The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Japan. So if you are in Japan, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Chūbu
Hirizo Beach, Shizuoka Prefecture
Address – Hirizo Beach, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Google Maps Link – 34°36’26.3″N 138°49’33.0″E
Hirizo Beach is located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, in the central region of the main island Honshu. This rocky beach has crystal clear waters, which can be cold even during the summer. Snorkeling is a favorite activity among tourists and locals alike. Hirizo Beach is less crowded during weekdays. Make sure you bring your own food and drinks, as well as a tent; tourism isn’t developed in the area, so there are no facilities available.
Suishohama Beach Resort, Takenami
Address – Suishohama Beach Resort, Takenami, Japan
Google Maps Link – 35°41’06.8″N 135°58’38.0″E
The Suishohama Beach Resort is located in Takenami, on the Fukui Prefecture, in central Honshu. The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling, but it gets deep quickly; be careful. You can find some places to buy food and some others to rent tents and inflatables, buy sunscreen, etc. During the summer, it can get very crowded; the entrance is free but there is a parking fee.
Shirahama Beach, Shimoda
Address – Shirahama Beach, Shimoda, Japan
Google Maps Link – 34°41’21.2″N 138°58’22.0″E
Shirahama Beach is located in Shimoda, in the Shizuoka Prefecture. The water is clear and the waves perfect for surfing; together with the white sand, Shirahama Beach creates beautiful scenery. Near the beach, you can find a few cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy a picnic on the shore, or walk along the beach. During winter, it is deserted but the water is too cold for swimming.
Atami Sun Beach, Shizuoka
Address – Higashikaigancho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012, Japan
Google Maps Link – 35°05’51.9″N 139°04’35.9″E
Atami Sun Beach is located in Atami, on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, Japan. This lovely beach offers soft white sand lined with palm trees, stunning views, and a calm atmosphere. The water is shallow, with breakwaters making it calm and safe for everyone to swim; for this reason, the beach is a favorite among families with small kids. If you’re lucky, you get to admire the unique fireworks display held around 8 times during the summer. There are many restaurants, cafes, and accommodation around the city.
The Best Beaches in Kansai
Nishikinohama Beach Park, Osaka
Address – Sawa, Kaizuka, Osaka 597-0062, Japan
Google Maps Link – 34°26’19.0″N 135°20’06.6″E
Nishikinohama Beach Park is located in Osaka, on the western coast of the Kansai Region, Japan. This extensive beach, with its golden sand and calm atmosphere, is a great spot for walking, jogging, and relaxing. The water is calm with small waves, safe to swim. There is a children’s playground in the area. Around the city, you can find different restaurants, cafes, and stores. It is mostly frequented by families and students, but it never gets busy or crowded.
Rinku Marble Beach, Osaka
Address – 7-1 Rinkuoraiminami, Izumisano, Osaka 598-0047, Japan
Google Maps Link – 34°24’11.5″N 135°17’19.2″E
Rinku Marble Beach is located in Osaka, on the western coast of the Kansai Region, Japan. This wide, pebbly beach is backdropped by verdant trees, offering stunning views wherever you look. It is a great spot for walking and jogging, and dogs are allowed. Rinku Marble Beach is near the bridge to Kansai International Airport, and many people visit to admire the views before boarding their plane. You can find a restaurant and a hotel near the beach. Keep in mind that it can be busy during the weekends, especially in the afternoon; however, the beach is extensive enough for it to still be quiet during busy days.
The Best Beaches in Kantō
Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura
Address – Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura, Japan
Google Maps Link – 35°18’33.4″N 139°32’33.0″E
Yuigahama Beach is located in Kamakura, on the Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo. This beach is huge and with just a few cafes, and even though the sand is not white and thin, the water is very clean and warm. Yuigahama Beach is perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing on the shore, away from the city life.
Zushi Beach, Kanagawa
Address – Zuchi Beah, 2-chōme-3 Shinjuku, Zushi, Kanagawa 249-0007, Japan
Google Maps Link – 35°17’28.3″N 139°34’23.0″E
Zushi Beach is located in Zushi, Kanagawa, in the Kanto Region of Japan. This stretch of soft sand is a great option to relax and disconnect from a busy life, with stunning views of Mount Fuji San. The water is refreshing and safe for swimming; however, during windy days, the waves are rather big, making Zushi Beach a favorite spot for surfers and windsurfers. There are a few restaurants and hotels along the beach. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach, and it can be crowded during weekend afternoons.
