The pine forest was historically cultivated as a defense against coastal erosion and strong sea winds.
The white sand of the beach is derived from eroded granite from the surrounding mountains.
The forest contains a mix of both Japanese red pine and black pine, which have different salinity tolerances.
The area is recognized as one of the '100 Best Beaches in Japan' and '100 Best Pine Groves in Japan'.
The Tsuruga Peninsula, where the grove is located, has served as a strategic maritime gateway between the Kansai region and the Sea of Japan for centuries.
Kehi no Matsubara is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty consisting of a pine grove spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers along Tsuruga Bay. The site features a dense collection of over 17,000 Japanese red and black pine trees covering an area of 40 hectares. It is officially recognized as one of Japan's three major pine groves alongside Miho no Matsubara and Niji no Matsubara. The terrain consists of white sand beaches bordering the shallow waters of the bay. The landscape was historically managed to protect the coastline and remains a protected environmental site. The area provides direct walking access from the forest edge to the shoreline. The park serves as a popular summer swimming destination with designated beach areas. It functions as a public recreational space managed by the local tourism association.
The elevated boardwalk paths looking out over the contrast between the dark pine needles and the white sand beach.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to manage the transition from the soft sand to the pine needles on the forest floor.
Bring insect repellent during the warmer summer months as the dense forest environment attracts mosquitoes.
Check local weather alerts for coastal wind intensity, as the shoreline is fully exposed to the bay.
Attempting to swim outside of designated beach zones where currents can be unpredictable.
The beach area is officially open for swimming only during the summer season.
Do not damage pine bark or harvest pine cones; keep to designated walking paths to protect tree root systems.
