How to Bus to the Beach in Japan

   If you're in a metropolis, you probably already have a decent train route to somewhere near the beach, and once upon a time, similar things existed in Miyagi. Once in 2010, I took a train all the way up to Nobiru beach and walked maybe 200 meters between the train station and the ocean. 2011 changed all that and all the train lines moved further inland when they were rebuilt, so now the distance between the beach and the train line is much more challenging on foot than it used to be.

Sun, fun, sand and waves, but how do we get there?

     Not being in a major city and not having a car can be huge impediments on getting to the beach. We've used taxis and walked, but the most comfortable solution we've found is this: busses.

     1) If you want to get to the beach without a car in Japan, the first thing you should do is an internet search for beaches in your area or the specific beach you intend to visit. It was only in checking the website for this specific beach that I found out that there was a bus line connecting it to a train station near my home. The website even gave a link to a page where I could download the schedule for the bus, which is step two.

     2) If you can find the details for the bus online, it'll likely include pdf documents featuring the schedule. Looking over this might be daunting if you aren't great at Japanese or don't know the exact bus stop name for the place you're trying to go. I had to take a screenshot and use Google Translate on it to be sure of the kanji for my beach plan.

     3) Be sure of the times of the busses you want to take and remember that they aren't quite as punctual as trains, being that they also have to deal with traffic. I usually plan to be at least ten minutes early just to make sure I can identify the bus and get on the right one.

     4) Take the bus, and pay attention on the way both so that you know when to get off and so that you can find your way back of you miss your intended return bus and have to walk. 

     5) Pay attention when you get off the bus, and not just to your possessions or watching your step. Look for the return bus stop and make sure it's for your intended bus. They will usually be just across the street from the bus stop where you got off, but might be further off depending on the logistics of your specific location.

     6) Enjoy your day at the beach and make sure to be at the return bus stop ten minutes before it is set to arrive.

Note: Some small regional busses like the one we took might require verbal confirmation of where you're going and payment up front, before you're even seated. Having your change ready can be beneficial.