Miura Beach, Kanagawa
Address – Miura Beach, Kamimiyada Minamishitauramachi, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0101, Japan
Google Maps Link – 35°11’07.1″N 139°39’21.8″E
Miura Beach is located on the eastern coast of Miura, Kanagawa, in the Kanto Region of Japan. With soft sand and stunning coastal views, this long beach is a great spot to hang out with friends. The water is calm and safe for swimming, and the stretch of sand is perfect for walking and jogging; besides, dogs are allowed. There are some restaurants and stores around the city. Most visitors arrive during the afternoon, and it can be busy around that time, especially on the weekends.
The Best Beaches in Kyūshū
Takahama Beach, Goto
Address – Takahama Beach, Goto, Japan
Google Maps Link – 32°42’31.7″N 128°39’39.5″E
Takahama Beach is located on Fukuejima island, on the Goto Islands, west of the Nagasaki Prefecture. The beach is clean and the water clear, safe for swimming and not too crowded. You can find cafes and snack stores, as well as rental places for sunbeds and umbrellas. The showers are clean, and you can rent a locker to keep your valuables safe. There is also canoe rental if you don’t want to swim but still want to explore the crystalline waters.
Furuzamami Beach Zamami-Son
Address – Furuzamami Beach Zamami-Son, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°13’21.8″N 127°18’29.0″E
Furuzamami Beach is located on the Zamami Island, part of the Okinawa Islands, southwest of the main Honshu. To get there, you have to hike over a hill, but the walk is totally worth it. The water is calm and has a bright blue color, and it hides a beautiful reef underneath. For this reason, Furuzamami Beach is a favorite spot for snorkeling, and if you’re lucky you can spot sea turtles. There is one beach shop where you can rent umbrellas, ski tours, and snorkels. A restaurant offers typical Japanese food.
Nishihama Beach, Hateruma-Jima
Address – Nishihama Beach, Hateruma-Jima, Japan
Google Maps Link – 24°03’51.9″N 123°45’43.3″E
Nishihama Beach is located on the Hateruma Island, the southernmost island in Japan, part of the Okinawa Islands. The waters on this beach have a turquoise shade, making it one of the most beautiful of the islands. It is never crowded, but there are not many facilities or places to eat and drink, so make sure you bring your own snacks. In the clear waters, you will surely see a variety of colorful fish without having to swim too far; go snorkeling if you have the chance.
Zanpa Beach, Nakagami
Address – Zanpa Beach, Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°26’06.7″N 127°42’57.0″E
Zanpa Beach is located in the Cape Zanpa Peninsula, on the western coast of the Okinawa Island of Japan. This popular beach offers soft white, and clear waters, and activities for everyone to enjoy. The water is calm, safe for swimming with lifeguards on duty; you can also enjoy a banana boat ride, rent jet skis, and try hydro jet surfing. There is a small snack bar at the beach It is usually busy during the afternoon and can be crowded on weekends.
Toguchi Beach, Nakagami
Address – Toguchi Beach, Toguchi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0315, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°21’56.2″N 127°44’13.5″E
Toguchi Beach is located in Nakagami, on the western coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. This unique, picturesque beach offers golden sand and fascinating rock formations, giving off dramatic views. With shallow, crystal clear water, this beach is safe for swimming and a great snorkeling spot; the coral reefs are home to many amazing marine species. The stunning view makes this beach a favorite photography spot, and the calm atmosphere is perfect to walk; besides, dogs are allowed. You can find a restaurant and a food truck parked in the area, as well as places to have a picnic or a barbecue. The beach rarely gets crowded or busy, but most visitors tend to go around weekend afternoons.
Tropical Beach, Ginowan
Address – Tropical Beach, 4 Chome-2-1 Mashiki, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2224, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°16’52.6″N 127°43’53.9″E
Tropical Beach is located in Ginowan, on the western coast of Okinawa, Japan. A serene, lovely beach with a wide stretch of white sand, turquoise waters and stunning sunset views. Tropical Beach is a great place to relax admiring the ocean colors, with nice areas to walk or have a picnic; you can also bring your food and have a barbecue. The water is clear and shallow, and the lifeguards at the beach make it safe for everyone to swim. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach, and can feel crowded around weekends.
