The Top 10 best beaches in Japan 日本のベストビーチ

Published on : 20/06/2018
by : M.H.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, Noto Peninsula

Beautiful Beaches

Japan is surrounded by the sea, and as a result the country is dotted with beautiful beaches. White sand, crystal clear waters and magnificent scenery. Discover the most beautiful beaches in the country!

Jodogahama Beach (Iwate prefecture)

The first beach on our list is in northern Japan, on the east coast of Iwate Prefecture. Located in the middle of Sanriku Fukko National Park, the beach offers a magnificent contrast between the blue ocean, green pine trees, and white volcanic stones. It was magma that created these rocks 52 million years ago, also leaving traces of lava flows. In summer, the beach attracts a lot of tourists for its calm waters and easy access.

Tomari beach (Tokyo prefecture)

Don't be fooled, while it's technically in Tokyo Prefecture, Shikine Island is 100 miles south of the capital! You only need to walk 5 minutes from the port to reach Tomari Beach and enjoy the beautiful views there. White sand, clear and calm water; it's a perfect escape from Tokyo - just 3 hours away or ten hours by ferry for those who prefer a snail's pace.

Hirizo, in the middle of the cliffs
http://nakagi.jp/

Hirizo beach (Shizuoka prefecture)

In the south of the Izu Peninsula, Hirizo beach is bordered by steep cliffs and can only be reached by ferry (seasonal operation from mid-July to mid-September). Nature here is well preserved and the beach is considered one of the most isolated areas of Minami Izu. The water is so clear that you can see up to 7 meters deep, and it's the perfect place to go diving. The area is still unadulterated, with no amenities for tourists, so be sure to respect nature, pick up after yourselves, and keep the beach clean.

Chirihama beach (Ishikawa prefecture)

Located on the Noto Peninsula, Chirihama Beach is unique, in that it also serves as a road. The sand, soaked with water, becomes so compacted that cars can drive off for 5 miles. It's the ideal place to take a break, dip your toes in the surf and enjoy fresh local seafood. You can also admire a beautiful sunset.

Related: A day on the Noto Peninsula

Cars can drive on part of Chirihama beach
Soumei Baba.Flickr

Suishohama beach (Fukui prefecture)

Suisho means crystal in Japanese, and you'll understand why the beach has this name when you see how clear the water is. The surf and sand of this beach, in Wakasa Bay, is also full of surprises. The sound of the crashing waves, almost melodic, has earned the nickname "singing sand". Water sports are just as popular as swimming here, and it's possible to book a night in one of the many nearby accommodations.

Suisho-hama beach, especially famous for its sand, "Nakisuna" the singing sand. — Suisho-hama beach, especially famous for its sand, Nakisuna, the singing sand.
DR

Engetsu Island in winter
玄史生 Wikipedia (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)

Shirahama beach (Wakayama prefecture)

Shirahama is famous in the Kansai region among fans of water sports, but that's not all it has to offer. It's also a very popular seaside resort and spa. Throughout the summer you can enjoy firework displays from the seaside, relax in the many onsen, or simply take a stroll along the 650-meter long white sand beach, surrounded by palm trees.

Takahama beach (Nagasaki prefecture)

At the tip of the Nagasaki Peninsula, just west of the main Japanese island, is Takahama Beach. Facing the former mining island of Gunkanjima, you will have a great view of the beach of Hashima. Many amenities have conveniently been built here for vacationers, so you can rest after an afternoon of swimming.

Jordy Meow - totorotimes.fr — Gunkanjima
Jordy Meow - Wikipedia ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en)

Yurigahama beach (Kagoshima prefecture)

Closer to the islands of Okinawa than Kyushu, Yurigahama Beach is approximately 2 km from Yoron Island, in the sea. It is actually a sandbar that is accessible only during low tide, in spring and summer. You will be encircled by the Emerald Sea. Guests can rent boats with glass floors to reach Yurigahama from Okaneku Beach, from June to September.

Yurigahama, in the midst of the waters
Makoto Nagashima

Furuzamami beach (Okinawa prefecture)

On the island of Zamami, 40 km from the capital of Okinawa (one hour by boat), is the arc-shaped beach of Furuzamami. Paddling in the turquoise water, you'll be able to make out the silhouettes of the nearby islands. Much tropical fish swim nearby, so bring a mask and snorkel to admire them.

Nishihama Beach (Okinawa prefecture)

Our last beach is on the southern-most inhabited island of Japan. With 600 inhabitants, Hateruma is part of the Yaeyama island group. Nishihama Beach is a little over 1 km long, and enjoyable for both its ideal temperature and its impressive underwater nature and wildlife.

Related: Scuba diving in Okinawa