Kaihin Koen Seaside Park – Yonama Beach

Yonama Beach on Tokunoshima is a gently sloping white-sand beach protected by a coral reef that makes the lagoon calm enough for swimming and paddling. The beach serves as the swim start for the annual Tokunoshima Triathlon, a public event with a 2-kilometer swim, 75-kilometer bike, and 21-kilometer run held in late June. Sea turtles return here each season to nest, with breeding areas sometimes roped off. Canoes, paddle boards, and boats are available for hire nearby, and an outdoor pool with a waterslide opens through August. The stretch of road behind the beach is named Naoko Road after marathon gold medalist Takahashi Naoko, who trained here.