Japan is one of the most breathtaking countries in the world.
This tourist destination has a distinctive culture and plenty of scenic locations.
Most importantly though, the island country has hundreds of spectacular beaches.
Whether you’re traveling to Japan, particularly for the beaches, or you just want a sunny beach day in the middle of your trip, there’s a beach for every taste!
In this article, we’ve listed some of the best beaches in Japan to help you find the most spectacular spots.
So, let’s dive in.
1. Okinawa Beaches
Even if you have never been to Japan, you’ve probably heard of Okinawa.
That’s because Okinawa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
You can’t go wrong with any beach in Okinawa.
There are 48 inhabited islands in Okinawa.
So, you’ll have many beaches to choose from if you decide to visit this prefecture.
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Yonaha Beach’s white, snow-like sand is a must-see.
This beach is incredibly spacious, extending for about 7 km.
The crystal-clear blue ocean is one of a kind.
Yonaha Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic sunset.
Additionally, since it’s a popular spot, there are lots of restaurants and other activities to do, including snorkelling and water sports.
Furuzamami Beach
You can easily reach Furuzumami Beach by ferry from Okinawa (Naha)
The beach is on the Kerama Islands, and only a short boat ride away.
It’s the most convenient beach to reach, making it perfect if you don’t like long trips.
This beach is a snorkeler’s paradise.
You can enjoy the well-preserved coral and unique fish species.
Furuzamami Beach is perfect for families or even solo travellers who are looking for some quiet leisure time.
Emerald Beach
Emerald Beach would be a perfect choice if you want a day full of activities.
There are multiple urban cafes and a shopping area.
You can also walk for a couple of minutes to visit Ocean Park.
The beach itself is incredibly peaceful, overlooking the beautiful ocean.
This makes it perfect for large groups who have multiple interests.
2. Tomori Beach
Tomori Beach is on Amami island, which has numerous spectacular beaches.
It’s officially part of Kagoshima prefecture.
Tomori Beach stands out as it’s the closest to Amami airport and has a mesmerizing emerald ocean.
This beach doesn’t get crowded, making it a great spot for relaxing and sunbathing.
There aren’t many convenience stores or restaurants near the beach.
Instead, you can bring your own food and drink and enjoy a picnic on the golden sand.
There are plenty of things you can do near Tomori beach, such as kayaking in Amami Mangrove, or bathing in the soothing hot springs.
3. Shirahama Beach
A lot of tourists visit Izu just to enjoy Shirahama Beach.
This is a popular spot for surfers in Japan.
However, the reason people love this beach is its spectacular view overlooking the mountains.
Not only will you get to enjoy a sunny beach day, but you can also do some sightseeing.
The Shirahama shrine is only a couple of steps away from the beach.
Shirahama Beach is quite spacious, extending for about 800 meters, so you won’t have to worry about crowds.
This beach is the best if you want to unwind as well as take delightful pictures to commemorate your trip.
4. Kujuppama Beach
Kujupamma Beach is one straight out of the movies.
The ocean at this beach is as blue as the sky.
Additionally, the beach itself is between beautiful green hills, which you’ll get to hike in order to access the beach area.
You can swim, surf, and even snorkel at Kujuppama Beach.
If you’re not up for the activities, the view and the hike are worth it.
You’ll also find multiple natural parks nearby, so you can enjoy the unique foliage overlooking the sea.
5. Mizushima
Mizushima is a small, uninhabited island near the tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula.
Its clear blue waters and beautiful white beaches make it a popular place for families and couples to visit.
You can swim or just look for pretty seashells on the beach.
During beach season, there are boats going to and from the island every day.
You’ll need a car to get there, though.
While not really known among international tourists, this is one of the best beaches in Japan outside Okinawa.
6. Hakuto Beach
Uradomi coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Japan.
It has alluring rocks, hills, and structures.
So, you can’t go wrong with any of the beaches there.
However, there are only a few beaches that allow swimming, including Hakuto.
You can spend a fun sunny day there, then camp peacefully on the shore.
Did you know there are deserts in Japan?
Well, Hakuto Beach is just a few steps from Tottori sand dunes.
You can even ride camels there!
Make sure to visit the Tottori Sand Museum to make your beach trip unforgettable.
7. Onjuku Beach
If you want an escape from the hustle of Tokyo, Onjuku Beach is only an hour away.
This secluded beach is great for relaxing.
That said, Onjuku Beach is quite dynamic during the summer, especially in August.
Still, it doesn’t get too crowded as it’s mostly a family beach.
You can basically spend the whole day at Onjuku.
Start your morning by swimming at the beach, then you can visit the town for a bite, sightseeing, or some shopping.
At night, you might catch some fireworks and other local events.
There are many hotels nearby if you want to stay the night.
8. Isso Beach
Isso Beach’s sapphire blue water makes it perfect for snapping pictures.
It’s also great for swimmers as well as divers.
There’s a safe swimming area, and on the other side, a diving area full of coral and colorful fish.
You’ll find Isso Beach in the northmost part of Yakushima island.
The island itself is breathtaking.
In fact, it’s extraordinarily captivating and inspires filmmakers to this day.
Sadly, the beach is only open during July and August.
So, if you’re in the area during that time, make sure to visit this unique beach.
9. Zushi Beach
If you’re in Tokyo but still want to enjoy a beach day, Zushi Beach is only an hour away.
Though it might be a little crowded during the summer, this beach has plenty of amenities, restaurants, and water activities, making the visit worthwhile.
The water is great for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing and enjoying the view.
In addition, Zushi Beach has events almost every night in summer, from concerts to exhibitions.
Bonus Beach – Wagunohama
This beach is on the South coast of Mie prefecture.
We drove there from Nagoya and it took about two and a half hours.
The great thing about Wagunohama is that it limits the number of people each day.
To enter, you need to drive and park the car.
They have a car park with limited spaces.
So get there early, or you won’t be able to park and therefore have to wait for someone to leave before you can get to the beach.
The car park is after a tunnel.
As you go through the tunnel, you’ll be able to see a beautiful sandy beach and ocean.
It is a well-kept artificial beach with no big waves, so even small children can play there safely.
Small, colorful tropical fish swim around in the clear ocean, which makes it a great place to snorkel.
The admin building also has a free hot shower and a room to change.
There is also a small outside stand where you can buy hot food for lunch.
Final Words
Though tourists don’t stop by Japan for its numerous beaches, it has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.
The best beaches in Japan are mostly in Okinawa.
Whether you want to unwind while sunbathing or spend a day full of activities, this tropical island has beaches that’ll suit everyone.
Still, there are plenty of spectacular beaches all over Japan.
Even if you’re in the heart of Tokyo, you can still find a quiet, calming beach nearby.
