Katsumi Beach Tsushima 2026: Family Snorkeling & Fun for Kids
Planning a family trip to Tsushima in 2026? Katsumi Beach (Otaura Beach) offers incredible snorkeling, perfect for kids, plus nearby shopping and hot springs.
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Planning a family trip to Tsushima in 2026? Katsumi Beach (Otaura Beach) offers incredible snorkeling, perfect for kids, plus nearby shopping and hot springs.
Katsumi Beach Review: Perfect for Families
Recommended Snorkeling Spot in Tsushima
© Text & Photos by Ohrai Yeosa
If you're eyeing Tsushima as your international getaway this July,
chances are you're dreaming of splashing around and snorkeling in its stunning waters!
While searching for travel information on Tsushima,
you'll find plenty of details on tourist spots and restaurants,
but finding specific recommendations for "family-friendly snorkeling spots"
can be surprisingly tricky!
Every summer, our family makes Tsushima our go-to July international destination.
It's incredibly cost-effective, and we love spending about a week there,
diving headfirst into the island's beautiful waters.
Of all the places we've explored,
today I want to share a beach that's absolutely perfect even for the littlest adventurers:
Katsumi Beach (also known as Otaura Beach)!
Having explored it firsthand,
I can confidently say it's a must-visit for anyone searching for a top Tsushima snorkeling spot,
planning a family trip to Tsushima,
or simply wanting to enjoy some fun in the water with their kids.
What's more, it's not just about the water fun!
You can also enjoy shopping and even a hot spring experience all in one go,
making it a truly satisfying day trip.
Katsumi Beach Essential Information | |
Address | 324-1 Mitsushimamachi Kechi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0322 Japan |
Map Code | 526 384 852*31 |
Parking | Free |
Admission Fee | Free |
Showers | Available for free (during operating season only) |
Recommended For | * Those looking for Tsushima snorkeling spots * Families seeking a place for water play with children * Those planning a summer trip to Tsushima * Those who want to enjoy shopping and hot springs together |
Table of Contents
Watch the Video Below ↓↓↓↓
01. A Tsushima Snorkeling Gem Perfect for Kids
Katsumi Beach is conveniently located
about halfway between Hitakatsu and Izuhara.
When we first visited, we only planned a quick stop,
but the incredible underwater clarity kept us there
much longer than anticipated!
After that, we started coming prepared with all our gear,
and it became our go-to spot for half-day snorkeling adventures.
The very first thing that grabbed our attention upon arrival was
the incredibly transparent water.
My daughters exclaimed the moment they stepped out of the car,
"Mom, the water is really clear!"
That's how clear it is! Unless there are high waves,
the water truly has a fantastic color.
This is exactly why it's become one of the most popular spots
for anyone seeking incredible snorkeling in Tsushima.
Even right by the shore,
the water was so clear you could see straight to the bottom,
and spotting fish was a breeze.
02. Water Color and Depth at Katsumi Beach
When I actually went in,
the sections close to the beach are shallow,
perfect for kids to splash around.
It's also great for playing on inflatable tubes or building sandcastles,
so parents can relax and enjoy themselves.
The sand quality is excellent too, making it very suitable
for kids to play in the sand.
While the water depth gradually increases,
there are also sections where it suddenly gets deep
if you venture further out.
In fact, while I was snorkeling,
I suddenly encountered a deep section,
and around it, I saw many large fish
that you'd typically find in a raw fish restaurant's aquarium!
So, if you're visiting with young children,
I highly recommend wearing
life jackets.
03. The Underwater Scenery and Fish I Actually Saw
The reason I love summer trips to Tsushima
is precisely because the environment is perfectly suited
for snorkeling.
When you put on a mask and peer into the water,
you can easily spot schools of small fish
swimming all over the place.
Even close to the beach,
fish were easily visible.
As I ventured a bit deeper,
larger fish started appearing too, giving me the feeling
I was inside a sushi restaurant's aquarium! Haha.
It might not have the vibrant corals
of Southeast Asian seas, but with plenty of fish,
it was still a thoroughly enjoyable ocean
for families to have fun.
