Japan won’t be the primary nation that springs to thoughts whenever you consider a seashore trip, however Japanese vacationers know that the shoreline of this fascinating archipelago is studded with beautiful seashores, notably on the dreamy southern islands.
Worldwide surfers communicate extremely of Japan’s energetic surf scene, which tends to be very inclusive, giving coastal cities a uniquely Japanese however universally chilled-out surf vibe. Then there are the seashore resorts of Kamakura – excellent for seashore days out from Tokyo – and the pure-bliss sands of Okinawa and the southern islands.
Whether or not your tastes run to seashore resorts inside commuting distance from Tokyo or distant island idylls, right here’s our decide of the very best seashores in Japan.
1. Sunayama Seaside, Miyako-jima
Finest for pure seashore magnificence
The island of Miyako-jima is the biggest and most populous of the Miyako Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and its shoreline is dotted with unimaginable seashores. Sunayama, close to the island’s hub metropolis of Hirara, is probably the decide of the bunch – an archetypally tropical white-sand seashore with a putting rock arch, which lies on the backside of a giant sand dune (therefore the title, that means ‘Sand Mountain Seaside’). With this being Japan, issues are well-organized for seashore days, with masks and snorkel leases, showers and bogs. Common flights join Mikayo-Jima with Osaka, Tokyo and different hubs.
Planning tip: Most lodging is positioned within the Hirara district of Miyakojima metropolis, however you may additionally discover locations to remain nearer to the seashores. There are free tenting grounds at many seashore parks, together with Yonaha-Maehama and Aragusuku-kaigan.
2. Jōdogahama, Miyako Metropolis
Finest for rock formations and pure magnificence
A brief distance from Miyako Metropolis in Iwate Prefecture within the north of Japan, photogenic Jōdogahama – whose title interprets to ‘pure land seashore’ – sits on a sheltered inlet surrounded by jagged white-stone outcrops backed by deep-green pines. It is a part of Sanriku Fukkō Nationwide Park, famed for its coastal rock formations. Peaceable strolling tracks wind their means across the bay, whereas the seashore itself has crystal-clear water excellent for tranquil bathing. Home vacationers flock to the realm in summer time, when paddle boats can be found for rent, and boat journeys run out to the Blue Cave, a scenic sea cave within the bay.
3. Nishibama Seaside, Aka-jima
Finest for excellent sand and clear waters
Beautiful seashores fringe each aspect of tiny Aka-jima within the Kerama Islands, simply west of Okinawa, however for sheer postcard-perfect magnificence, it is laborious to beat the 1km (0.6 mile) stretch of white, crushed-coral sand on the northeast coast often called Nishibama Seaside. You possibly can hire snorkeling gear right here to take a look at the reef life, or content material your self with swimming in calm, clear waters.
Native tip: It could possibly get crowded right here in summer time. If you need privateness, hunt down the quieter seashores on the opposite sides of the island. Quick ferries run to Aka-jima from Naha on Okinawa.
4. Shirahama, Shimoda
Finest for browsing
The seashores across the engaging little port metropolis of Shimoda, southwest of Toyko on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, serve up a few of Japan’s finest surf breaks, and tokkyū trains run right here commonly from the Japanese capital. To not be confused with the resort of Shirahama on the Kii Peninsula, Shirahama is the preferred part of sand. Its small however fixed seashore break will get packed in summer time, and it is good for snorkeling on calmer days. On the north finish of the seashore, Irie Espresso & Sea rents out boards and wetsuits and provides classes. There’s one other first rate break north over the headland, in entrance of the Shimoda Prince Lodge.
5. Hitotsuku Seaside, Hirado
Finest for off-the-beaten-track sand
North of Nagasaki, the candy, off-the-beaten-path island of Hirado has picturesque previous streets, nice seafood, a grand fortress and intriguing museums. It additionally has some splendidly rugged sections of shoreline. Vacationers who enterprise this far west are spoiled for selection in the case of pristine seashores. Hitotsuku on the west coast is probably the decide of the lot, with clear, turquoise waters and a sliver of silver sand, with bogs and showers making for a simple seashore day.