Cape Maeda, Kunigami
Address – Cape Maeda, 469-1 Maeda, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0417, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°26’40.2″N 127°46’15.1″E
Cape Maeda is located in Kunigami, on the western coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. This unique beach offers some of the most dramatic and unforgettable views in Japan. The water is calm and crystal clear, rich with marine life and perfect for snorkeling and diving; you can get lessons and equipment from a dive shop near the parking lot. A highlight of Cape Maeda is definitely the Blue Cave, where you can snorkel in bright blue water and swim around colorful fish. There is a restaurant in the area, and vending machines around. However, the beach is popular and can be busy, and it gets crowded during the weekends.
Gushikawa Beach, Uruma
Address – Gushikawa Beach, Gushikawa, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2223, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°21’48.6″N 127°52’22.0″E
Gushikawa Beach is located in Uruma, on the eastern coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. Quiet and serene, this beach is a great getaway from the busy city life to relax and disconnect. The water is clear, calm, and a great spot to swim safely; however, there tends to be a lot of seaweed on the shore, and some people prefer not to swim. Dogs are allowed and the stretch of sand is great for walking. There are no restaurants or accommodation in the area; make sure you bring everything you might need. The beach is not a touristy spot, it rarely gets busy and the atmosphere is always peaceful.
White Beach, Uruma
Address – White Beach, 7WXC+XW, Katsurenheshikiya, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2314, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°17’58.1″N 127°55’19.7″E
White Beach is located in Uruma, on the eastern coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. Just like the name states, this long beach offers white sand covered in pieces of broken shells, and backdropped by verdant trees. The water is calm and safe for swimming, and the stretch of sand is great for walking and admiring the peaceful view. You can hike over the small hill at the left end of the beach and arrive at North White Beach, a more secluded and quiet spot. There are no facilities or restaurants in the area, but you can bring you food and barbecue. The beach is not popular and is mostly frequented by locals, so it rarely gets busy.
Uken Beach, Uruma
Address – Uken Beach, 9VMF+PP, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2211, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°23’05.7″N 127°52’28.0″E
Uken Beach is located in Uruma, on the eastern coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. This laid-back beach, with soft sand and beautiful views, is a great place to relax. The water is shallow with a stunning blue color and small waves, safe for everyone to swim and a good place for fishing.. During the summer, you can find food vendors along the beach; you can also bring your own food and barbecue. It’s not a touristy spot and rarely gets busy.
Mibaru Beach, Nanjo
Address – Mibaru Beach, Hyakuna-1346 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0603, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°08’02.0″N 127°47’22.7″E
Mibaru Beach is located in Nanjo, on the southern coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. This lovely stretch of white sand and bright blue waters is a great spot to hang out with friends and enjoy a quiet atmosphere. The water is clear and good for swimming, with rock formations hidden during high tide, and offering dramatic views during low tide. You can get a glass boat ride around the rocks to spot some amazing sea species. There are a few restaurants and accommodation in the area. The beach is mostly frequented by locals, so it never feels crowded or gets overly busy.
Naminoue Beach, Wakasa
Address – Naminoue Beach, 1 Chome-25-9 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°13’17.2″N 127°40’20.5″E
Naminoue Beach is located in Wakasa, on the southwestern coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. A small, white sandy beach with unique views of a highway overpass. The water is crystal clear and shallow, with lifeguards on duty making it safe for everyone to swim. There are volleyball nets and a basketball court. You can find some restaurants, cafes and hotels around the city and food trucks park at the beach. The area around the beach is great for walking, and there is a barbecue spot. It is mostly frequented by locals, however it can be busy during weekends.
Tiger Beach, Kunigami
Address – 冨着ビーチ(TIGER BEACH), 110 Fuchaku, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0413, Japan
Google Maps Link – 26°27’20.8″N 127°48’29.9″E
Tiger Beach is located in Kunigami, on the western coast of Okinawa Island, Japan. This lovely, quiet beach is a great spot to admire the sunset, take a walk and relax under the sun. The water is clear with small waves, and safe for swimming on the designated areas; besides, there are lifeguards on duty. You can try snorkeling here and spot colorful fish. There are a few restaurants and a small café along the beach, as well as resorts in the area. It rarely gets busy, only during the summer months you might find a small crowd at the beach.
