Japan isn't the first country that comes to mind when you think of a beach vacation, but Japanese travelers know that there are gorgeous beaches on the southern islands.
Japan's lively surf scene is very inclusive and gives coastal towns a uniquely Japanese but universally chilled-out surf vibe. Kamakura is a beach resort that is perfect for beach days out from Tokyo.
Here are our picks of the best beaches in Japan.
Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.It's the best for beach beauty.
The island of Miyako-jima is the largest and most populous of the Miyako Islands, and it has some of the best beaches in the world. Sunayama is a white-sand beach with a striking rock arch that lies at the bottom of a large sand dune. There are masks and snorkel rentals at the beach in Japan. There are regular flights between Mikayo-Jima and other hubs.
There are places to stay closer to the beaches in the Hirara district of Miyakojima city. Many beach parks have free camping grounds.
It's best for rock formations.
Jdogahama sits on a sheltered inlet surrounded by jagged white-stone outcrops and is a short distance from Miyako City. It's part of a national park known for its coastal rock formations. The beach has crystal-clear water and is perfect for bathing. The Blue Cave, a scenic sea cave in the bay, is visited by domestic tourists in the summer when paddle boats are available for hire.
It's best for sand and water.
It's hard to beat the 1 km stretch of white, crushed-coral sand on the northeast coast of Aka-jima. If you want to check out the reef life, you can rent snorkel gear here.
In the summer, it can get crowded. You can find quieter beaches on the other side of the island. Ferries run to Aka-jima.
For surfing, it's the best.
Some of the best surf breaks in Japan can be found on the beaches southwest of Toyko on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. The most popular section of sand is called Shirahama and is located on the Kii Peninsula. It's good for snorkeling on calm days because of its small beach break. Irie Coffee & Sea is at the north end of the beach. In front of the Shimoda Prince Hotel there is a nice break over the headland.
It's the best for off-the-beaten track sand.
The off-the-beaten-path island of Hirado has beautiful old streets, great seafood, and a grand castle. Some of the coastline is very rugged. Travelers who travel to the far west can choose from a variety of pristine beaches. It is possible to find a beach on the west coast with clear, turquoise waters and a small amount of silver sand.
It's possible to get to Hirado from Nagasaki by bus.
It's the best for sunsets in the East China Sea.
Sunset beach is located at the northwest end of Ishigaki-jima in the Yaeyama Islands. The golden sand, clear turquoise water, and netted swimming area are appealing selling points. This is a great place to watch the sun set into the East China Sea. There are flights from Tokyo, Osaka and Naha to Ishigaki City.
It's the best for swimming all year long.
kinohama is one of the most magnificent sandy beaches in southern Japan. The area's surfers, some egg-laying turtles, and the odd, grinning clam diver are the only people who visit this 2 km stretch of sand. With the sand facing east, you can see the sun and moon rise from your beach towel and swimming is possible year-round. There are buses from the station to the Ashizuri-misaki area.
The tiny island of Chichi-jima is located about 1000 km from the Japanese mainland. You can find good swimming beaches on the west side of the island. You can walk along a trail over the hill and along the coast to see more white sand at John Beach. The ferries run from Tokyo to Chichi-jima in 24 hours.
The Ogasawara Islands are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site for their flora and fauna.
It's best for families and settings.
Shiroyama Beach in Takahama in less traveled Fukui Prefecture is popular with Japanese families. The site of the vanished Takahama Castle can be found on the coast north of Kyoto. The northeast end of the park is home to a verdant rock arch and a number of Shinto shrines. It is a popular spot for sunset strolls.
It is possible to get to the beach from Kyoto by train.
The best place to go for a beach break is Tokyo.
Kamakura's beaches don't compare to the perfect sands lining the islands of Okinawa Prefecture, but with Tokyo just an hour away by train, they are a great choice for anyone wanting a bit of sand and sea. The main beachfront of this seaside city has a laid back vibe and is complemented by organic restaurants, summer beach shacks and surfers. Sunrise meditation sessions and hillside hikes add to the list of reasons to visit, but the beach gets packed on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.
The Kamejikan Guesthouse is close to the beach and has a cafe and bar.
WendyYanagihara reviewed and updated the text for relevancy. The content has been adapted from a book.
The article was published in March 2021.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
