento, bottle of water, and lots of waterproof sunscreen. Although it tends to be expensive, you can pick up good sunscreen at major drug stores like MaxValu. Avoid local drug stores though, as they tend to carry extremely small, over-priced junk packaged for Japanese women who hate to tan. Everything else I bring from home, as beach facilities, outside of August, tend to be slim to none.
Of course, some equipment is a little hard to bring unless you have a car. For those who don’t have a long, sticker-covered surfer van, fret not. Pack all of your beach stuff, throw on your bathing suit, slip on your slippahs (”flip flops” for Mainland Americans, “beach sandals” to Japanese) and head to your local Nankai Line station. Board the express bound for Wakayama City and enjoy the ride with a good book or mp3 collection. Once you get to Wakayama City, change to the Kanda Line. Enjoy a few more pages or a couple more songs until you arrive at a small station called 磯ノ浦 Isonoura.
When you walk out of the station, head straight ahead to the beach. Welcome to Isonoura Beach, a sandy, relatively clean beach with less concrete tetrapods and more darkly tanned beach boys from the countryside. If you forgot sunscreen, didn’t pack a lunch, or feel like renting a surfboard, head all the way down to the two-story surf shop on your left. Kaiser’s Surf Shop offers beach wear, sunscreen, surf equipment and locally shaped boards on the first floor, and tasty food and drink on the second. Try the Chicken Plate with some mango juice while you enjoy the view.
After you’ve had some food, head back to the beach. From July to early September, the water is warm enough to swim in comfortably. Be aware that this is no pool: there are many hazards in the water. Sometimes it’s jellyfish floating in, sometimes it’s idiot beginner surfers without the slightest concept of controlling the direction of their board. Stay aware and you’re sure to have a good time.
For more information on Isonoura Beach, check out the unofficial blog at: http://www.isonoura.com/. See you in the water.
