Suma Beach — Attraction in Kobe

Suma Beach in Kobe is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to relax by the sea, especially during the summer months. I recently visited this beach and had a great experience overall, though there are some points to keep in mind before planning a trip.

The beach is easily accessible, just a short walk from Suma Station on the JR Kobe Line, making it convenient for those traveling from Osaka or Kobe. Upon arrival, I was impressed by the long stretch of sandy shoreline and the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea. The water was calm and warm, making it ideal for swimming, though it may not be the clearest compared to beaches in Okinawa or Shikoku.

One of the highlights of Suma Beach is its lively atmosphere during summer. Beachside restaurants and bars set up temporary stalls, serving delicious seafood, yakitori, and refreshing drinks. Many people were enjoying BBQs, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing under umbrellas. The music and entertainment from nearby beach clubs also added to the vibrant energy of the place.

However, one downside is that the beach can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. Finding a good spot might be challenging if you arrive late in the day. Additionally, while the beach is generally clean, some areas can have litter left behind by visitors, which slightly takes away from the natural beauty. The city does make efforts to clean the area, but more awareness among visitors would help maintain the beach better.

If you’re looking for a fun and social beach experience close to Kobe, Suma Beach is a great option. It’s perfect for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the summer vibes. However, if you prefer a quieter, more pristine beach, you might want to explore nearby Awaji Island or other parts of the...

It was a good beach to visit while in Kobe in summer. I’m giving it 3 stars though because I have been to better ones. I went there on the first week of September, so that could be a factor why I was not at all wowed by this beach. (I’m from a part of the Philippines where the beaches have white sand and the water is crystal clear, so my standards of a good beach is a little high. Lol)

PROS:

Easily accessible. You can easily take a train to Suma Station, which is right in front of the beach.

There are shops where you can buy food and drinks. For instance, there’s Grateful’s (burger shop), a conbini bu Suma Station, some vending machines, etc.

The water is clear. Not the clearest I’ve seen, but is clear enough.

You can see some small fishes.

The view is nice.

CONS:

The beach is pebbly. If you have a sensitive sole, it’s gonna be an experience for you.

When we went there, there was a dead fish on the beach. Not sure if it was washed ashore or because...

I live here are come as often as I can. In the off season the beach is pretty empty except for a few people exercising. However in the on season there are shore front bars that line the beach that are only built temporarily for the summer. The beach is VERY busy and there are a lot of people from all over the world who come here not just Japanese people. BBQ on the beach is NOT allowed, however you can drink and smoke. Tattoos are allowed as well. Drinking alcohol is also okay but make sure that you are aware of the people around you especially if you are foreign or a woman because Suma is known for being the place that men try to pick up women in the summer and when alcohol is involved it can be dangerous.

If you are looking to come here with your family and children there is also a sectioned off area called a "ファミリーエリア" where alcohol and smoking are prohibited and so are people with tattoos so be aware of that.

It's a beautiful place and so much...