Yoshino Kaigan Beach, Miyakojima
Address – Yoshino Kaigan Beach, Japan, 〒906-0000 Okinawa, Miyakojima, Gusukube, Aragusuku−15−38
Google Maps Link – 24°44’57.8″N 125°26’32.3″E
Yoshino Kaigan Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa Islands of Japan. This remote stretch of sand, broken shells, corals and rocks is a great getaway to disconnect and spend a day peacefully. The water is shallow and calm, safe for swimming, with coral reefs and different fish species making it a great snorkeling spot; you can rent gear at the beach. There is accommodation along the road, with great facilities and restaurants; however, you can also bring your own food. Keep in mind that it can get busy during the weekends, especially during the afternoon.
Shigira Beach, Miyakojima
Address – Shigira Beach, Arazato Ueno, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0000, Japan
Google Maps Link – 24°43’13.0″N 125°20’27.6″E
Shigira Beach is located on the southern coast of Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa Islands of Japan. This small beach offers soft white sand and turquoise waters, scenic coastal views and a quiet atmosphere. The water is calm and crystal clear, safe for everyone to swim and perfect for snorkeling with many marine species; sea turtles tend to appear around midday. You can get snorkeling gear at the beach, as well as kayaking, diving and snorkeling tours. There is a small cafe at the beach and a restaurant nearby. It tends to get busy during sunny days and weekends.
Waiwai Beach, Miyakojima
Address – Waiwai Beach, 962 Ueno, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0203, Japan
Google Maps Link – 24°43’10.3″N 125°19’47.3″E
Waiwai Beach is located on the southern coast of Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa Islands of Japan. Small and cozy, this white sandy beach is a lovely spot to have an unforgettable beach day. The water is shallow and clear, with countless marine species attracting locals and tourists alike to snorkel and dive; you can get gear and lessons from a dive shop at the beach. There is a hotel in the area, and a few restaurants nearby. It can be crowded during weekend afternoons, especially at the spots where turtles are easier to see; however, the experience makes it worth it.
Yonaha Beach, Miyakojima
Address – Yohana Beach, Yonaha-1199番 Shimoji, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0000, Japan
Google Maps Link – 24°44’04.2″N 125°15’48.5″E
Yonaha Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa Islands of Japan. This beach has soft white sand backdropped by verdant trees, offering stunning views and the feeling of a paradisiacal beach. With shallow water and calm waves, this beach is safe for swimming and great for a relaxing bath. You can try snorkeling and spot different amazing marine species, or have fun and rent a jet ski and a banana boat ride. There is a small cafe at the beach, where you can get refreshing drinks and great food. It tends to get busy during the afternoons, especially on the weekends; however the beach is extensive enough and it never feels crowded.
Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima
Address – 砂山ビーチマリンクラブ, Nikadori Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0000, Japan
Google Maps Link – 24°50’22.6″N 125°16’50.7″E
Sunayama Beach is located on the western coast of Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa Islands of Japan. Remote and secluded, this white sandy beach is surrounded by verdant hills, with bright blue waters and a rock arch giving off dramatic and stunning views. The water is calm and clear, offering great snorkeling spots; however, it gets deep quickly. To get to the beach you need to hike along a short, yet difficult path that starts at the parking lot. There are no places to eat or accommodation nearby. It tends to get busy around midday, and being such a small beach, it can feel crowded.
Funakusu Beach, Miyakojima
Address – Funakusu Beach, Ikema Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0421, Japan
Google Maps Link – 24°56’15.3″N 125°14’42.4″E
Funakusu Beach is located on the northern coast of Ikema Island, a small island connected to Miyakojima, Japan. Serene and picturesque, this white sandy beach offers turquoise waters enclosed by rock formations, offering some of the most beautiful coastal views. The crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling, with many different fish species and other sea creatures. There is store at the parking lot, but no restaurants or places to stay nearby. The beach is mostly frequented by locals, and rarely gets crowded or busy.
The Best Beaches in Tōhoku
Jodogahama Beach, Miyako
Address – Jodogahama Beach, Hitachihamacho, Iwate 027-0001, Japan
Google Maps Link – 39°39’09.0″N 141°58’43.1″E
Jodogahama Beach is located in Miyako, to the north-east of the main island Honshu. This lovely beach is almost always empty, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. There’s a beach restaurant with a typical Japanese menu, but still totally worth trying. You can take a boat ride to get close to the rock formations or hike the trails around the beach. There are many seagulls on the shore, but avoid feeding them; be careful of the rocks, and bring swim shoes.