Planning tip: You may get to Hirado from Nagasaki by bus, with a change in Sasebo.
6. Sundown Seaside, Ishigaki-jima
Finest for East China Sea sunsets
One other of Okinawa Prefecture’s star seashores, Sundown Seaside is on the northwest finish of Ishigaki-jima within the Yaeyama Islands. Massive promoting factors embody interesting golden sand, clear turquoise water, and a netted swimming space to guard bathers from field jellyfish, which collect within the waters off Okinawa from Could to October. Because the title implies, that is additionally among the best spots to look at the solar set into the East China Sea. Flights run to Ishigaki Metropolis on Ishigaki-jima from Tokyo, Osaka and Naha.
7. Ōkinohama, Shikoku
Finest for year-round swimming
About 25km (15.5 miles) south of Shimanto Metropolis (Nakamura) on the island of Shikoku, you may discover Ōkinohama, certainly one of southern Japan’s most opulent sandy seashores. The one souls to frequent this unspoiled 2km (1.2 mile) stretch of sand are the realm’s surfers, some egg-laying turtles (from Could to August), and the odd, grinning clam diver. With the sand going through east, you may watch the solar and moon rise out of your seashore towel, and heat currents be certain that swimming is feasible year-round. Buses from Nakamura Station to Ashizuri-misaki go Ōkinohama.
8. Kominato-kaigan, Chichi-jima
About 1000km (620 miles) from the Japanese mainland, the tiny island of Chichi-jima within the Ogasawara Archipelago provides a quintessentially tropical scene. Good swimming seashores line the west aspect of the island, getting extra beautiful and languorous the additional south you go. The neighboring coves of Kopepe and Kominato-kaigan are notably engaging; from Kominato-kaigan, you may stroll alongside a path over the hill and alongside the coast to seek out extra beguiling white sand at John Seaside (although come ready for a two-hour hike). The Ogasawara Hauin ferry firm runs boats to Chichi-jima from Tokyo, taking 24 hours every means.
Native tip: The Ogasawara Islands are a Unesco World Pure Heritage web site for his or her natural world, together with endangered hen species.
9. Shiroyama Seaside, Takahama
Finest for households (and setting)
With clear, shallow waters, Shiroyama Seaside in Takahama in less-traveled Fukui Prefecture is a success with Japanese households. On the coast north of Kyoto, the seashore backs onto a large, inexperienced park that was initially the positioning of vanished Takahama Fortress. Including to the drama of the setting, a verdant rock arch often called Meikyōdō bookends the northeast finish of the park and a handful of Shinto shrines dot the rocky headland close by. With views in the direction of Mt Aoba, it is a well-liked spot for a sundown stroll.
Planning tip: As an added bonus, the seashore is simply over two hours from Kyoto by prepare.
1o. Yuigahama Seaside, Kamakura
Finest for a seashore break from Tokyo
Kamakura’s seashores don’t examine to the proper sands lining the islands of Okinawa Prefecture, however with Tokyo simply an hour away by prepare, they’re an excellent selection for anybody wanting a little bit of sand and sea whereas staying in Japan’s energetic capital. This seaside metropolis’s primary beachfront, Yuigahama, has a laid-back, earthy vibe, which is barely complemented by its natural eating places, summer time seashore shacks and surfers. Dawn meditation periods and hillside hikes add to the lengthy listing of causes to go to, however the seashore tends to get packed on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.
Planning tip: Not removed from the seashore is the pleasant Kamejikan Guesthouse with a small cafe and bar and data on seashore yoga periods.
Vacation spot skilled Wendy Yanagihara reviewed and up to date this textual content for accuracy and relevance. Some content material has been tailored from Lonely Planet’s Japan guidebook.
