Tanegashima

I have never thought of Japan as a beach destination. I don’t think anyone really does – at least not anyone on our side of the world. So it was quite a surprise to find myself on the island Tanegeshima, off Japan’s south coast, enjoying some of the most beautiful, tropical beaches I have ever seen. The warmth and clarity of the water rivaled the emerald quality of the Gulf Coast, while the scenery was somewhat reminiscent of the rocky arches that decorate Capri.

It was at once the best of all my favorite seaside spots, and completely new and different at the same time. Everything I love about the beach with a Japanese twist.

Our weekend began with a ferry ride from Kagoshima – about a two-hour drive from Miyakonojo. I slept most of the way, thanks to a somewhat late night involving yakiniku (all you can eat grilled meat) and karaoke. When we got to Tanegashima our rental car was waiting with an old woman (who actually referred to herself as old woman, “obachan”), and after attaching Luke’s surfboards to the top of the car, we headed to a surfer’s getaway called Mauna Village.

That evening we strolled along the beach, collected seashells, took a quick dip in the ocean and gorged ourselves at the Mauna Village BBQ. They put a plate of seafood and meat in front of us that could have fed 10, and we did America proud and ate most of it between the two of us (that’s two huge chicken legs, two whole fish, countless strips of beef and pork, eggplant, tofu and peppers).

After a restless night’s sleep on the world’s thinnest futons, complemented by rice pillows, we set out to explore Tanegashima. We stopped lots of places to see the view and check out the beaches, but our final destination that day was a cove on the southern tip of the island . . .

Imagine the perfect beach – totally picturesque in its palm tree frame, sugar sandy beaches littered with spectacular shells and clear blue water with gentle waves carrying surfers to shore . . . yes this was where we spent our day, Iwasaki Beach.

We surfed (yes, me, too!), relaxed, played football and I collected a bazillion shells. It was a perfect beach day, to say the least!

While that is hard to top, the next day certainly did not disappoint. This time we headed to the north side of the island where we found a small beach with crystal clear green water and almost no waves – the perfect place to float on the American flag inner tubes we rented.

Having thoroughly zapped ourselves after two full days in the sun, we drove around the island a bit more and then went back to port to catch the ferry home. The ride this time was absolutely sensational as we watched neighboring islands float in the distance while the bright orange sun set behind classically Japanese volcanoes.

(Think I could get a job with Japan’s tourism board, promoting this country as a beach destination?)