Also, just for fun, I bought a bamboo fishing rod
from a 1000-yen shop and tried fishing.
The bites were quicker than expected,
so even adults had a great time.
Although mostly small pufferfish were caught,
we observed them and then released them back into the sea,
creating wonderful memories.
04. Snorkeling Essentials and Precautions
If you're planning to go snorkeling in Tsushima,
there are some essential items you absolutely must bring.
✔ Snorkeling Mask
✔ Aqua Shoes
✔ Life Jacket
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Hat
✔ Water and Snacks
✔ Shade Tent or Mini Tarp
You might think, "Can't I just buy them there?"
but absolutely not.
There aren't many places selling water play gear.
I strongly recommend purchasing them in your home country
before you go.
Especially, make sure to bring aqua shoes.
If you look into the water,
you might find areas with sea urchins or shellfish.
I recommend wearing sneaker-style aqua shoes
with thick soles, rather than sock-style ones.
See Recommended Tsushima Snorkeling Gear ↓↓↓↓
05. Review of Katsumi Beach Showers and Facilities
One of the most satisfying parts after finishing our water activities
was the shower facility.
There's a free shower facility available,
making it easy to quickly rinse off and head out.
While the facilities aren't brand new and show some age,
they were kept clean and well-maintained.
However, I usually just towel off quickly
and head to the nearby hot springs.
And while there is a spot to escape the sun,
it's quite small.
That's why whenever I visit this spot,
I make sure to bring a mini tarp with me.
Some folks bring shade-only tents,
while others opt for parasols,
so feel free to bring whatever you find most comfortable!
06. The Perfect Itinerary: Beach Fun, Shopping, and Hot Springs!
To be honest, the main reason I absolutely love Katsumi Beach
goes beyond just the sand and sea.
It's all about the amazing infrastructure surrounding it.
You'll find Tsushima's only Daiso, a Value Mart,
and even a pizza place all within easy reach.
We usually start by grabbing snacks and drinks at Value Mart
before heading to the beach for some exciting fun.
And after all that splashing around,
we make our way to Yuttari Land to freshen up, then it's 'go-go' back to our accommodation!
I can't recommend this itinerary enough!
Kids get to revel in their water adventures,
adults can melt away their fatigue in the rejuvenating hot springs,
and everyone gets to enjoy some shopping,
so it's a guaranteed win for the whole family, don't you think?
07. Why Tsushima is the Perfect July Family Getaway
If you're eyeing Tsushima as your next July getaway,
you'll want to thoroughly research your trip
and pack all your essentials
to ensure you make the most of every moment, right?
Enjoy water fun safely in its shallow waters,
snorkel among a vibrant array of fish,
and then indulge in some shopping and a relaxing onsen experience.
If a family adventure to Tsushima is on your radar,
make sure to save this spot and pay it a visit!
Especially for those seeking a top snorkeling spot in Tsushima,
or a perfect place for water play with kids,
it will be a choice you won't regret.
We're actually planning to visit Tsushima again this July as our overseas travel destination,
and Katsumi Beach is definitely on our itinerary!
Stocked up with plenty of delicious treats, of course! ^^
📍 Katsumi Beach
Katsumi Beach, Mitsushimamachi Kechi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0322 Japan
Katsumi Beach Review: Perfect for Families with Kids!
Tsushima's Top Snorkeling Spot Recommended
© Text and Photos by Oh Rai Yeosa
For those planning a July overseas adventure to Tsushima,
chances are you're hoping to enjoy the sea, swim, and snorkel at one of its amazing spots.
When you search for Tsushima travel information,
you'll likely find a ton of details about attractions and restaurants,
but finding specific recommendations for "great snorkeling spots with kids" can be a bit tricky.
Every summer, our family loves to choose Tsushima
as an incredibly value-for-money July international travel destination,
staying for about a week,
and truly immerse ourselves in the beautiful Tsushima sea.
Among all the fantastic places I've experienced,
today I want to introduce you to a beach that's perfect even for young children to enjoy:
Katsumi Beach (also known as Ootaura Beach).
