7 UNREAL Beaches in Japan (2024)

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The great thing about travelling to Japan is that it’s a year-round destination. However, if you’re planning to visit its beaches, that’s not the case. Japan’s high season is during April, May, and August, when the weather is hot and humid (but not stifling). Many festivals take place during this time and in the spring months, the cherry blossoms are out – and they’re stunning. However, this is the most expensive time to travel to Japan.

Visiting in June and July is generally okay for the beaches, but the temperatures can be unbearably hot and humid. If you can stand that, make sure to bring plenty of sun cream. Another potential risk during these months is that your beach day can be ruined by the heavy rain!

One of Japan’s best beach destinations is Okinawa, southwest of the main islands.

This small archipelago has several of Japan’s most adored beaches, and if you’re wondering about the best time to visit Japan, it varies from the mainland. Beaches are open from March to October; the earlier in the season you go, the more reliable the weather will be. You can also avoid the crowds if you’re there between March and April!

• Who It’s For: Travellers who want an easy change of scenery from the capital and don’t mind a busy beach.
• Don’t Miss: Shimoda’s very own Mount Fuji. One of 58 mountains across Japan named Fuji, Shimoda’s is the lowest. At less than 200 metres, you can now say you’ve climbed Mount Fuji too!

Confusingly, Japan has two Shirahama Beaches – one in Shizuoka Prefecture, and another in Wakayama. We’re talking about the first one. The beach town of Shimoda is home to several beaches, and Shirahama is the most popular. It’s just 2-3 hours from Tokyo by train, so it’s not impossible to make a day trip here from the capital. There are lots of places to eat and drink, and it can get quite crowded in the summer. The blue waters are great for a paddle and overall, it’s one of the best places to stay in Japan!

Where to Stay

Best Airbnb – Room in Kimono Guesthouse

Space for six in this Shimoda Beach hotel means you can keep your costs down and spend the extra cash on activities at the beach and tasty seafood. Great for a group of friends!

 

Best Hostel – A Million Roses

While you won’t find a hostel in Shimoda, A Million Roses is a budget beachfront accommodation option. There’s a shared lounge and garden if crowds on the beach get too much.

Best Hotel – Gardenvilla Shirahama

Mixing Western and Japanese interior design, this classy hotel by the ocean is worth splashing the cash on. Breakfast is included in the price.

 

Best House – Japanese House with Cat and Plants

For really big groups of friends or family, rent this house with space for up to 12 guests. Splitting the cost multiple ways means it’s not as pricey as it first seems.

Where to Go

Shimodakaichu Aquarium

See penguins, earless seals, and dolphins at this floating aquarium located in a shallow ocean cove. Awesome if you’re visiting with kids!

Shimoda Harbor Boat Tour

Take a round trip at the city’s harbour on the famous ‘Black Ship’. The 20-minute cruise is on a replica of the Susquehanna that Perry sailed into Japan in 1854.

Shimoda Park

Those who plan their visit to Shirahama Beach in Japan will be able to see the Hydrangea Festival in nearby Shimoda Park

What to Do

Take in the Scenery

Admire the views of the Izu Islands and the Amagi Mountains from the Shimoda Ropeway.

 

Learn About the Cuisine

Head to Nishiizu on the Izu Peninsula to visit a ‘bonito’ factory. The essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine!

• Who It’s For: Visitors to Okinawa (specifically the Yaeyama Islands) who want a stunning tropical beach all to themselves.
• Don’t Miss: Sampling Okinawan Cuisine. Okinawans are among the longest-living people in the world, and the diet is a part of that!

Part of the Yaeyama Islands, Miyakojima is the most easterly of this part of Okinawa. Yonaha Maehama Beach is said to be the most beautiful beach in all of Japan, and it’s hard to argue. These white sands are billed as the whitest in the Pacific, stretching for seven kilometres alongside perfect turquoise water. It’s well worth the effort to get here from mainland Japan as there are so many awesome things to do in Okinawa, but this one will need some pre-planning.

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• Who It’s For: Adventurous surfers who want to get well off the beaten tourist trail in Japan.
• Don’t Miss: The Sunabi Museum. The locals consider it to be a natural art gallery. It really is that beautiful!

In the quiet fishing village of Kuroshio, you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan. The prefectural national park is four kilometres long and is where you’ll find epic blue skies against the backdrop of thick pine forests. It’s part of the 88 temple pilgrimage in Shikoku, and you’ll often see pilgrims here. Photographers are bound to love the place!

Not only is it an absolutely stunning beach, but this stretch of sand is great for surfers, too. What’s the catch? Well, it’s not easy to get to, and there are few places to stay right on the doorstep. Should that put you off? Absolutely not.

Where to Stay

Best Airbnb – Grandmother’s House among sea and mountains

Stay in a nearby village with a Japanese family to get a real authentic slice of Kochi life. You can sample a traditional “hamayaki” BBQ with your hosts.

Best Hostel – Hotel Crown Hills Nakamura

There are a few hostels in the nearby town of Shimanto, but this budget hotel is a great alternative. There’s also a TV to keep you entertained after a long day of surfing!

If you’re backpacking Japan, check out our guide to the best hostels in Japan where you’re bound to meet other travellers!

Best Hotel – Shimanto no Yado

Always wanted to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan? Shimanto no Yado has breakfast and dinner included, as well as the use of a private onsen.

Best Villa – Villa in Kawaguchi Virgin Forest

Right by the Shimanto River, one of the cleanest in Japan, surrounding yourself with nature is the ideal accommodation to disconnect and switch off from the world.

