Creating an Accessible Beach for All: Akashi Inclusive Beach 2026 Initiatives

Akashi Inclusive Beach 2026: A New Standard in Accessibility

In a brilliant initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity, the NPO Suma Universal Beach Project is organizing the "Akashi Inclusive Beach 2026" event at the Okurakai Coast Beach in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture. Scheduled for August 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this event aspires to transform the beach experience for individuals with disabilities through barrier-free access and universal design.

Located conveniently near JR Asagiri Station and accessible via pedestrian bridges and elevators, Okurakai Beach boasts a wonderful environment. However, despite these facilities, significant barriers remain for wheelchair users attempting to navigate the sandy shore and enjoy the water. The beach lacks adequate resources to allow wheelchair users to travel along the sands and face unique challenges such as body temperature regulation, changing facilities, and restroom access. The question arises: Should those who rely on wheelchairs for mobility forfeit their opportunity to enjoy the ocean's beauty?

The city of Akashi has embraced the concept of an inclusive society, encapsulated in the "Akashi Inclusive Ordinance" which emphasizes the importance of everyone being able to live and enjoy their lives in a safe and accessible environment. This ordinance aims to ensure that no one is left behind, advocating for a community that is accessible to all, including the beach. Furthermore, the city’s "Universal Design City Development Action Plan" seeks to create a town where everyone can freely venture out and enjoy local attractions, including the beach.

Leading up to the 2026 event, the experience program will commence in fiscal year 2024. Although participation is by prior application, the organizers are providing specialized beach mats so all visitors can easily approach the water's edge and enjoy the seaside view.

Event Details

- Title: Akashi Inclusive Beach 2026 at Okurakai Coast
- Organizer: Akashi City
- Cooperators: NPO Suma Universal Beach Project, Future for Kids, Bonaparte Hyogo Soccer School, Frescoball Akashi GPA, University of Hyogo Nursing School Digital Health Center, Kobe Gakuin University Volleyball Club
- Date: August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, Holiday) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Rain or shine; cancellation in severe weather)
- Location: Okurakai Coast Beach
- Activities: Experience swimming in the sea for individuals with disabilities (a swim is not mandatory, but visitors are encouraged to reach the water's edge using the beach mats!)
- Quota: 12 families (Participants will be selected by lottery if over-applied)
- Participation fee: Free
- Target audience: Individuals with disabilities and their families (priority to Akashi city residents)
- Application Deadline: July 12, 2026 (Sunday)

Contact Information: For inquiries, reach out to the Akashi City Inclusive Promotion Division at Tel: 078-918-6037 or Email: [email protected].

For applications, please complete the form available here by the deadline of July 12.
Volunteer support staff is also welcome! Apply at this link.

About the NPO Suma Universal Beach Project

- Name: NPO Suma Universal Beach Project
- Location: 1-14-10 Komagabayashi-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo
- Representative: Shunsuke Kido
- Established: November 2, 2017
- Website: sumauniversalbeach.com

The project embodies the spirit of transforming "can't do" into "can do" for everyone, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and young children, promoting a universally-designed beach experience. Since 2021, this initiative has been featured in middle school social studies civic education textbooks as an example of advanced initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs.

Main Achievements

- 2026: Excellence Award in Public-Private Partnership Award
- 2025-2026: Featured at the ICC Summit Catapult
- 2025: Government official SNS publication
- 2023: Blue Flag Best Practice Award (2nd place worldwide)
- 2022-2023: Kanto Region Blue Flag Certification
- 2021: Selected for education publishing middle school civic education textbooks
- 2020: Noteworthy examples for achieving sustainable tourism from the Japan Tourism Agency
- 2019: Gold Award at the IAUD International Universal Design Awards
- 2018: Hyogo Universal Society Construction Award