Japan, in spite of being a country of islands, is not known for its beaches. In some sense, this is completely fair: Many Japanese beaches, especially near major cities like Tokyo, are nothing to write home about.
On the other hand, certain beaches in Japan are among the best in Asia, if not the world. I’m thinking especially about the ones in Okinawa (which, for my money, is not only the “Hawaii of Japan”—it’s better than Hawaii. Though that’s a topic for another post).
Indeed, I’ve done my best to curate a list of the best beaches in Japan that samples from all over the country. This way, no matter where you’re traveling, you’re not too far from sun and Japanese surf.
The Truth About (Most) Japanese Beaches
While the best Japanese beaches are an exception to this rule, the sad reality is that Japan is unlucky. In spite of being an island nation and having one of the longest overall coastlines in the world, most beaches in the country are average or even forgettable. It reminds me a little bit of Taiwan, although in Japan’s case I’d say it’s an even sadder way for the chips to fall.
The other issue is that even where Japan’s beaches are beautiful, they’re often not swimmable. In some cases, this is due to intrinsic factors about a given beach, such as the hazardousness of the tides or the temperature of the water. In others, it’s due to regulations. Authorities that oversee some beaches in Okinawa, including one I’ll be spotlighting, prohibit swimming in order to protect their coral reefs.
My Favorite Beaches in Japan
Jodogahama, Iwate
For my money, the objectively most beautiful beach in Japan is Jodogahama, along the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region. In spite of its beauty, of course, it is very far north—it’s not swimmable for most of the year. It also doesn’t even get very crowded, which means there isn’t much of a beachy vibe there.
Kujuppama Beach, Shizuoka
An underrated hot spot for amazing Japan beaches is the Izu Peninsula, which extends just south of Tokyo. In particular, I love the beaches near the city of Shimoda. While Shirahama Beach is probably the most famous of these, I actually find Kujuppama Beach (which is slightly more remote) to be more objectively beautiful.
Shirarahama Beach, Wakayama
Looking for a great beach near Kyoto or Osaka? While it takes some time to reach Shirahama in Wakayama prefecture, even on a fast Limited Express train, I do feel like the beauty of Shirarahama Beach is worth it. This is an especially nice place to relax after a trip to Koyasan or a Kumano Kodo hike.
Shimado Beach, Yamaguchi
Another underrated spot for beaches in Japan is along the Sea of Japan coast, particularly in the country’s far west. There are many gorgeous places in Yamaguchi prefecture, if I’m honest, but Shimado Beach is especially beautiful. Bonus points if you also drive or bike onto nearby Tsunoshima island.
Kabira Bay, Okinawa
Last but not least is Kabira Bay on Ishigaki island in the Okinawa archipelago. While the bad news is that you can’t swim here—local authorities want to protect fragile coral reefs—you can take a glass-bottom boat ride to get a view of what lies beneath.
Honorable Mentions for Japan’s Best Beach
Obviously, Japan has thousands of beaches; the five I’ve spotlighted here don’t even come close to being comprehensive. Here are some other Japanese beaches I love:
- GI Beach, Okinawa: I’ve forgotten why this beach on Okinawa’s Ie Island is named as such, but no matter: It has some of the clearest waters and whitest sands anywhere in Japan.
- Shin-Nase Beach, Kanagawa: I love a beach with a view of Mt. Fuji, and this one adds a mystical torii gate to the mix.
- Miho-no-matsubara Beach, Shizuoka: Another Fuji-view beach, this one across the water from Shin-Nase frames the mountain with twisty palm trees.
- Futamigaura Beach, Fukuoka: OK I have a thing for water with torii rising out of it—can you really blame me, though?
- Itiogawa Beach, Niigata: While the rocks here aren’t pure jade but rather jadeite, their aggregate impression is of a deep, green coastline that seems timeless and elegant.
Other FAQ About Japanese Beaches
What is the prettiest beach in Japan?
The most beautiful tropical beach in Japan is probably Kabira Bay in Ishigaki, which is in Okinawa prefecture to the southwest of Japan’s main islands. On the mainland, it’s probably dramatic Jodogahama, on the pine-carpeted Sanriku Coast of the Tohoku region.
Are there swimmable beaches in Japan?
Japan has hundreds of swimmable beaches, including ones in Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures within day-trip distance of Tokyo. On the other hand, Japan is famous for having some of the strongest tides in the world, so I recommend that you always pay attention to local warning signs.
Is it worth going to a beach in Japan?
In most cases, I’d say beach going is something that should wait until your second or third trip to Japan—other activities and attractions are simply more impressive. However, if your travels happen to take you to Okinawa (Japan’s best region), then you should absolutely hit the sand.
The Bottom Line
On one hand, the best beaches in Japan are few and far between, when you consider the length of the country’s coastline. Most are forgettable; even many of the most objectively beautiful are not swimmable. On the other hand, if you have the right advice—namely, mine—you can incorporate amazing beaches into your Japan itinerary, no matter which Japan destinations your trip centers. While I’d recommend visiting Okinawa if at all you can, this is not absolutely necessary. Want more personalized advice as you put together your Japan adventure? Consider hiring me to plan it for you!