After experiencing it firsthand,
for anyone seeking out incredible snorkeling spots in Tsushima,
families planning a Tsushima adventure,
and travelers wanting to enjoy water fun with their kids,
this was definitely a place I'd highly recommend.
What makes it truly special is that beyond just water activities,
you can also enjoy shopping and a rejuvenating onsen all in one go,
making it a truly satisfying experience even as a day trip.
Katsumi Beach Basic Information | |
Address | 324-1 Mitsushimamachi Kechi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0322 Japan |
Map Code | 526 384 852*31 |
Parking | Free |
Admission Fee | Free |
Showers | Free to use (available during opening season only) |
Recommended | * Those seeking top snorkeling spots in Tsushima * Families looking for a place to enjoy water play with kids * Anyone planning a summer trip to Tsushima * Travelers who want to enjoy shopping and onsen together |
Table of Contents
Watch the Video↓↓↓↓
01. Tsushima Snorkeling Spot Perfect for Families with Kids
Katsumi Beach
is located about halfway
between Hitakatsu and Izuhara.
Initially, we thought we'd just stop by for a moment,
but the underwater conditions were so good
that we ended up staying much longer.
After that, we prepared everything needed
and it became a spot where we'd spend half the day enjoying snorkeling.
The very first thing that caught our eye upon arrival was
the incredibly clear seawater.
As soon as our daughters got out of the car,
they exclaimed, "Mom, the water is so clear!"
That's how good the water color is,
as long as it's not a day with high waves.
That's why it's also the most visited spot
for those looking for snorkeling points in Tsushima.
Even close to the shore,
the water was clear enough to see right through,
and fish were easily spotted.
02. Water Clarity and Depth at Katsumi Beach
When I went in myself,
I found that the area close to the beach was shallow,
perfect for children to play in the water.
It's also great for playing with tubes or building sandcastles,
allowing parents to relax and enjoy without worry.
The sand condition is excellent, making it very suitable
for children to play in the sand.
Although the depth gradually increases,
there are also sections where it suddenly gets deep
as you move further out.
So, while snorkeling,
I suddenly encountered a deep section,
and around it, I saw many large fish,
like those you'd see in a sushi restaurant's fish tank.
Therefore, if you're visiting with young children,
I highly recommend that they wear a life vest.
03. The Actual Underwater Scenery and Fish
The reason I love summer trips to Tsushima
is precisely because the environment is perfectly suited
for snorkeling.
When you put on a mask and look underwater,
you can easily spot schools of small fish
swimming around everywhere.
Even close to the shore,
fish were easily visible.
As I ventured a little deeper,
larger fish started to appear,
and it felt like being inside a sushi restaurant's aquarium. Haha!
Unlike the seas of Southeast Asia,
there aren't vibrant corals,
but with plenty of fish, it was a sufficiently fun ocean
for families to enjoy.
Also, just for fun, we bought a bamboo fishing rod from a 1000-yen shop (around ~$6)
and tried fishing. The bites were quicker than expected,
making it enjoyable for adults too.
Although mostly small pufferfish were caught,
after observing them, we returned them to the sea,
and made some wonderful memories.
04. Snorkeling Essentials and Precautions
If you're planning to go snorkeling in Tsushima,
there are some essentials you absolutely must pack.
✔ Snorkeling mask
✔ Aqua shoes
✔ Life vest
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Hat
✔ Water and snacks
✔ Shade tent or mini tarp
You might be thinking, "Can't I just buy them there?"
But I strongly advise against it!
There aren't many places that sell water activity gear.
I really recommend buying them before you go
and taking them with you.
Especially make sure to bring aqua shoes.
If you look closely in the water,
you'll find areas with sea urchins or shellfish.
Instead of sock-style ones, I really recommend wearing sneaker-style aqua shoes
with a thick sole.
Check out recommended Tsushima snorkeling gear ↓↓↓↓
05. Katsumi Beach Shower Facilities and Amenities Review
After finishing our water activities, one of the most satisfying aspects
was the shower facility.
There are free shower facilities available,
making it great for a quick rinse before heading off.
The facilities aren't brand new and show some age,
but they were kept very clean.
