Let’s visit “Chichibugahama,” a scenic spot gaining popularity for its photogenic appeal!

Chichibugahama (Mitoyo City), often dubbed the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Japan,” is a famous tourist spot located in Kagawa Prefecture. When talking about photogenic locations, one might think of striking poses at Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, where the sky reflects like a mirror on the ground. However, if going all the way to the real Uyuni Salt Flats is too far or too expensive, Chichibugahama (Mitoyo City) is a great alternative for capturing stunning photos.

Where is it located?

Chichibugahama is located in Nio-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. The address is “203-3 Nio-Otsu, Nio-cho, Mitoyo-shi, Kagawa Prefecture.” If you're driving, enter this address into your GPS. You can also find it by searching for Chichibugahama Beach. It's about a 20-minute drive from either Sanuki Toyonaka IC or Mitoyo-Torizaka IC on the Takamatsu Expressway. There’s also a community bus available, making access without a car possible. It operates Monday through Saturday, so plan accordingly if you wish to visit on a Sunday or holiday. The community bus departs from JR Takuma Station. If you'd prefer to take a taxi, contact one of the taxi companies below:

• Takuma Kotsu TEL: 0875-83-3136
• Sakura Taxi TEL: 0875-72-5048
• Kawada Taxi TEL: 0875-82-2918

Why is it called the "Uyuni Salt Flats of Japan"?

Chichibugahama gets this nickname because tide pools form along the beach, and when the tide is low and the wind is calm, the water surface becomes mirror-like, reflecting the sky. While many are enchanted by this magical sight, not many people are aware that such scenery exists in Japan. If you plan to visit, aim for a sunny, calm day for the best reflections. Even a slight breeze can disturb the surface, preventing that perfect mirror effect. Timing your visit for the right season helps too. Incidentally, Chichibugahama has also been selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunsets in Japan.” When the sunset reflects on the ground, it makes for an even more photogenic photo opportunity.

Recommended times to visit

If you're going all the way to Chichibugahama, you’d want to witness a scene that makes the trip worthwhile. Here’s a guide to the best times for taking stunning pictures. Refer to the following times for the first half of 2020:

Jan 6 (Mon) – Jan 13 (Mon) around 17:10
Jan 21 (Tue) – Jan 29 (Wed) around 17:25

Feb 5 (Wed) – Feb 13 (Thu) around 17:40
Feb 19 (Wed) – Feb 29 (Sat) around 17:55

Mar 1 (Sun) around 17:55
Mar 6 (Fri) – Mar 15 (Sun) around 17:55
Mar 19 (Thu) – Mar 31 (Tue) around 18:10

Apr 1 (Wed) around 18:20
Apr 5 (Sun) – Apr 15 (Wed) around 18:30
Apr 18 (Sat) – Apr 30 (Thu) around 18:40

May 5 (Tue) – May 14 (Thu) around 18:55
May 19 (Tue) – May 29 (Fri) around 19:05

Jun 4 (Thu) – Jun 12 (Fri) around 19:15
Jun 19 (Fri) – Jun 27 (Sat) around 19:20

The most breathtaking views occur when sunset and low tide coincide. To avoid missing this, plan your visit according to the season. There’s no “always perfect” time, so a well-timed visit is crucial.

You can enjoy swimming in the summer too

Although Chichibugahama is widely known as the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Japan,” it's also a popular swimming spot in summer. With its shallow waters, it's great for kids and family outings. During swimming season, shower facilities, changing rooms, and beach huts are set up, adding to the lively atmosphere. The long summer days allow you to play in the sea during the hot afternoons and take Uyuni-style mirror photos at sunset — a perfect way to spend a summer day. While it might be chilly to pose in the tide pools during winter, it's doable in summer. Jumping shots and group mirror-text poses are popular. You can also play with forced perspective. Whether it’s a college graduation trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, anyone can enjoy it. In summer, the appeal lies in experiencing both swimming and the “Japanese Uyuni Salt Flats” at the same place.

Things to keep in mind when visiting

If you're aiming to see the spectacular Uyuni-like view at Chichibugahama, make sure to check the best time in advance. Since the sunset is stunning, many people gather at that time to take photos, but it must also coincide with low tide for optimal reflection. Refer to the time ranges listed above. If you're visiting for swimming, even though the waters are shallow, always keep an eye on children. It’s also helpful to educate them about sea creatures like jellyfish beforehand. Wearing beach sandals instead of going barefoot is safer. There was a news story about a child stepping on embers buried in the sand after a barbecue and suffering burns. To prevent such accidents, sandals are recommended.

Don’t miss the sunset

While Chichibugahama is famous as the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Japan,” it is also known as a premier sunset beach, with breathtaking evening views. The tide pools reflecting the blue sky during the day are beautiful, but the red-tinged sky and ground at sunset are even more photogenic. You can capture both the sunset and its mirrored reflection — why not stay overnight for a scenic trip?

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Let’s visit “Chichibugahama,” a scenic spot gaining popularity for its photogenic appeal!