During my busy two-week trip to Japan in the spring of 2024, I was fortunate to reconnect with my Japanese professor, who I had met during an online exchange program back during COVID. He lives in Kobe, and when I told him I was looking for a peaceful, nature-filled spot that locals frequent, he kindly offered to take me on a short road trip to Awaji Island, a nearby island just under Kobe, less than an hour away. One of our stops during the roadtrip was to Ohama Beach, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing highlights of my trip. The scenery from the beach was stunning, and I remember the beach being spotless. It had an incredibly calm atmosphere. Because it’s not easily accessible by public transport, it wasn’t crowded, just a few locals enjoying the peaceful surroundings. I quickly learned from my professor that it’s a popular getaway for Kansai residents who want a quiet beach day without the tourist buzz.   The beach is also very family-friendly. When I visited, the water was calm with no waves, making it perfect for children to play safely. It struck me that the water was crystal-clear almost as if it was transparent! While I was there, I also met a friendly elderly woman fishing by the shore. She had caught a few fish and was planning to cook them for dinner. Overall, there’s plenty of open space to relax and play, making it a perfect getaway place to add to your travel bucket list if your in mood to relax.