As we know, Japan is an archipelago with thousands of islands, and like all islands, it has beaches. But some places are more popular than others, so thinking about this, we will make a guide on the best beaches in Japan.
If you think that beach episode clichés are boring, I have to warn you that they fit perfectly with Japanese customs. They love the beach (or in the case of men, girls in bikinis) and it counts as good fanservice, but they usually don’t spend the whole year at the beaches.
Well, it’s not just because of the cold there; there are other factors that influence this enjoyment of the Japanese, and at the end of the post, I will comment more on this. In other words, why the Japanese only go to the beach in the summer.
Table of Contents
Basic information about beaches in Japan
Being an island, it is surrounded by the ocean on all sides, resulting in an extensive coastline, so the amount of sandy beach is equally extensive. But there is the fact that it is a long archipelago, which results in different climates in the regions; for example, the winter in the north is colder than in the south, but the differences are small.
And as it should be, the beaches provide several basic facilities such as restrooms and showers, and the dangers are also normal, such as strong currents and marine life like jellyfish. In addition, there are strict rules about beach cleanliness, where bathers must dispose of trash in the appropriate place or take it with them.
Moreover, nudity is generally not allowed on public beaches, which is no surprise since they like to value modesty. Something ironic since there are onsens, and even mixed onsens in some hidden parts of Japan.
Anyway, these warnings must be followed to the letter. And it is always good to have travel insurance when traveling. I recommend visiting travel insurance for Japan, which is a good site for that.
The Best Beaches in Japan
If you are thinking about traveling to Japan or taking a vacation there, you can mark these beaches on your agenda, but remember not to go exactly in winter, or better yet, go in winter, because winter here is at the same time as summer there, so you have to go when it is winter here in Brazil (June-September).
I hope you understood, so let’s continue, remembering that as I said at the beginning, the best beaches and the best climates for beaches can be found further south in the country. And even in the south of the country, the opinion is unanimous when it comes to the best, as everyone will say the same thing, Okinawa.
We can say that it is like a Copacabana, but that doesn’t mean they are the only ones. So don’t worry, I won’t just talk about Okinawa and other similar ones; however, I also won’t comment on all the beaches in the archipelago. But let’s take it step by step, starting with the cliché beaches.
The Beaches of Okinawa
Famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and warm climate, but with temperatures dropping below 15 degrees in winter. Its beaches are open all year round, but the best time for swimming is between late May and October, that is, their summer.
Main Island
The main island has many white sandy beaches, some of which are owned by the large resort hotels located by the beach. Resort beaches are open to everyone, although some charge for beach access. However, the beaches are a spectacle in themselves, and for a good beach lover, this is just an irrelevant tribute to be paid.
Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands are located 40 kilometers west of the main island of Okinawa, ironically but it is the plain truth, and offer white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In other words, everything you can do at the beach and a little more.
Moreover, their natural beauty is also a spectacle in itself, as corals and reef fish can be seen close to the coast, and sea turtles can even be seen near some beaches, so don’t forget to take a small excursion in the water, as the beaches also offer services like these.
Kume Island
There are three main beaches on Kume Island that offer swimming and diving opportunities. Not far away is a seven-kilometer stretch of white sandy sea known as Hatenohama Beach, which can only be accessed by boat tours.
I particularly like beaches of this type; after all, they have a touch of refuge and give a sense of security. But that’s my opinion; you may not like it and prefer something more accessible.
Miyako Island
Miyako Island is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture and is known for having some of the best beaches in Japan and being a great destination for snorkeling and diving. There are picturesque sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing and coral reefs for diving.
In other words, it cannot be left off your travel list under any circumstances; just for the coral reefs, it would already be worth a visit, but bathers are very happy because it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Ishigaki Island
This island offers several pleasant beaches and diving in the coral reefs that surround almost all the beaches of the island. Kabira Bay, considered the most picturesque view of Ishigaki Island, does not allow swimming or diving, but there are glass-bottom boat tours available for those who wish to explore the bay.
And this closes the list corresponding to the islands of Okinawa Prefecture, so we will talk about other prefectures and their coasts, which can certainly be a good attraction for those who are not willing to go to the south of the country.
Kagoshima Prefecture
Bordering Okinawa Prefecture, this prefecture is just north of Okinawa and has over 2000 km of coastline, including 28 islands in its archipelago. The province also houses a chain of volcanoes, including the famous Sakurajima.
Amami Oshima
Amami Oshima offers many large and beautiful white sand beaches along its coast. Some offer good diving opportunities. The beaches of Amami tend to be less crowded than those of Okinawa. Particularly, there isn’t much difference in the beaches, but it can be a good destination for those who don’t follow the trend.
The Beaches of Tokyo
Yes, even the largest metropolis in the world has its beaches. For although the image of Tokyo is that of a bustling metropolis, there are beaches not far from the city. In summer, the beaches along the Shonan coast and the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture are very popular.
The Izu Peninsula is often considered to have the best beaches and diving near Tokyo, while the Boso Peninsula is particularly popular among surfers. The Izu Island chain, south of Tokyo, including Izu Oshima, offers more options.
The official swimming season around Tokyo usually lasts from mid-July to August, but air and water temperatures are often warm enough before July and September.
Odaiba
Odaiba has an 800-meter long artificial beach near the Decks shopping center, with public facilities such as showers and restrooms. Swimming is not allowed on the beach, and most people go there to enjoy the sun and sand, as well as participate in activities like beach volleyball.
I would say it is only for those who want to get a tan and admire the scenery. In addition to practicing some beach sports like volleyball. And to complement, the Rainbow Bridge and the skyscrapers of Tokyo can be seen from the beach, and the place is also recommended for watching the sunset.
