Shiraishi Beach
Shiraishi Beach, an isolated beach north of the city of Fukutsu, is known for its white sand, clear water, and direct view of Okinoshima, a sacred island that has been worshipped since ancient times. For centuries, rituals were held on this beach to venerate the deities of Okinoshima and pray for a good harvest.
Every summer at the end of the rice planting season, people would gather at Shiraishi Beach to celebrate. They spread tatami mats on the sand and performed a simple ceremony, making offerings of sake and sekihan (rice cooked with azuki beans) in the direction of Okinoshima. After the ceremony, the participants would eat together. These traditions continued until the mid-twentieth century.
The beach is open for swimming between July and August. Outside of the swimming season, the narrow road to the beach is closed to traffic.