Sun, Sea, and Adventure: Your Ultimate Toba Summer

By Christopher Douglas

Local in Toba

Toba hits its stride during the summer season. The temperatures are high, but they can be a couple of degrees cooler than the big cities thanks to our coastal location. The locals are busy preparing for smaller community festivals and looking forward to the biggest event in late July, Toba’s Minato Matsuri.

Hitting the Beach

Chidorigahama (Osatsu)

Because of the ria coastline, many of the natural beaches in Toba are rocky. If you are looking for a nice stretch of sand, Chidorigahama is the place to go. It has been named one of Toba’s most beautiful spots and is well-equipped with showers and a few kiosks during the summer season. Some of the nearby hotels also offer an onsen-only service, which is a great way to wash off the salt and relax after enjoying the sea. Chidorigahama is in Osatsu, so be sure to choose the most appropriate mode of transport for your situation.

Toba Aquarium: A Summer Escape

When the heat and humidity get to be too much, most people head to the sanctuary of Toba Aquarium. It is one of the largest in Japan and is home to the country’s only dugong. The aquarium is set up so that you can explore and move around at your own pace. There is no set route, so you can just follow your interests and enjoy the variety of displays. The sea otters have a cult-like following in Japan, so do not be surprised if you have to wait in line to get to the window and see them up close.

Toba Minato Matsuri: The Summer Highlight

Easily the biggest festival in town, Toba’s Minato Matsuri is held on the fourth Friday of July, weather permitting. This is when Toba sees its biggest influx of tourists, and the trains and roads often get overwhelmed during the evening. Cellphone service also takes a hit from the sudden increase in users, so do not be surprised if connections get slow. There are a generous number of food stalls and performances around the ferry terminal, giving you plenty to do and see before the fireworks begin. Once the countdown finishes later in the evening, you can sit back and enjoy the show. Summertime fireworks are an important part of contemporary Japanese culture.

Marine Activities: Getting on the Water

Summer is the best time to get out onto the bay. To get a good feel for the landscape, you can join a sea kayaking tour that takes you out to the Mitsushima Islands. These are three small uninhabited islands that have long been symbols of Toba’s landscape. Kayaking here is very accessible and not overly challenging, so people of all ages and abilities can give it a go. If you would rather catch the sea breeze without the work, I recommend hopping on a local ferry. Head out to Toshijima, Sugashima, or Kamishima to explore the small fishing villages and see what life is like there. Be sure to plan ahead and bring food if needed, as some of the smaller islands do not have restaurants or convenience stores.

Things to Keep in Mind

Summer in Toba is beautiful but very humid. I always remind people to stay hydrated and take advantage of the many vending machines and air-conditioned shops near the station. If you are coming for the fireworks, try to arrive early to find a good spot at Shiroyama Park or along the waterfront promenade because the town gets very crowded that evening.