Commentary Kamayahama Beach: Windfarm and Sand Craft

Kamayahama Beach: Windfarm and Sand Craft

The calm, clear waters and wide, sandy shores of Mitane’s Kamayahama Beach attract visitors from all over the country. It was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful beaches in 2006, and is called “Sunset Beach Kamayahama” for the striking vistas created as the sun sets over the Sea of Japan. The distinctive scenery of Kamayahama served as the backdrop to beach scenes for Day and Night, a 2019 film that was shot at this location.

Wind Turbines

A defining feature of Kamayahama is the line of 18 tall, white wind turbines that span the shore for 3 kilometers. The turbines are 63 meters high and the blades extend 102 meters. They can produce up to 54,000 megawatt-hours annually, enough to power around 17,000 homes. Additionally, they can turn in wind speeds as low as 3 meters per second, but shut down automatically if wind speeds reach dangerous levels.

Sand Sculptures

The “Sand Craft in Mitane” festival is held at the beach every year in late July, drawing sand sculptors from Japan and overseas. The artists create huge, intricate sculptures out of sand, mixing glue into exterior layers to help retain details. The largest sculptures stand over 3 meters tall and can take up to two weeks to complete. Prizes are awarded in a range of categories, and the festival includes events such as live music and fireworks. The sculptures are left in place until the end of August.

Free parking is available for 1,100 vehicles, including camper vans, from May until October. There are toilets, paid showers, and cafes near the beach, though these facilities are closed in winter. Kamayahama is a 25- to 30-minute drive from Noshiro Station.