About
Anego no Hama (姉子の浜) is an arch-shaped beach stretching 1.1 kilometers in length and 20 meters in width, formed by the raging waves of the Genkai Sea along the Itoshima Peninsula coast. 🔗 🔗
The beach is famous for its rare "nakisuna" (鳴き砂) or "singing sand"—a distinctive squeaking sound produced when walking on the sand. This acoustic phenomenon is created by the friction of clean, uniform quartz grains rubbing together. The sand grains at Anego no Hama are relatively large at 0.3 millimeters in diameter and comprise approximately 80% quartz composition. The sand only "sings" when perfectly clean—any contamination from oil, ash, or litter silences the sound, making it a natural barometer of environmental health. 🔗 🔗
Cultural & Environmental Significance
Anego no Hama holds profound cultural significance as an environmental success story. In the early 1960s, coastal pollution caused the sand to fall silent—an audible sign of degradation. However, through over 30 years of dedicated cleanup efforts by local citizens and a volunteer group called "Friends of Nakisuna at Anego-no-Hama," water quality improved dramatically. Around 1994, the sand began to "sing" again, making it the only singing sand beach in Japan to recover its acoustic properties after being silenced. 🔗 🔗
The beach was designated as a municipal natural monument in 1998 and is considered a "super first-class singing sand" beach—one of only approximately 20 remaining singing sand beaches nationwide (down from 90 historically). It stands as the only singing sand beach in Kyushu. 🔗
The scientific explanation involves sand grains vibrating in unison, with thousands of small vibrations combining to push air together like a loudspeaker diaphragm, typically producing frequencies around 450 Hz. 🔗 🔗
Visiting Information
Access
By Train + Walk:
- From JR Shikaka Station (Chikuhi Line): 25 minutes on foot
- Note: No direct bus service
By Car:
- 3 minutes from JR Shikaka Station
- Approximately 40 minutes from Fukuoka City center
- Free parking at Nijo Parking Area (30 vehicles capacity)
- Important: Limited parking; arrive early during peak times
Practical Details
- Hours: Open 24/7 (natural beach, no gates)
- Admission: Free
- Facilities: Restrooms, small shop, rest areas at Nijo Parking Area
- Contact: Nijo Parking Information: 092-326-6336
- Current Status: Open and operational; monthly cleanups maintain sand quality
November Visiting Conditions
- Weather: Pleasant autumn temperatures, comfortable conditions
- Crowds: Significantly quieter than summer, peaceful experience
- Singing Sand: Best on dry days—check forecast for sunny conditions
- Sunset Timing: Around 5:30 PM in early November, excellent for photography
- Clothing: Light jacket for coastal breezes; remove shoes for beach experience
The Singing Sand Experience
How to Experience the Phenomenon
To hear the sand "sing," follow these steps:
- Ensure dry conditions: Visit on clear, sunny day after period without rain—sand must be completely dry
- Apply pressure: Don't walk normally—shuffle feet firmly, grinding sand grains together
- Try twisting: Twist heel into sand to generate friction needed for squeaking
- Listen: You'll hear distinctive "kyukyu" (キュキュ) squeaking noise like rubber or cork being compressed
Beach Characteristics
The 1.1 km curved beach features:
- White quartz sand with acoustic properties
- Arch-shaped shoreline along Genkai Sea
- Clean, pristine environment essential for singing sand
- Natural, undeveloped coastal setting
- Popular surfing spot with favorable waves
Additional Activities
- Surfing: Many surfers on days with favorable waves
- Beach Walking: Enjoy 1.1 km curved shoreline
- Sunset Viewing: Breathtaking sunsets over Genkai Sea
- Photography: Unique beach landscape and coastal scenery
Practical Visiting Tips
Cultural Etiquette & Beach Protection
Critical: The singing sand phenomenon depends entirely on beach cleanliness. Visitors must:
- Leave no trace: Take all litter; even microscopic particles silence the sand
- No spills: Avoid drinks, food, or oils on sand as these coat quartz grains
- Respect the monument: Designated Prefectural Natural Monument—treat with reverence
- Support preservation: The "song" is maintained through community effort
Visiting Strategy
- Arrive early: Limited parking (30 spaces) fills quickly on nice days
- Check weather: Singing sand only works when dry—rainy days won't produce sound
- Remove shoes: Best experienced barefoot to feel and hear phenomenon clearly
- Combine sites: Visit Futamigaura and other coastal attractions same trip
- Use facilities: Stock up at shop and use restrooms at parking area before beach visit
- Plan for sunset: If visiting late afternoon, stay for spectacular Genkai Sea sunset
Photography Recommendations
- Elevated view from Nijo Parking Area showing beach's curved arc
- Beach level looking along 1.1 km shoreline
- Sunset shots with silhouettes against Genkai Sea horizon
- Close-up macro shots of white quartz sand texture
Best Times
- Morning: Soft light on white sand
- Sunset: Dramatic coastal silhouettes (around 5:30 PM November)
- Sunny Days: Showcase white sand and blue Genkai Sea contrast
- Side Lighting: Morning/afternoon reveals sand texture better than midday
Nearby Attractions
Anego no Hama is in Nijo area of Itoshima Peninsula, known for:
- Futamigaura (Sakurai Shrine): Famous white torii gate and married rocks with sunset views (10-15 min by car)
- Other Itoshima Beaches: Keya Beach, Sunset Beach, coastal viewpoints
- Nijo Parking Area: Adjacent rest stop with facilities and ocean views
- Coastal Drive Route: Part of scenic Sunset Road (Prefectural Route 54) along Genkai Sea
Integration with Itinerary
Anego no Hama fits naturally into Itoshima coastal exploration:
- Morning: Beach visit and singing sand experience (dry conditions ideal)
- Midday: Lunch at coastal cafes near Futamigaura
- Afternoon: Visit Futamigaura torii gate and other coastal sites
- Evening: Return for sunset viewing at Anego no Hama or Futamigaura
The beach is accessed from the same coastal road connecting other Itoshima attractions, making it an easy addition to scenic drive itinerary.
Important Notes
November Visit Considerations
- Weather dependency: Phenomenon only works on dry days—have backup plan if rains
- Parking limitation: Only 30 spaces; arrive early morning or risk limited access
- Facility hours: Beach always accessible; parking area facilities may have limited evening hours
- Sunset timing: Sun sets early November (around 5:30 PM); plan accordingly
General Safety
- No lifeguards on duty—swimming at own risk
- Surfing requires appropriate conditions and skill level
- Beach is natural and undeveloped—minimal amenities beyond parking area
- The "singing" varies based on sand moisture and walking technique—may require practice
- Monthly community cleanups occur—check if visiting during cleanup days to potentially participate
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/itoshima/anego-no-hama-beach.md