John Beach

In short

John Beach is a white sand beach located near Minamizaki in the southwestern part of Chichijima Island. This area is the only limestone terrain on Chichijima Island, making the beach sand dazzlingly pure white. Situated at the end of a long hike along a trail from Kominato Coast, it offers the tranquility of a private beach.

• ​Pure White Sand Beach​​: Expanses of dazzling white sand that can only be found in this limestone terrain.
• ​Sea Dotted with Reefs​​: Large and small reefs float in the Minamijima Seto Strait directly in front of the beach, creating a varied view. Small islands like Tateshima Island act as breakwaters, keeping the waves relatively calm.
• ​A Beach Reached on Foot​​: The beach is accessed by walking along an undulating trail. There are no facilities whatsoever, so bring your own drinks and sun protection.

History and Highlights

​John Beach​ is a beach located in the southwestern part of Chichijima Island. The Minamizaki area, where this beach is located, features limestone terrain. Because only the areas around Minamizaki on Chichijima Island and Minamijima Island, which lies just beyond it, are limestone terrain, the sand on the beach is a dazzling pure white.

Along the shore, there are beachrocks formed by solidified sand. The sea that stretches out before the beach is the Minamijima Seto Strait. Large and small reefs dot the Minamijima Seto Strait, creating a varied landscape. Because small islands in front, such as Tateshima Island, serve as breakwaters, the waves are relatively calm.

John Beach is located in a very inconvenient spot reached by walking an undulating path. For that reason, it has become a beach that feels just like a private retreat. John Beach and the surrounding ocean are also part of the World Natural Heritage area.

Beyond a steep rocky area past John Beach lies Ginny Beach at the southwestern tip of Chichijima Island. There used to be a trail, but it is no longer possible to walk there over land today. Ginny Beach is accessed from the sea, such as via sea kayaking tours.

Tips for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​White Sand and Sea Colors​​: Observe the pure white sand beneath your feet and the beachrocks along the water's edge. This is a coastal landscape unique to limestone terrain.
• ​Reefs of the Minamijima Seto Strait​​: Looking out at the ocean from the beach, reefs of various sizes float in the Minamijima Seto Strait. Minamijima Island lies about 1.3 km to the southwest.
• ​Views Along the Way​​: From Nakayama Pass along the trail, you can see Kominato Coast and Kopepe Coast to the north, and Buta Coast and the islands around Minamijima Island to the south. You can also view Buta Coast from midway up Mount Takayama, just before reaching John Beach.

Tips for Walking

To reach John Beach, follow the trail starting from Kominato Coast. The time required varies depending on the source, ranging from about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 2 and a half hours each way, so be sure to set out with plenty of time. From Kominato Coast, the path crosses the Yatsuse River, follows the trail, and reaches Nakayama Pass. From Nakayama Pass, you walk for about an hour through a forest dense with subtropical vegetation. A steep mountain trail continues to the beach. There are no facilities at the beach, and once away from town, there is nowhere to replenish drinking water. Prepare sun protection and be sure to bring drinks. Particularly at the height of summer, at least 2 liters are necessary. The trail has clay soil and can be slippery in places after rain, so wear sneakers. Stay on the designated path and take great care to respect the natural environment. From John Beach, it is about 1.8 km north-northeast to Kominato Coast and about 2 km east to Heart Rock.