UMIMORI / OUR BLUE CLASSROOM

What would you like to do at the coast?

Connect what you learn with what you need to check. Start with swimming or exploring a rocky shore.

Your day by the sea

Children should explore with adults. Fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and boating need different skills and equipment. See the Japan Coast Guard’s activity guides (Japanese) ↗.

01

Choose your beach

Check official opening dates, hours, swimming areas and lifeguard coverage.

02

Understand the conditions

Learn about hidden currents and the effect of wind on inflatables.

03

Check on arrival

Follow swimming restrictions, signs and flags. Decide which adults will supervise children.

Explore before you go.

Arrows show wind blowing from land towards the sea.SeaLandInflatable
Coastal safety

Wind, waves and drifting offshore

Explore the lesson
Water carried towards shore collects and flows offshore in a rip current.OffshoreShore / beachRip current flowing offshoreOne example, viewed from above
Coastal safety

What is a rip current?

Explore the lesson
Wave crests and troughs, with wave height and wavelength marked.WavelengthWave heightSimplified wave, viewed from the side
Ocean science

Where do waves come from?

Explore the lesson

Official activity guidance (Japanese) ↗ · Sources checked: 2026-09-20

Explore tide pools

Open the checklist
01

Check the place and tides

Look up access rules, that day’s tide and weather, and the route back.

02

Look for habitats

Observe rock surfaces, cracks and seaweed without moving animals or their surroundings.

03

Notice changes and return

Keep checking waves, water level, footing and local instructions. Do not rely on a planned time alone.

Explore before you go.

As the tide falls, seawater remains in a hollow in the rocks.Lower tideWater remains
Life and environment

A small world in a tide pool

Explore the lesson
Water level and the shape of the coast.Sea levelExample high-tide levelAn imaginary coast, viewed from the side
Ocean science

Why do tides rise and fall?

Explore the lesson
An example marine food chain beginning with phytoplankton.Phyto-planktonZoo-planktonSmall fishLarge fishConnections beginning with tiny lifeArrows point from food to eater.
Life and environment

Tiny life, ocean-wide connections

Explore the lesson

Official activity guidance (Japanese) ↗ · Sources checked: 2026-09-20

Keep checking local conditions and instructions.

General learning and preparation guidance, awaiting specialist review. It cannot decide whether an activity is safe at a particular place.

VISITING JAPAN

New to Japan’s coast?

Local planning tips, useful phrases and where to get help.