About Sumiyoshi Coastal Park

Hello travelers! It’s Mofumofu, writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing a hidden gem in Sumiyoshi-machi, Uto City:
Sumiyoshi Coastal Park (Nagabeta Undersea Road).

This park is the perfect rest stop if you’re driving from Uto toward the Amakusa area — a great place to stretch your legs and breathe in the sea air!

It’s an ideal spot to slow down, gaze out over the ocean, and just unwind. ☆

There’s a parking lot right out front, plus a second and third lot tucked further back, so finding a spot is easy!

I visited on a weekday afternoon and the front lot was already packed. 💦

A whole row of six vending machines stands ready — a nice surprise for thirsty travelers! ☆

A covered rest area means you can stay comfy whether the sun is blazing or a light rain is falling. ♪
There’s also a second open-air rest spot a short distance away!

You’ll find washing stations, drinking fountains, and a spacious restroom right next door.
After playing on the beach, this is the perfect place to rinse off sandy hands and feet. 🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

Why You’ll Love Sumiyoshi Coastal Park

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Meet Jinbei — the 10th Straw Hat Pirates statue in Kumamoto’s One Piece statue trail! ✨
(Links to the previous Straw Hat statues are at the bottom of this article.)

Wow — he’s huge! Seriously impressive. 😲✨

When I first arrived, I had no idea where the statue was, so I wandered around looking for it.

Coming from the front lot, head past the restrooms and look to your right.
If you park in the second lot, Jinbei stands right there in front of you, towering and unmissable!

Here’s the view from just past the restrooms.
Even on a drizzly weekday afternoon with on-and-off showers, the park was buzzing with visitors!

Depending on the tide, a small stretch of sandy beach appears — bring a few beach toys and the kids can play to their hearts’ content. ♪

Here’s something I learned afterward: this place is called the Nagabeta Undersea Road, and at high tide the utility poles appear to float on the water in a breathtaking scene that has been featured in TV commercials. At low tide, a hidden road emerges from the sea — truly a one-of-a-kind spot.

I showed up without checking the tides, which I totally regretted…

For the most magical view, time your visit for around two hours before high tide at sunset. ☆

Definitely come check out the Jinbei statue and the magical Nagabeta Undersea Road for yourself! ♪

[Kumamoto Prefectural Office Promenade] The Best Ginkgo Tree-Lined Avenue in Kumamoto City! (Suizenji, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City)

[Mashiki Comprehensive Sports Park] Family Fun Where You Can Really Work Up a Sweat! (Mashiki-machi, Kamimashiki District)

[Aso Station Fountain Plaza] A Roadside Station and the One Piece Usopp Statue! (Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto)

[Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Gardens] Meet the One Piece Chopper Statue! (Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City)

[Takamori Station] The Long-Awaited 6th One Piece Statue in Kumamoto! (Takamori-machi, Aso District)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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