Kamakura
The beaches of Kamakura are about a 20-minute walk from Kamakura Station. Even though the sand is not white, the beaches are still very popular during the summer months and are crowded with locals and visitors. This proves the Japanese taste for sand, sea, and sun.
Rental shops and temporary beach huts open for business during the swimming season, and public facilities include showers and restrooms. In other words, it is a great place to spend a weekend or to find some summer work, which is a cliché in anime.
Enoshima
The beaches cover the entire east and west coast of Enoshima, and right next to them are two popular swimming beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards and are crowded with restaurants and temporary beach huts that play popular music and rent sun loungers and umbrellas to bathers during the summer holidays.
Remember that it is not just one or two beaches, so it is good to choose one that certainly meets your needs; for this, you use criteria such as your accommodation, distance, and travel costs, all to make the most of it.
Boso Peninsula
The beaches line the coast of the Boso Peninsula and are a popular and relatively easy day trip from Tokyo. The eastern coast faces the Pacific Ocean, making it popular for surfing and bodyboarding, while the western coast offers calmer waters and views of Mount Fuji when visibility is very good.
Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands are a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The subtropical islands are about 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo, practically in the middle of nowhere, and are only accessible by a ferry from Tokyo.
But the isolation is a blessing for those seeking to escape, and the islands offer many secluded beaches with opportunities for snorkeling and swimming. Similar to Okinawa, the best time to swim here is from around June to October, when temperatures consistently top 25 degrees.
Izu Peninsula
Shirahama Beach is the most famous of the many beaches on the Izu Peninsula – many of which are near the southern tip of the peninsula. The white sandy beach is about 800 meters long with facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and restrooms, and shops nearby. The beach is also known for relatively good surfing conditions.
Other Popular Beaches in Japan
Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea lies between the main Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The islands of the Seto Inland Sea have a mild climate and some offer beautiful resorts with beaches and other attractions. The swimming season usually lasts from July to September.
Shirahama Beach
Shirahama Beach is a 500-meter long sandy beach in Shirahama, a well-developed hot spring resort in Wakayama Prefecture. This popular beach sees many visitors during the summer, and beach equipment rental shops open during the swimming season. Public facilities include showers, changing rooms, and restrooms.
Kikugahama Beach
The beach is located near the Ruins of Hagi Castle in Yamaguchi Prefecture and offers a view of Mount Shizuki in the surroundings. It is a popular beach for swimming and sunbathing, and public facilities include showers, changing rooms, and restrooms.
Jodogahama Beach
Jodogahama Beach is one of the most famous tourist spots along the Sanriku coast and features interesting rock formations. Popular in summer, the beach is also ranked as one of the top one hundred beaches in Japan, with its clear entrance sheltered from the open ocean. Public beach facilities are available.
Miho Beach
Miho Beach is best known for its views of Mount Fuji and the pine trees. The beach has stones instead of sand, and swimming areas can be found on the opposite side of the peninsula. Paid facilities on the beach include showers, restrooms, and changing rooms.
Tottori Sand Dunes
The sand dunes in Tottori are situated along the Sea of Japan and create one of the largest beaches in Japan. The area is popular among families and groups who come to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Beach huts open during the summer, and public facilities consist of showers, changing rooms, and toilets, while other outdoor attractions in the dunes include camel rides, paragliding, and sandboarding (Read our article about Tottori).
Momochihama Beach
This is an artificial beach along Hakata Bay, at the foot of the Fukuoka Tower. There is an artificial island in the center of the beach, with restaurants, shops, and a ferry port with connections to Hakata Bay. The beach is a popular spot for sports like volleyball and soccer, as well as swimming and sunbathing.
The Use of Beaches in Japan
An intriguing phenomenon in Japan is the desertification of beaches after summer; don’t worry, it’s nothing like the beach disappearing or becoming inhospitable. The fact is that practically no one visits the beaches after the end of the season. It’s not something I’m exaggerating; the beaches really do become empty, even if the temperature is relatively high.
For example, above 25 degrees, in many countries, the coastlines would be crowded regardless of the season. But this does not happen in Japan; even if the temperature is good, the beaches remain deserted if it is not summer.
Well, it’s not because they don’t like the beach; on the contrary, they love the beach, and if you visit Japan in July or August, you will see thousands of people leaving their comfort every day and heading to the beaches in the heat of the season.
Why does this happen? Well, we can blame the indoctrination of the Japanese regarding rules. What does this mean? Basically, the Japanese are trained from a young age to respect rules and various other customs regarding authorities. It may seem like a kind of reprimand to freedom, but it works very well.
And with this introduction, we arrive at the cause of the phenomenon. The government is extremely strict regarding beaches, and because of Japanese culture, they tend to interfere in this activity as much as possible so that it is not carried out out of season.
To do this, they do things like removing lifeguards from the beaches and closing all facilities like bars and restaurants, all of which are prohibited from operating by law. And even the citizens themselves are so submissive to the authorities that they would never think of challenging them.
What did you think of the beaches in Japan?
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it, and remember to always respect the rules when visiting Japan, as you saw, they are extremely concerned with rules, and perhaps that is why Westerners have poor impressions of this country, since we usually don’t think in “mass,” we only care about ourselves.
So be careful; you might be warned by some Japanese and think it was just because they found you ugly; here’s a tip to avoid an argument. If you have any questions, criticism, suggestions, or anything of the sort, just leave your comment below.
And don’t forget to share the page on social media; I also ask you to rate it to let us know if you liked the content. And thank you for reading the article up to here, and until next time, goodbye.
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