Koji Ensho
Vice Chairman, Nishikinohama Charm Promotion Council
Vice Chairman, Nishikinohama Charm Promotion Council
Good afternoon, everyone. Nishikinohama Beach is a historic swimming beach established in the early showa
era (around 1930 – 40), characterized by its beautiful “white sand and green pines” landscape created by
white sand and pine forests. In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset that has been selected as one
of Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets. With excellent access—about 40 minutes from downtown Osaka and about 15
minutes from Kansai International Airport—it has long been beloved as the closest swimming beach to
downtown Osaka.
During its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, it was a popular beach attracting approximately 1 million visitors
per season. However, by the 1990s, water quality had deteriorated significantly, and the Kogi River—which
flows into the beach—had reached such a critical state that it ranked as the worst among all Class 2 rivers
nationwide. As a result, negative perceptions such as “there’s a lot of trash,” and “the sea is dirty,”
and “poor public safety.”
Due to this deterioration in image and the trend of people turning away from the ocean, visitor numbers
dropped significantly, falling from 1 million at its peak to approximately 140,000. For Nishikinohama Beach,
operated with private funds, continuing to operate as a beach resort had become extremely difficult.
On the other hand, thanks to the consistent efforts of residents, businesses, and volunteers, the environment
has steadily improved. An underwater survey conducted in 2021 confirmed not only improved water quality
but also the natural growth of “eelgrass”, a seaweed that purifies seawater, and clearly demonstrated the
environment’s recovery.
We believed that objective evaluation was essential to communicate these improvements widely, so we
aimed to obtain the Blue Flag, an international environmental certification. With the support of the Japan
Blue Flag Association, we began full-scale efforts toward the application.
First, regarding water quality, we conducted preliminary surveys to confirm compliance with standards and
performed more than 20 water quality tests during the operating season, all of which met the criteria.
Additionally, aiming to create a beach that anyone can use with peace of mind, we promoted barrier-free
access from the parking lot to the water’s edge.
In terms of safety, we established a robust system by deploying lifeguards in cooperation with the Japan
Lifesaving Association and launching the “Nishikinohama Beach Lifesaving Club.”
As a result of these efforts, the beach was certified as Osaka’s first Blue Flag Beach in May 2024 and received
certification for the second consecutive year in 2025.
Following the certification, we introduced a partnership program and have been operating the beach with
support from local and major corporations. Furthermore, to address declining visitor numbers, we have
introduced a water park, new beach huts, and marine activities such as SUP to enhance the beach’s appeal.
Additionally, this opportunity enabled the previously fragmented management bodies for the beach, park,
and surrounding facilities to collaborate, leading to the establishment of the “Nishikinohama Charm
Promotion Council” to promote the area’s integrated revitalization.
As a result, renovation of the Prefectural Nishikinohama Park, adjacent to the beach, is underway with the
development of facilities such as a café, paid BBQ areas, a skate park, and an auto-camping site. In September 2025, “Nishikinohama Sea Terrace,” a glamping facility, opened, offering panoramic ocean views.
In addition to these infrastructure improvements, we have also expanded soft initiatives such as events. As
a result, visitor numbers have recovered, and by fiscal year 2024, the area had revitalized to attract
approximately 850,000 visitors annually—an increase of about 300,000 visitors compared to 2020.
Moving forward, we will continue to collaborate with local stakeholders and businesses to enhance the
appeal further and create a vibrant atmosphere of “Nishikinohama, recognized worldwide.” Thank you for
your attention.
