Kawana Beach, on the eastern shore of the Izu Peninsula in Ito City, is a rounded-cobblestone beach where snorkelers wade straight in from below the coast road. The water is notably clear, and the site doubles as a scuba dive point thanks to its rich marine life β large schools of reef fish such as damselfish, opaleye, and surgeonfish are common, and a resident sea turtle is sometimes spotted with luck. Depth runs roughly 2-7m near shore with 5-12m visibility and July water around 22-25Β°C, but swell and current on rough days make it a spot generally recommended for intermediate-to-advanced snorkelers. As of July 2026, the beach's official swimming-season ('kaisuiyokujo') status has been unconfirmed since 2025, so there is no lifeguard oversight β enter at your own risk.
Highlights
Direct cobblestone-beach entry right below the coast road, doubling as a well-known scuba dive site
Large schools of reef fish (damselfish, opaleye, surgeonfish) with a high encounter rate
A resident sea turtle occasionally spotted with luck
Right by Kawana fishing port, about a 6-minute bus ride from Ito Station
Best June-October, with clear 5-12m visibility and July water around 22-25Β°C
Good to know
SafetySince 2025 Ito City's official 'beach open' swimming-season status has been unconfirmed (2026 undecided too), meaning there may be no lifeguards or marked swim zones. Avoid entering alone β go with a buddy and use a snorkel buoy/float.
SafetyThe shore is rounded cobblestone, so bare feet get hurt easily β marine shoes are essential. On days with swell or current you can get pushed toward the harbor mouth or open water, so it's generally recommended for intermediate-to-advanced snorkelers; beginners should stay in the shallow, inshore area.
SafetyScorpionfish (kasago) with venomous spines, moray eels, and sea urchins live among the rocks β don't touch the rocks or any marine life.
SafetyFishing boats and dive boats come and go from the adjacent Kawana fishing port, so make yourself visible with a buoy or flag.
RulesThese waters fall under local fishing rights (gyogyoken); taking abalone, turban shells, or seaweed without a license is illegal poaching in Japan. Look only, take nothing.
MannersDon't chase, touch, or feed the sea turtle said to live in the area, or the fish schools β keep a respectful distance.
SeasonBest from June to October; July water is around 22-25Β°C. Locals say stinging jellyfish are more common before mid-August (Obon) and decrease afterward; August-September is typhoon season, so swell can change quickly.
Practical info
From Izukyu-Kawana Station, take Tokai Bus route I30 to the 'Kawana-ko' stop (or drive about an hour via Atami); parking is shared with the adjacent Iruka-hama Park facilities. Since the beach's official swimming-season status hasn't been confirmed since 2025, check the current status plus tour and dive-shop operating hours with Ito's tourism association before you go.
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