Umi no ie, Japanese beach houses 海の家
An Umi no Ie
fastjapan.jp
A summer must-have!
Unlike most French seaside resorts, Japanese beaches have many services available to swimmers. Drink stand, equipment rental, and even barbecue, everything is then carefully sheltered in spaces provided for this purpose: the umi no ie .
What is a Umi no Ie?
Japan being an archipelago, the sea is an important element of Japanese daily life. And although the Japanese don't really like exposing themselves to the sun, every summer more and more of them settle down by the water to enjoy a few hours of good weather.
In the program ?
Swimming and walks on the sand of course, but above all lunch, ball games and a snack in the shade of the parasols!
Indeed, although younger generations are slowly beginning to adopt the art of western tanning, most Japanese prefer other activities. This is why many beaches have a small house by the sea, which offers everything you need to spend a beautiful summer afternoon.
Literally ''beach houses'', the umi no ie are small wooden or concrete huts that house a whole selection of services from the beginning of July to the end of August. From a simple stand selling ice cream to a big house with a terrace and a thatched roof, there are all sizes, and the design of some could even rival the Shawaïan cabins found on the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific!
Endless services
From restaurants to swimwear shops, to nautical equipment rental shops, there can be everything in the umi no ie .
Starting with the food!
Most of them generally content themselves with offering easy-to-eat Japanese specialties , such as yakisoba ( stir-fried noodles ) or karaage (fried chicken). You will also find some drinks, ice creams and kakigori (traditional Japanese ice cream), just to refresh the clientele who come to bask by the water.
That said, Japan is also home to many umi no ie more luxurious! Like some cabins in Okinawa, which sell cocktails and champagne to anyone who wants it under the Japanese sun.
See also : Yatai, the Japanese food fest
Kakigori shaved ice is an essential summer refreshment in Japan!
yoppy
Many beaches are home to an Umi no Ie
Flick David Greig
Very popular for their food stalls, umino ie are also popular for the services they offer.
Rental of beach equipment (umbrella, deck chair, flippers, snorkels, etc.), loan of hot towels , free access showers , and provision of lockers for those who do not want to leave their belongings unattended on the sand, everything is done so that bathers do not have to leave the premises for lack of something.
However, two rules must be respected in order to take advantage of all these services: do not smoke, and do not play excessively loud music near the umi no ie .
Finally, note that some huts are also equipped with self-service barbecues , and even offer swimming lessons for only a few yen .
