Chichibugahama Beach
Heavenly mirror beach in Japan
Category

Beach

Also

Photospot

Message from Tony Xia

This beach used to be just another swimming spot, but now it’s famous for its incredible “Sky Mirror” effect. When the tide is low and the water is still, the beach perfectly reflects the sky, creating an image that looks straight out of a dream—it's like Japan's version of Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats. Watching the sunset here was magical, with the sky turning all sorts of colors and the whole scene reflecting in the water like a painting.

Getting There

I drove to Chichibugahama, which took about 20 minutes from the Sanuki Toyonaka IC on the Takamatsu Expressway. It’s pretty easy to find—just plug "Kagawa Prefecture, Mitoyo City, Niocho, Nio Otsu 203-3, Chichibugahama Beach" into your GPS. Plus, there’s free parking, which was super convenient.

Best Time to Visit

Timing is key if you want to catch the famous reflections. You need to visit when low tide lines up with sunset on a calm day without much wind. September was perfect for this—the sunsets were stunning, and the reflections were clear as glass. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to go, as summer can be hazy and winter doesn’t have enough sunlight for good reflections.

Photography Tips

Taking photos here was amazing. The best shots were right as the sun started setting, especially about 30 minutes after it dipped below the horizon. Getting down low to the ground really helped capture that mirror effect. There are also shops nearby where you can rent fun props like umbrellas or hats to add a little something extra to your photos.

Don't forget to check out the beachside cafes for a relaxing ocean view experience.

See all 588 things to do

Things to Do Nearby

Konpirasan
Hotel Iyaonsen
Kominka Glamping MATOBA
Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley
Biwa Waterfall
Iya Valley
Takamatsu Airport
Mori-ya
Jodojiyama Observation Deck
Sea House
Mount Tsurugi
Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road
Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)
Kyukamura Ohknoshima
Tadanoumi Port
Hiroshima Airport
Shirahama Beach (Kochi)

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Go to Guide