Sun, Sand, and Sea: Top 10 Beaches to Visit in Japan
What is the Most Popular Beach in Japan?
The beaches in Japan offer a stunning combination of endless blue seas and white sand that glitter under the sunlight, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of tropical paradises. These photogenic beaches offer an exotic and serene atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful escape, surrounded by untouched beauty that invites you to unwind and refresh your mind and body.
For those who fancy a dip in the inviting sea, the ideal season runs from July to September. The waters are great for diving and snorkeling, revealing a vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and colorful fish. Japan’s beaches are simply unmissable.
1. Nishihama, Okinawa
Views of “Hateruma Blue” in the southernmost town of Japan
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Nishihama Beach, located in the northern part of Hateruma Island near Hateruma Port, is a stunning destination just an hour and a half by boat from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. As Japan’s southernmost inhabited island, Hateruma boasts the breathtaking “Hateruma Blue” sea, offering a visual experience that is simply unforgettable.
Nishihama Beach is well-equipped with public facilities, including showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors. Additionally, an observation deck provides a great spot to take in the panoramic views of the sparkling sea.
Location: Hateruma, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1751, Japan
Nishihama, Okinawa
2. Yonaha Beach, Okinawa
Miyakojima’s endless white sandy beaches are among the finest in the Orient
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Yonaha Beach, or Yonaha Maehama, is one of Miyakojima’s most beloved destinations, drawing both locals and tourists from around the world. The beach stretches for an impressive 7 km, featuring fine white sands that beautifully contrast with the vibrant cobalt blue sea. This stunning scenery makes Yonaha Beach a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a picturesque seaside escape.
In addition to its breathtaking views, Yonaha Maehama is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re into snorkeling, jet skiing, or simply swimming in the crystal-clear waters, the beach offers a variety of activities to keep visitors entertained.
Location: Yonaha-1199 Shimoji, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0305, Japan
Yonaha Beach, Okinawa
3. Sunayama Beach, Okinawa
Amazing views and natural rock arches at one of Miyakojima’s best beaches
Good for: Budget, Food, Photo
Sunayama Beach is the ideal destination for those seeking to enjoy the stunning evening scenery on Miyakojima. Known for its iconic arched rock, the beach offers breathtaking views of the sky and sea illuminated by the setting sun. Nature doesn’t get much better than this.
Located close to the city center of Miyakojima, Sunayama Beach is also easily accessible. You’ll find shops renting gear and selling light meals and beverages, ensuring you have everything you need for a relaxing day by the sea. Additionally, the beach is equipped with showers and parking lot, making it a hassle-free destination for both locals and tourists.
Location: Nikadori Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0000, Japan
Sunayama Beach, Okinawa
4. Furuzamami Beach, Okinawa
Snorkeling in the crystal-clear sea of Michelin-starred Zamami
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Furuzamami Beach, situated in the southern part of Zamami Island, is an idyllic destination easily accessible for a day trip from the main island of Okinawa. This stunning beach is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, where vibrant coral reefs teem with colorful tropical fish, stretching as far as the eye can see. For divers and snorkelers, Furuzamami Beach is nothing short of paradise, offering an underwater world that captivates and enchants.
As the main beach on Zamami Island, Furuzamami Beach has earned a prestigious two-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, a testament to its natural beauty and allure.
Location: Zamami, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-3402, Japan
Furuzamami Beach, Okinawa
5. Hate-no-hama, Okinawa
The Okinawan dream: sail to an uninhabited island of sandy beaches
Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo
Hate-no-hama, an uninhabited island accessible from Okinawa and Kumejima, is a hidden gem featuring three stunning sandy beaches: Maine Beach, Nakano Beach, and Hateno Beach. These long, narrow stretches of pristine white sand are surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like stepping into paradise. The sunsets at Hate-no-hama are not to be missed, offering breathtaking views that enhance the island’s serene beauty.
Typically reached by tour boat, Hate-no-hama offers a variety of activities for visitors, including snorkeling, diving, and other marine sports. But the true allure of this island lies in its tranquil and extraordinary setting; a silent place with nothing but sea and sand.
Location: Ou, Kumejima, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-3106, Japan
Hate-no-hama, Okinawa
6. Kondoi Beach, Okinawa
A famous sunset spot on Taketomi Island with a “phantom beach”
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
Kondoi Beach, the only beach on Okinawa’s Taketomi Island, is a beloved destination for visitors of all ages. Located just a 10-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island, Kondoi Beach offers shallow, calm waters perfect for family enjoyment. From its shores, you can admire panoramic views of neighboring Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, and Kuro Island.
One of Kondoi Beach’s unique features is the “phantom beach,” a sandbar that emerges when the tide is low, allowing you to experience the feeling of being a true castaway. This is an ideal spot to enjoy good times with your family.
Location: Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1101, Japan
Kondoi Beach, Okinawa
7. Hirizo Beach, Shizuoka
The southernmost part of Izu is a certified Geopark with untouched beauty
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Hirizo Beach, situated at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, is a hidden gem that can only be reached by ferry, making it an exclusive summer destination. With vibrant coral clusters beneath crystal-clear waters and a dazzling array of colorful fish, Hirizo Beach is quickly gaining popularity as a premier snorkeling spot.
The breathtaking natural surroundings of Hirizo Beach make it an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling world. The journey by ferry adds to the charm, promising a memorable experience from start to finish.
Location: Nakagi, Minamiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 415-0311, Japan
Hirizo Beach, Shizuoka
8. Shirarahama Beach, Wakayama
A beautiful beach with parasols swaying in the sea breeze
Good for: Families, Food, Photo
Shirarahama Beach, nestled in Nanki Shirahama, Wakayama, is renowned as a sister beach to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Spanning approximately 620 meters, this shallow beach is a summertime haven, attracting swimmers with its vibrant display of colorful parasols. The beach’s stunningly smooth sand is composed of quartz, containing 90% silicic acid, offering a unique and delightful texture underfoot. Coupled with its crystal-clear waters, Shirarahama presents a truly idyllic setting for beachgoers to enjoy.
Beyond its natural beauty, Shirarahama offers a taste of local culture with its diverse range of gourmet foods. Visitors can indulge in delicious regional cuisine, adding another layer of enjoyment to their beach experience.
Location: Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama 649-2211, Japan
Shirarahama Beach, Wakayama
9. Tomori Beach, Kagoshima
A beach with blue sea locally acclaimed as the “Blue Angel”
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
On the Tomori coast, you’ll discover the enchanting “Galapagos of the Orient,” a beautifully curved beach celebrated as the finest in Kagoshima and Amami Oshima. This stunning beach is often referred to as the “Blue Angel” because the color of the sea almost supernaturally changes to various tones of blue depending on the time of day.
The surface of the water is calm and soothing, offering a tranquil vista that’s a delight to behold. Easily accessible from Amami Airport, this beach is a perfect destination for sightseeing.
Location: Kasaricho Oaza Ushuku, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0501, Japan
Tomori Beach, Kagoshima
10. Yurigahama, Kagoshima
A white beach where you can collect lucky star-shaped sand
Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual
The largest beach on Yoron Island, Yurigahama, is a hidden gem that reveals itself only during low tide, stretching from the half tide to the spring tide. This white sandy beach captivates visitors with its stunning clear water that glitters under the sun, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Accessible by boat or personal watercraft, Yurigahama offers a unique opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty in its most enchanting form.
Legend has it that happiness awaits those who collect as many grains of star sand as their years of age. Why not give it a try? The mysteries of nature abound in this magical setting.
Location: Furusato, Yoron, Oshima District, Kagoshima 891-9307, Japan
Yurigahama, Kagoshima
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