For many people, Shizuoka prefecture is most famous for being the home of Mt. Fuji. However, beyond this, there are many Shizuoka beaches to make the most of during the swimming season. Those living in Tokyo flock to Shizuoka in summer to make the most of all the beaches in Shizuoka.

The prefecture comes alive in the warmer months. Shizuoka in summer becomes a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and an array of watersports. The beaches however have to be the highlight of Shizuoka in summer.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the best beaches in Shizuoka, from Shirahama Beach, the most famous Shizuoka beach in Shimoda, to surf paradises such as Tatadohama Beach and Iritahama Beach.

If you are interested in any of the beaches listed, remember that Village House has numerous apartments in Shizuoka listed here for you to rent!

Tatadohama Beach

Tatadohama Beach is great for entertaining beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers alike. This is the Shizuoka beach where the Japanese National Surfing Tournament takes place, so as well as being a great place for beginners to learn, you may even get to watch some pro-surfers catching waves here.

The beach is 450-meters long and is famous for its picturesque white sand and crystal clear waters. At Tatadohama Beach there are separate areas for surfing and swimming, and there are lifeguards on duty at all times in the summer months when the beach is open for swimming.

The area around Tatadohama Beach is well-equipped for beachgoers; there are stores and restaurants, as well as rental equipment such as surfboards and bodyboards available. Anyone looking to learn how to surf may benefit from the surfing lessons that are also available on the beach.

Warm shower facilities are available year-round at Tatadohama Beach.

Access:

The closest train station is Izukyu-Shimoda station. From there you can take a 7-minute bus ride. The beach is a 5-minute walk away.

Japan, 〒415-0028 Shizuoka, Shimoda, Kisami

Iritahama Beach

Another Shizuoka beach that is also a popular surfing spot is Iritahama Beach. Similar to Tatadohama, it is a white sand beach with crystal clear water with separate surfing and swimming areas. Iritahama Beach is one of the hidden gems of Shizuoka in summer.

Iritahama Beach has a tropical atmosphere, with sago palm trees lining the coast. The beach tends to be fairly quiet, so thanks to the stunning landscape and the peaceful atmosphere, this beach feels more like it’s located in Hawaii rather than a short trip away from the biggest city in the World.

The beach is open for swimming from mid-July to late August when there are also lifeguards on duty. There are public toilets, showers, and a couple of restaurants along Iritahama Beach.

Access:

The closest train station is Izukyu-Shimoda. From here take a 10-minute bus ride to the Nyuta bus stop. The beach is a 4-minute’s walk from the bus stop.

Kisami, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0028, Japan

Shirahama Beach

The most popular Shizuoka beach is Shirahama Beach – not to be confused with the Shirahama Beach in Wakayama prefecture. This 800-meter-long beach is known for its soft white sand beach and sparkling blue waters. There is a red Shinto torii gate on the beach, so make sure to check that out.

Shirahama Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the prefecture in the summer months, so it can get fairly crowded. One of the reasons many people are drawn to Shirahama Beach is because of the crowds and the fun and exciting atmosphere of a busier beach. Shirahama Beach is made up of three beaches: Shirahama Ohama Beach, the most picturesque and popular of the three, Shirahama Chuo, and Shirahama Itado.

At Shirahama Beach you’ll find a variety of food places, including a Mexican food truck, as well as beach bars and convenience stores. As well as being popular for swimming, people also come to this beach for snorkeling and surfing.

Access:

The closest train station is Izukyu-Shimoda station. From here take a bus heading to Itadoichiki and get off at Shirahama Kaigan. The bus takes about 10 minutes and costs around 350 yen.

Shirahama, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0012, Japan

Miho no Matsubara Beach

Miho Beach is the Shizuoka beach with the most iconic view. It is best known for its breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, however, it is also a popular spot for swimming in Shizuoka in summer.

If you’re looking for a beach with a view, Miho Beach is the one for you. Despite Mt. Fuji looming in the background, Miho Beach is less crowded than some of the other beaches in Shizuoka. So, a trip to Miho Beach can be a nice quiet way to enjoy some swimming in the sea.

Behind the beach there is a beautiful pine forest, making the area feel even more secluded. The black sands of the beach contrast dramatically with the green of the pines and the blue of the sky.

Access:

The closest train station is JR Shimizu station. From here take a 25-minute bus journey on the Miho Yamanote line S-PULSE Practice Field Entrance. It takes 2 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the beach.

Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0901, Japan

There are so many beautiful beaches in Shizuoka beyond this list, from sandy swimming beaches to snorkeling hotspots and surf paradises. There are even beautiful coastlines where visitors can enjoy scenic hikes or bike rides. If you are interested in staying in and experiencing all Shizuoka has to offer, visit our Village House website here for the list of our apartments here in Shizuoka! We hope you enjoy Shizuoka in summer!