Introducing Oda Coastal Park

Hello travelers! This is Asukarando, writer for [SaruKuma].

Today I’m taking you to Shimo-Oda, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture,
to a wonderful spot called Oda Coastal Park.

The clam-digging season is winding down! Sadly, due to COVID, many spots in 2022 had to cancel their clam-digging programs.
But I heard that Oda Coastal Park was still open for clam digging — so off I went! (^з^)-☆

First, the most important thing about clam digging!!

★ Check the low tide times

If the tide isn’t out, you can’t dig for clams — so plan around the low tide!

★ Prepare your clam-digging gear

★ Check your outfit — rubber boots beat sandals here! And don’t forget sun protection!

We arrived just before low tide!!

The parking lot is a decent size (*^^*)

There are restrooms and vending machines on site, so you can relax (^o^)

There’s a covered rest area too — perfect for taking a break and gazing out at the sea (*^^*)

There are two hand-washing stations, so even if it gets busy, you’ll be fine~ (^з^)-☆

Why Oda Coastal Park Is Worth a Visit

Once you’re ready to dig, head to the parking lot — staff are stationed there to collect the entrance fee.

The fee is 1,000 yen per adult.

The site is managed by the Oda Fishery Cooperative, and the fee is the official fishing/digging permit charge.
Now, let’s head straight onto the tidal flats spread out before us!!

As you head down the steps, you’ll see sea slaters scurrying around… if you’re squeamish, try not to look down (^^;

The first few steps onto the flats are quite muddy — be careful!

Here’s the twist — at Oda Coastal Park, you’re not digging for regular Manila clams (asari). You’re hunting for RAZOR CLAMS — known in Japanese as \”mate-gai\”!!

First, dig the sand with a shovel (or hoe if you have one) to find the razor clam burrows. Here’s what a razor clam hole looks like!!

Sprinkle salt into the hole, wait a moment, and—

POP! — the razor clam pokes its head out…
then quickly retreats.

Just when you think you’ve missed your chance (>.<)y-~,
it pops up again! POP!

Gently pull it out…

…and even kids can catch them easily and have a blast (*^^*)

My son said, \”It’s like a reverse whack-a-mole!\” (*^^*)
And honestly — that’s exactly what it is!!

Just like whack-a-mole, razor clams pop up from holes left and right!
You’ll have your hands full (>.<)y-~

While digging for razor clam holes, you might feel a CLINK or CLUNK against your shovel… what could it be??
Yep — you can also catch hamaguri (Japanese hard clams)! (⌒0⌒)／~~

That said, there are other bivalves out there that look similar to hamaguri — when in doubt, just ask one of the staff members on site.

Before we knew it, we’d caught this many ＼(^-^)／

The clams have been getting smaller in recent years, but it’s still plenty of fun. Why not try razor clam digging at Oda Coastal Park yourself? (⌒0⌒)／~~

Recommended Spots Near Oda Coastal Park

Bakery & Cafe Daisy (Takayanagi-cho, Uto City): A British-Style Bakery? With Kids’ Meals AND Karaoke!

cafe mariquita (Matsuyama-cho, Uto City): The Long-Awaited Reopening of an Adorable Grown-Up Hideaway

Eki Cafe Oda Retro-kan (Oda-machi, Uto City): A Charming Little Cafe Inside a Retro Train Station

Okonomiyaki Nakaguma (Urata-cho, Uto City): Fluffy Meringue-Packed Batter That’s Out of This World! Great Value, Flavor, and Volume ◎

Gajumaru (Honmachi, Uto City): Piping-Hot, Gooey-Centered Jumbo Salt Takoyaki! Their Hormone Yakiudon Is a Must-Try Too!

We update our Instagram daily, too!
SaruKuma shares info on lunches, parks, indoor play spots, and more — geared toward families raising kids in Kumamoto.
We’d love a follow!(*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.