Best 25+ Japan Beaches
Many people would not immediately think of Japan as a nation of great beaches. However, comprising a chain of nearly 7,000 islands stretching down to the tropics Japan has more than a few world class beaches. If fine white sand beaches with clear blue water are what you are looking for then Japan may be just your cup of tea.
There is a great variety from the northern to the southern tip of this Pacific island chain. In the south there are coral reefs and warm turquoise seas year round; in the remote north the sea borders Russia and can freeze over in the winter. Whilst it seems obvious that the tropical beaches of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands are going to have the widest appeal, there are fantastic beaches throughout this island nation.
The Best Japanese Beaches...
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1. Akajima Beach // Okinawa
© JordyMeow / CC BY Akajima, pronounced Akashima, is an island forming part of the Kerama Islands group in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture. Nicknamed "Aka", this is a popular holiday destination from both Okinawa and the mainland. Situated roughly midway between the northern tip of Taiwan and mainland Japan's southern-most point, Aka enjoys a near tropical climate. It has a permanent population of just over 300 residents which it shares with its southern neighbour, Geruma Island.… read more »
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2. Aharen Beach // Okinawa
© Sean Pavone / 123RF Aharen Beach is situated on the west coast of Tokashiki Island, part of the Kerama group an hour's boat trip from Okinawa's main city, Naha. The curving white sand bay here is backed by high hills covered in lush vegetation leaving little doubt that you are in the tropics. Just off the shore, under the clear, aquamarine water is coral reef making Aharen a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
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3. Sunayama Beach // Okinawa
© Tagstock Japan Sunayama is situated in the north of Miyako-jima Island which is part of Japan's tropical Okinawa Prefecture. This pleasant little white sand beach is immediately identifiable by the rock arch at the southern end of the beach. The arch was formed by the exposed coral reef being eroded by the sea over the centuries.
Besides the arch, Sunayama beach's main feature is its powdery white sand, and the sheer… read more » -
4. Sunset Beach // Okinawa
Calvin Ge Great for:- Swimming
Sunset beach is situated next to the Mihama American Village, a shopping centre and entertainment complex about 40 minutes north of Naha. This artificial beach has a fairly urban backdrop including the high-rise Beach Tower Okinawa hotel. Perhaps the most notable feature though is the giant ferris wheel that looms over the American Village.
There are plenty of facilities at the beach and the water is shallow with lifeguards on duty,… read more »
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5. Ama Beach // Okinawa
Hashi photo Great for:- Snorkeling
The beautiful Ama Beach is located on Zamami Island, one of the pristine Kerama islands just west of Okinawa. It takes between one and two hours to get to Zamami from Naha on the main island, but it is more than worth it.
Visitors to the island tend to gravitate to Furuzamami Beach, which is located about 10 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. Head in the opposite direction and… read more »
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6. Katsurahama Beach // Shikoku
© 京浜ã«ã‘ / CC BY Katsurahama Beach is a popular destination, located around 30 minutes from the city of Kochi on the island of Shikoku. This pretty stretch of sand is backed by a promenade and the trees of Katsurahama Park. Towards the western end the beach curves round to a small headland which is home to a shrine.
Whilst it is fine to sit on the beach soaking up the sun or take a stroll… read more »
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7. Tokashiku Beach // Okinawa
© Snap55 / CC BY Tokashiku beach is a beautiful white sand beach on the island of Tokashiki, one of the Kerama Islands about 32 km (20 miles) west of Okinawa island. The crystal clear waters off the beach here are regarded as one of the best places to spot sea turtles, which along with many species of tropical fish inhabit the bay here.
Besides the turtles, the snorkelling off Tokashiku beach isn't the greatest in Okinawa. The reefs close… read more »
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8. Amanohashidate // Honshu
Amaro-k Great for:- Swimming
A 3.5-kilometre sandbar stretching south across the Asoumi Sea from the town of Miyazu, Amanohashidate's beaches are located around 100 km northwest of Kyoto on Japan's main island of Honshu.
Just a few metres wide in places, it comprises one of the Three Views of Japan, which have been celebrated since 1643. Part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park, its length is typified by a forest of pine trees to its western… read more »
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9. Maehama Beach // Okinawa
© eyeblink / 123RF Yonaha Maehama is often cited as Japan's best beach and it is easy to see why. The fine white sand of this beach stretches seven kilometres around the south west coast of Miyakojima island. Here the water is warm, calm and crystal clear with a hint of brilliant green / blue.
Despite its tropical appearance this is not a desert island beach and there are plenty of facilities from lifeguards… read more »
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10. Emerald Beach // Okinawa
© shihina / 123RF Emerald beach is located on the tip of the Motobu Peninsula in the north of Okinawa's main island, Honto. The name comes from the beautiful greeny-turquoise colour of the clear waters here which are every bit as clean as they look. Emerald beach is actually part of the Ocean Expo Park which extends for 3km along the coast containing such things as a "native Okinawan village" and botanical garden. The… read more »
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11. Furuzamami Beach // Okinawa
© Hashi photo / CC BY Furuzamami Beach is located on the island of Zamami which is located around an hour's high speed ferry ride from the main island of Okinawa. Most would agree it is well worth the journey and the beach is regularly rated as one of Japan's finest.
This tropical beach is graced with a wide, gently curving stretch of powder white sand fringed with coral reefs in the crystal clear water. Being in… read more »
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12. Kondoi Beach // Okinawa
© maru0522 / CC BY Set on Taketomi island, one of the most southerly in Japan, Kondoi beach is well within the tropics. The small island is much less built up than its neighbour Ishigaki, which is the de facto capital of the Yaeyama Islands. From here you can catch a ferry which takes less than half an hour to get you over to Taketomi.
Kondoi beach is found on the most westerly point of the… read more »
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13. Nishihama Beach // Okinawa
© iloverjoa / CC BY Nishihama Beach is found on Hateruma, the most southerly inhabited island in all of Japan. This remote slice of tropical paradise lives up to expectations with Nishihama consistently topping out the polls on Japan's best beaches.
Given the island is sometimes referred to as "Hateruma Blue" it is little surprise the waters are a crystal clear azure in colour. Combined with powdery white sands which seem to stretch on for ever and safe… read more »
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14. Mibaru Beach // Okinawa
© inf_supTJ Mibaru is one of the finest beaches on the island of Okinawa itself. The long stretch of white sand leading into the crystal clear turquoise ocean will is a familiar them with the beaches in Japan's tropical south, but what makes Mibaru stand out are the various rock formations along its length. At lower tides these greenery-topped rocks form part of the landscape of rockpools and coral beyond the sshoreline, whilst as… read more »
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15. Shirahama Beach (Shimoda) // Shizuoka
cafe-lab Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Despite being only around 2 hours train ride from Tokyo this remains one of Japan's most beautiful beaches. The name Shirahama translates to "white sands" and this pretty well describes the 800 metre crescent of beach. Combine this with crystal clear blue water and it isn't difficult to see why this is one of mainland Japan's most popular beaches.
Shirahama is situated on the Izu Peninsula, an area renowned for its… read more »
