Japan is a long, narrow island nation bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Japan and East China Sea on the other. Its elongated shape gives it an extensive coastline dotted with countless beaches. The climate and swimming season vary significantly from south to north. The finest beaches for sunbathing and swimming are in southern Okinawa, but attractive beaches can also be found in other regions.
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18Kerama IslandsThe Kerama Islands lie just 40 kilometers west of Okinawa's main island and feature white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Corals and reef fish are visible close to shore, and sea turtles can even be spotted near some beaches.Okinawa and AmamiKume IslandKume Island has three main beaches offering swimming and snorkeling. Nearby is a seven-kilometer-long white sandbar called Hatenohama Beach (pictured), accessible only by boat tours.Okinawa and AmamiMiyako IslandMiyako Island, the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, is renowned as one of Japan's top destinations for beaches, snorkeling, and diving. It features picturesque sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing, as well as coral reefs for snorkeling.Okinawa and AmamiIshigaki IslandIshigaki Island offers several lovely beaches and excellent snorkeling in the coral reefs that surround nearly every beach. Kabira Bay, considered the island's most scenic spot, does not allow swimming or snorkeling, but glass-bottom boat rides are available for those wanting to explore the bay.Okinawa and AmamiAmami OshimaLocated in Kagoshima Prefecture north of Okinawa, Amami Oshima has many large, beautiful white-sand beaches along its coastline. Some offer great snorkeling opportunities. Amami's beaches tend to be less crowded than those in Okinawa. See our separate page on Amami Island beaches for more details.Okinawa and AmamiOdaibaOdaiba features an 800-meter-long man-made beach near the Decks shopping mall with public facilities like showers and toilets. Swimming is not allowed; most visitors come to enjoy the sun and sand, and to play beach volleyball. The beach offers views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo's skyscrapers, making it a great spot for sunsets.Around TokyoKamakura BeachesKamakura's beaches are about a 20-minute walk from Kamakura Station. Although the sand is not white, they are very popular in summer and get crowded with locals and visitors from Tokyo and Yokohama. Rental shops and temporary beach huts open during the swimming season, and public facilities include showers and toilets.Around TokyoEnoshimaBeaches line the entire coast east and west of Enoshima. Right next to Enoshima are two popular swimming beaches patrolled by lifeguards and lined with restaurants and temporary beach huts that play music and rent deck chairs and parasols during summer. The farther beaches are also popular surfing spots.Around TokyoOgasawara IslandsThere are many picturesque white sand beaches on the largest inhabited island, Chichijima, with clear blue water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Most beaches have basic facilities, but some are hard to reach and have none. The only other inhabited island, Hahajima, is even more remote and offers even more isolated beaches, mostly without facilities.Ogasawara IslandsJodogahama BeachJodogahama Beach is one of the more famous tourist sites along the Sanriku Coast, featuring interesting rock formations. Popular in summer, it is ranked among the top 100 beaches in Japan, with a clear inlet sheltered from the open ocean. Public beach facilities are available.Other beaches along the Pacific OceanMiho BeachMiho Beach is best known for its views of Mount Fuji and pine trees. The beach has stones instead of sand, and swimming areas can be found on the opposite side of the peninsula. Paid facilities include showers, toilets, and changing rooms.Other beaches along the Pacific OceanShirahama BeachShirahama Beach is a 500-meter-long sand beach in Shirahama, a well-developed hot spring resort in Wakayama Prefecture. This popular beach sees many visitors in summer, and shops renting beach gear open during the swimming season. Public facilities include showers, changing rooms, and toilets.Other beaches along the Pacific OceanKatsurahama BeachKatsurahama Beach is a scenic beach in Kochi. Swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, but visitors can still enjoy sunbathing and sightseeing at nearby attractions.Other beaches along the Pacific OceanMegijima IslandMegijima Island is a small island off Takamatsu. Its sand beach is not far from the ferry port and attracts many visitors during summer holidays. Temporary beach huts open for the season, and public facilities include paid showers and toilets.Seto Inland SeaChirihama BeachChirihama Beach is unique because private vehicles are allowed to drive on it. The beach is also popular for swimming, sunbathing, and shellfish picking, with temporary beach huts opening in summer.Sea of JapanTottori Sand DunesThe sand dunes in Tottori sit right against the Sea of Japan and form one of Japan's widest beaches. The area is popular with families and groups enjoying the sun and sea. Beach huts open in summer, and public facilities include showers, changing rooms, and toilets. Other attractions include camel rides, paragliding, and sandboarding.Sea of JapanKikugahama BeachKikugahama Beach is near the Hagi Castle Ruins in Yamaguchi Prefecture and offers views of nearby Mount Shizuki. It is a popular beach for swimming and sunbathing, with public facilities including showers, changing rooms, and toilets.Sea of JapanMomochihama BeachMomochihama Beach is an artificial beach along Hakata Bay at the foot of Fukuoka Tower. An artificial island at the center features restaurants, shops, and a ferry port with connections across the bay. The beach is popular for volleyball and soccer in addition to swimming and sunbathing. Public facilities include showers, changing rooms, and toilets.Sea of Japan