Where to Go

88 Temple Pilgrimage

One for long term travellers. Taking the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage will see you stop on this beach. Sixteen temples are in Kochi Prefecture.

 

Sunabi Museum

The art exhibition on the Irino Coast is packed full of awesome exhibits. One of the best-known is the t-shirts blowing in the wind; however, you’ll also see sculptures and plants poking out of the sand.

 

Watch for turtles

Across Japan, sea turtles lay their eggs between May and August. See this magical event on the Irino Coast to take home unforgettable memories!

What to Do

Learn About Sake

Kochi prefecture, where you’ll find the Irino Coast, is famous for its sake. It’d be a shame not

• Who It’s For: If you like picturesque scenery, Jodogahama Beach is for you. It’s great for swimmers too.
• Don’t Miss: The Hiking trails which lead to picturesque viewpoints

Jodogahama means “pure land beach”. The most northerly beach on this list, it’s located in the Iwate prefecture. It can get a bit cooler up here, so summer is definitely the best time to visit. You’re sure to be bowled over by how stunning this place is: white rock formations are separated from the sand by cool blue water just begging you to take a dip. It’s one of the best swimming beaches in Japan, too! There are also some incredible hiking trails in the area and it’s a bucket list destination in Japan.

• Who It’s For: Families who want to have a wide range of activities on offer. Adrenaline junkies might be swayed by sandboarding!
• Don’t Miss: Is that really a camel on the beach? You bet it is. Even if you don’t want to ride it, it’s quite the sight!

Not strictly a beach, Tottori has the largest dunes in Japan. They create a barrier around 16 kilometres long between the Sea of Japan and the mainland. The reason it’s so great for families is the sheer amount of activities on offer here. Take camel or horse rides along the beach or enjoy views from a chairlift and observation deck. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try sandboarding or paragliding!

• Who It’s For: Anyone who wants one of the most iconic views in Japan – Fuji rising over a black sand beach.
• Don’t Miss: Walking and cycling on the Miho Peninsula – the beach is lined by pine trees.

You’ve all seen it – that view of Mount Fuji rising out of the clouds behind a blue sea. That view? It’s from Miho no Matsubara Beach, one of the best beaches in Japan. It’s not only the views of Fuji that make this place so special though; it’s also the black volcanic sand. Located on the Miho Peninsula near Shizuoka City, the beach is lined by pine trees. There’s plenty to see and do in Shizuoka Prefecture too!

• Who It’s For: Day-trippers from Kyoto looking to see a stunning and unique Japanese site
• Don’t Miss: The views from Amanohashidate View Land and Kasamatsu Park.

Said to be one of Japan’s three scenic views (one of the others is Fuji from the beach above), Amanohashidate is not quite a beach. Meaning bridge to heaven, it’s actually a sandbar across Miyazu Bay rather than a beach. It’s an easy day trip from Osaka and Kyoto, and you should be able to make the most of the sandbar and surrounding attractions in half a day, with some extra time to relax. Cycle across the sandbar or view if from above!

Where to Stay

Best Airbnb – Entire House near Amanohashidate

With room for up to seven guests, groups of friends and family will be delighted with this traditional Japanese house. Your host lives next door and can help you with anything you need.

Best Hostel – Amanohashidate Youth Hostel

Just ten minutes from Amanohashidate, this youth hostel has bike rental for exploring the local area.

 

Best Hotel – Shinpuro

This ryokan overlooks the land bridge and Wakasa Bay. It has hot spring baths on-site and traditional Japanese seafood meals.

 

Best Cabin – Small Cabin in Owl Forest

A little further out into Miyako District, this will allow you to explore the countryside of Northern Kyoto Prefecture as well as the sandbar.

Where to Go

Chionji Temple

One of the three most important temples in Japan dedicated to the Buddhist god of wisdom and intellect, this peaceful temple has fan-shaped fortunes hanging from pine trees.

Kasamatsu Park

On the opposite side of the Amanohashidate Bridge, this peaceful spot offers more views of the sandbar. Get there with a chairlift or cable car.

 

Amanohashidate View Land

Look upside down through your legs to see the sandbar appear as if it’s floating in heaven. There’s a theme park too!

What to Do

Go Cycling

Cycle across the Amanohashidate sandbar before heading to a craftsman’s house, where you’ll learn to wrap furoshiki.

 

Take a Day Trip

Visit Amanohashidate and other Northern Kyoto attractions on a day trip from Kyoto.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Japan

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.

 2. Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

4. Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5.Hammock: Taking a tent and pad on a road trip are not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy, and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Eno parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough.

6. Toiletry Bag: I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Japan

Now that you know more about the best beaches in Japan, it’s time to start planning your trip. Remember that even if a beach seems far away on the map, there’s likely to be a bullet train that goes nearby, where you can switch to local transport – unless you’re in Okinawa, of course! This transport can be expensive so check out this guide to work out your budget for Japan.

Japan has some of the most varied beach landscapes in the world. One day, you could be scaling the dunes of Tottori, the next, cycling across the Amanohashidate Sandbar, before rounding off your beach adventures with a view of Mount Fuji from the black sands of Miho no Matsubara. All of that broken up by combining the ancient and modern in cities like Nara and Kyoto, or hiking in the Japanese Alps.

When it comes to a vacation, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. That’s reflected in the choice and quality of its beaches. We hope you have a great trip to one of the most fascinating and exciting countries in the world!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!