Japan's Only Beach Where You Can Swim with Whales: Taiji Town's "Whale Encounter Beach" to be Held This Summer

Taiji Town (Taiji, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture) will hold a limited-time summer event, "Whale Encounter Beach," at the "Kujirahama Beach" in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, from July 17 (Fri) to August 16 (Sun), 2026. This is the only beach in Japan where visitors can swim with whales.

During this event, two short-finned pilot whales (cetaceans) will be exhibited in a special enclosure. For two hours from 11:00 to 13:00, the whales will be released from the enclosure, allowing visitors to observe them up close in a natural environment while enjoying swimming. The public exhibition of whales at Kujirahama Beach marks the 18th year of this annual summer event in Taiji Town, which began in 2008.

*According to our town's research (as a beach in Japan)

Event Outline

Event Name: Whale Encounter Beach Event Period: July 17 (Fri) - August 16 (Sun), 2026 Swimming Hours: 9:00 - 16:00 Whale Release Time: 11:00 - 13:00 (2 hours) Venue: Kujirahama Beach Address: Taiji, Taiji, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture 649-5171

[Access] Approximately 10 minutes by car from Taiji Station on the JR Kisei Main Line. Take the town loop bus from Taiji Station and get off at "Kujirahama Kaizokujo-mae" (Kujirahama Beach Entrance), then walk for about 3 minutes. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes via National Route 42 from Susami-Minami IC on the Kisei Expressway. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes via National Route 42 from Kumano-Odomari IC on the Kisei Expressway.

[Admission/Participation Fee] Beach use is free. Parking (approx. 40 regular cars) is free. *If the parking lot is full, please use the parking lot near "The Whale Museum" (free), about a 5-minute walk away.

Event Highlights

Japan's Only Beach Where You Can Swim with Whales Taiji Town is known as the "Town of Whales" with a traditional Japanese whaling culture. Leveraging its extensive knowledge and breeding techniques related to cetaceans, the town has been holding "Whale Encounter Beach" since 2008. This initiative to safely exhibit cetaceans in an open environment like a beach is a unique endeavor in Japan. Furthermore, the whaling culture has been recognized as a Japan Heritage site, "Living with Whales," marking its 10th anniversary this year.

Two Short-Finned Pilot Whales Exhibited in a Special Enclosure Two short-finned pilot whales will be publicly exhibited in a special enclosure within the venue. Visitors can observe the whales swimming gracefully and breathing up close, right by the water's edge. Observation from the sandy beach is also possible, making it enjoyable for families with small children.

Whales "Go Out" to the Sea from 11:00 to 13:00 For two hours from 11:00 to 13:00, the whales will be released from the special enclosure. Visitors can observe the whales swimming freely in the waters of Kujirahama Beach while enjoying their swim. In an environment close to the natural sea, you can experience the whales' breathing, movements, and interactions with surrounding fish in a more dynamic way.

Educational Entertainment in a Natural Environment Kujirahama Beach is a swimming beach utilizing a cove facing the Pacific Ocean. In an environment close to nature, which is less burdensome for both cetaceans and people, this event provides an opportunity to think about "marine life" and "coexistence with nature" through observation and interaction. It is an experience that combines entertainment and environmental learning, making it ideal for summer vacation research projects.

Facilities, Equipment, and Precautions

- Toilets, showers, and changing rooms are fully equipped. - Swimming hours: 9:00 - 16:00 (Shower use until 16:00). - Please follow the instructions of lifeguards and staff in the swimming area and around the whales. - Intentionally touching, chasing, or throwing objects at the whales is prohibited. - The exhibition hours and program content may be changed or canceled without notice due to weather, sea conditions, or the whales' physical condition.

Inquiries regarding this matter

Taiji Town Industry and Construction Division 3767-1 Taiji, Taiji, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture 649-5171 Phone: 0735-59-2335 FAX: 0735-59-2570