1. Yonaha Maehama Beach
Yonaha Maehama Beach is a 7-kilometer stretch of turquoise waters and soft white sand, making it one of the best beaches in Japan. Here you can find watersports, rental umbrellas, and sunbeds to use. It is one of the most popular beaches in Miyakojima, however, it does not feel crowded since the island is peaceful. Stay for the evening to catch a beautiful sunset!
Getting to Yonaha Maehama Beach
It is accessible by car or taxi. Miyakojima is served by a bus, but it runs infrequently. If you do visit the island renting a car, scooter, or bike is recommended.
Yonaha-1199番 Shimoji, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0000
2. Shirahama Beach
Shirahama Beach is a white-sand resort beach in Wakayama and one of the top beaches in Kansai. A long stretch of beautiful white sand makes it one of the best beaches in Japan. It’s considered to be the ‘sister beach’ to Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach. The sand from Shirahama Beach is imported from Australia, the land of some of the best beaches in the World, let alone the best beaches in Japan!
There’s more to Shirahama Beach too. Natural attractions such as the Sandanbeki Cliffs and the Senjojiki tiered rock formation will keep families entertained. Shirahama Beach is also known for its hot springs.
Check out our Wakayama and Osaka apartments if you want to live next door to Shirahama Beach!
Getting to Shirahama Beach
Get the limited express train on the JR Kisei Line from Shin-Osaka to Shirahama station. The beach is a 15-minute bus trip away from the train station.
1384-57 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama
3. Zushi beach
Zushi beach is the closest natural beach to Tokyo. It is quieter compared to Enoshima beach since there are rules about no tattoos and outside alcohol. It’s still a bustling spot in summer with plenty of nearby beach bars! Zushi beach is also known for having beautiful views of Mt Fuji on clear days, you’ll get the best views of Mt. Fuji in winter.
Marine sports, including windsurfing and paddleboarding, are popular activities at Zushi beach. It holds a popular NIGHT WAVE illumination event in autumn and the Zushi Beach Film Festival in late spring.
Check out our Kanagawa apartments if you are considering living in Kanagawa, where you’d have easy access to Zushi beach amongst many other beaches!
Getting to Zushi Beach
It’s a 15-minute walk from Zushi station on the JR Yokosuka line, which will take just under an hour from Tokyo station.
2-chōme-3 Shinjuku, Zushi, Kanagawa 249-0007
4. Enoshima Beach (Katase Higashihama and Katase Nishihama beaches)
The popular Enoshima beach – Katase Higashihama beach – is unsurprisingly a popular hub for Tokyo beachgoers in summer. It is just over an hour away from Tokyo on the train and only around 40 minutes from Yokohama. Sheltered by Enoshima island, this family-friendly Enoshima beach is great for swimmers that are not very confident – please do swim with caution as usual though!
Stroll over to the other Enoshima beach, Katase Nishihama beach to catch a view of Mt Fuji on a good day. If you are lucky, you’ll also be able to see a beautiful sunset. The west Enoshima beach is also popular amongst surfers since it can get big waves from the Pacific
Check out our Kamakura apartments if you’d like to live close to Enoshima beach and enjoy a Shonan life!
Getting to Enoshima Beach
Get the Odakyu and Enoshima Lines to Katase-Enoshima Station. The beach is approximately 6 minutes away by foot.
1 Chome-15-1 Katasekaigan, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0035
5. Takenohama Beach
Takenohama Beach in Toyooka is an idyllic beach in Hyogo prefecture. It’s close to Kinosaki, the famous onsen town. It’s a secluded cove with crystal clear waters so it’s great for snorkeling and a popular spot for kayaking. There are nearby camping spots, such as the Bentenhama campsite, for anyone looking to spend a bit more time at one of the best beaches in Japan.
Getting to Takenohama Beach
It’s approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Takeno station.
Takenocho Takeno, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6201
6. Onjuku Beach
Onjuku Beach on the east coast of Chiba is also a great beach destination close to Tokyo with beautiful white sand. It’s most popular amongst surfers, with rental surfboards from ¥1000 per hour. Despite this, Onjuku Beach is still one of the quieter beaches close to Tokyo. Even though it sometimes gets bigger waves since it’s on the Pacific Ocean, it is still a fun spot for swimming. Nearby, you’ll find a lot of beach huts and rental shops
If you’re thinking about living in Chiba, close to Onjuku Beach, check out our Chiba apartments.
Getting to Onjuku beach
It’s a 10-minute walk from Onjuku station which is approximately a 2-hour journey from Tokyo.
31 Suka, Onjuku, Isumi District, Chiba 299-5106
7. Tomori Beach on Amami Oshima
Though technically in the Kagoshima prefecture, Amami Oshima could easily be mistaken for an Okinawan island, with its vibrant coral reefs, emerald waters, and pristine white-sand beaches. This peaceful beach is a dreamy spot for snorkeling and swimming. Please pay attention to the rip currents at Tomori beach since they can be dangerous and please bear this in mind for all the other beaches too!
Getting to Tomori Beach
Approximately a 6-minute drive from Amami airport. There are direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kagoshima. You can opt for the 11-hour ferry from Kagoshima if you’re looking for more of an adventure!
Kasari-cho Oaza Ushuku, Amami-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture 894-0501
These are just some of the best beaches in Japan! Check out the beaches on this list as well as your local beaches for the opportunity to cool down and enjoy a fun summer day.