However, I usually just towel off roughly
and head to the nearby hot springs instead.
There's also a small shaded area,
but it's quite cramped.
That's why when I visit this spot,
I always bring a mini tarp to use.
Some people bring shade tents,
while others bring parasols,
so just use whatever is most comfortable for you.
06. The Best Itinerary: Combining Shopping and Hot Springs
Actually, there's a big reason why I love Katsumi Beach so much.
It's all about the surrounding infrastructure.
Tsushima's only Daiso, as well as Value Mart
and a pizza place, are all nearby.
We first bought snacks and drinks at Value Mart,
then had a blast at the beach.
After our water activities, we headed to Yuttari-land
to freshen up before going back to our accommodation!
I truly recommend this itinerary.
The kids get to enjoy playing in the water,
the adults can relax and unwind in the hot springs,
and you can even squeeze in some shopping!
It's a win-win for the whole family, with high satisfaction all around, wouldn't you agree?
07. Why Tsushima is a Recommended Family Travel Destination for July Overseas Trips
If you've chosen Tsushima as your July overseas travel destination,
you'll want to diligently research information
and pack all your essentials
to truly make the most of your trip, right?
It's a place where you can safely enjoy water activities in shallow waters,
observe a variety of fish while snorkeling,
and even enjoy shopping and hot springs all in one go.
If you're planning a family trip to Tsushima,
be sure to save this spot and visit!
Especially if you're looking for a snorkeling paradise in Tsushima,
or a place to enjoy water play with your kids,
you won't regret choosing this place.
We're actually planning to visit Tsushima this July as an overseas trip,
and Katsumi Beach is definitely on our itinerary!
We'll be sure to pack plenty of snacks and goodies too! ^^
📍 Katsumi Beach
Katsumi Beach, Mitsushimamachi Kechi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0322 Japan
Katsumi Beach offers free parking and free admission. Shower facilities are also available for free, but only during the opening season.
The shallow areas near the beach are great for children to play, but there are also sections where the water suddenly gets deep, so we recommend wearing life jackets when accompanying young children. There may be sea urchins or shellfish in the water, so be sure to bring thick-soled, sneaker-style aqua shoes.
Yes, near Katsumi Beach, you'll find Tsushima's only Daiso, Value Mart, Direx, drugstores, and a pizza shop. After swimming, it's recommended to head to Yuttariland Onsen to relax and then enjoy some shopping.
There aren't many places selling water sports equipment locally, so it's best to purchase necessary items like snorkeling masks, aqua shoes, and life jackets in advance in your home country. In particular, be sure to bring thick-soled, sneaker-style aqua shoes to protect your feet from sea urchins and shellfish in the water.
Katsumi Beach provides free shower facilities, which are available only during the opening season. Although the facilities are old, they are kept clean. Since shaded areas are limited, it's advisable to bring a mini tarp or a shade tent.
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Tsushima Beach Recommendations Part 3: Featuring Tsushima's only Daiso, Value Mart, Direx, and drugstore, plus hot springs! 📍Mitsushima (Katsumi) Beach 324-1 Mitsushimamachi Kechi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0322 Japan 📍Parking: Use Tsushima Green Park parking. Free parking / Free admission. If you want to enjoy shopping, hot springs, and swimming, this was the most versatile beach in Tsushima. * The sea cucumber was observed and then returned to the sea. #TsushimaTravel #TsushimaBeach #MitsushimaBeach #KatsumiBeach #TsushimaSnorkeling
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Tsushima Beach Recommendations Part 3: Tsushima's Only Daiso, Valu Mart, Direx, Drugstore, and Onsen Available 📍Mitsushima (Katsumi) Beach 324-1 Mitsushimamachi Kechi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0322 Japan 📍Parking: Use Tsushima Green Park parking lot. Free parking / Free entry. If you want to shop, enjoy an onsen, and swim, this was the most versatile beach among all Tsushima beaches. * We observed the sea cucumber and then returned it to the sea. #TsushimaTravel #TsushimaBeach #MitsushimaBeach #KatsumiBeach #TsushimaSnorkeling