Blue Flag Certified

Suma beach

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Pacific Ocean

Written by Arjun Nair | Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated October 2026

Suma Beach, Kobe, Japan - Blue Flag beach

Photo: Kosuke64, CC BY-SA 4.0

Located 8.52 km from Kobe along the coast road, Suma Beach is a Blue Flag-certified beach in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The beach maintains high environmental and safety standards and is open throughout its designated season. Drinking water is available on-site.

Certification Blue Flag 2026

Experience

Practical Free Entry

Quick Overview

Plan Your Visit to Suma beach

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag

Certified 2026

FEE annual certification

Water Quality

Blue Flag Standard

EU Bathing Water Directive

Best Season

May, June, September

Season: July – September

Location

Kobe

8.52 km from Kobe

Facilities

Basic facilities

Free entry · Open beach

About the Beach

What is Suma beach?

Visit in May, June, or September for the best conditions. July and August are the busiest months. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. The Blue Flag certification, overseen by the Foundation for Environmental Education, is renewed annually, confirming the beach meets international quality standards.

It sits alongside other certified beaches in Hyogo Prefecture, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Japan certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Planning

When to Go: Month by Month

Month	Air Temp	Water Temp	Crowds
Jan	5°C	2°C	Low
Feb	6°C	3°C	Low
Mar	10°C	7°C	Low
Apr	14°C	11°C	Low
May	19°C	16°C	Med
Jun	22°C	19°C	Med
Jul	26°C	23°C	High
Aug	28°C	25°C	High
Sep	25°C	22°C	Med
Oct	19°C	16°C	Low
Nov	13°C	10°C	Low
Dec	8°C	5°C	Low

When is the best time to visit Suma beach?

The best time to visit Suma beach is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 26.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.4°C in July.

How crowded does Suma beach get?

Like most Blue Flag beaches in Japan, Suma beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.

Is Suma beach open year-round?

The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.

The Water

Swimming and Beach Life at Suma beach

Is Suma beach safe to swim?

Suma beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.

What is the water temperature at Suma beach?

Peak water temperature at Suma beach reaches around 23.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 5.4°C.

What is the beach like at Suma beach?

Suma beach on the Hyogo Prefecture coast of Japan. Visit in May, June, or September for the best conditions. July and August are the busiest months. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. The Blue Flag certification, overseen by the Foundation for Environmental Education, is renewed annually, confirming the beach meets international quality standards.

Does Suma beach have good facilities?

As a Blue Flag certified beach, Suma beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.

Transport

Getting to Suma beach

How do I get to Suma beach by car?

Suma beach is approximately 8.52 km from Kobe. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.

What is the nearest airport to Suma beach?

The nearest airport is Kobe Airport (UKB) (UKB), approximately 9.2 km away.

Can I get to Suma beach by public transport?

Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Kobe.

Nearby

Near Suma beach

Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Suma beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.

Get directions Apple Maps

Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.

Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)

Toilets near Suma beach

Public toilets Public toilets 151 m
Public toilets Public toilets 382 m
Public toilets Public toilets 416 m

Bus near Suma beach

Kaihin Park Bus stop 195 m
Kaihin Park Bus stop 222 m
KOBE SUMA SEA WORLD Bus stop 311 m
KOBE SUMA SEA WORLD Bus stop 329 m
KOBE SUMA SEA WORLD Bus stop 344 m

Cafés near Suma beach

おおみわ Restaurant 228 m
鳥光須磨本店 Restaurant 287 m
ピッツェリア OTTO Restaurant 296 m
たつみうどん店 Restaurant 322 m
とり森 Restaurant 331 m

Parking near Suma beach

Parking Parking 159 m
Parking Parking 160 m
Parking Parking 268 m
Parking Parking 275 m
Parking Parking 279 m

Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.

Practical Details

Practical Information

At the Beach
Entry	Free: no charge to access the beach
Lifeguards	✗
Showers	✗
Toilets	✗
Official Season	July – September
Beach Type	Coastal beach
Visiting Information
GPS Coordinates	34.6425°N, 135.1245°E
Blue Flag Operator	Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Suma beach FAQ

Is Suma beach suitable for children?

Suma beach is Blue Flag certified in Japan, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.

Is Suma beach free to access?

Access to Suma beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.

When is the best time to visit Suma beach?

The best time to visit Suma beach is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.

What is the water quality at Suma beach?

Suma beach is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.

How do I get to Suma beach?

Suma beach is located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is approximately 8.52 km from Kobe. The nearest airport is Kobe Airport (UKB) (UKB), 9.2 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.

Are there toilets near Suma beach?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 3 toilet locations near Suma beach, including 151 m away, 382 m away, and 416 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Is there a bus near Suma beach?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 195 m from Suma beach (Kaihin Park), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Are there cafés near Suma beach?

Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Suma beach, including おおみわ (228 m), 鳥光須磨本店 (287 m), ピッツェリア OTTO (296 m), and たつみうどん店 (322 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Is there parking near Suma beach?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 159 m from Suma beach, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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