9 of the best beaches for a coastal break in Japan
Japan isn’t usually associated with seductive stretches of sand, but it should be. From surfing hubs to remote tropical getaways, these are the archipelago’s best beaches.
Think ‘Japan’ and many evocative images spring to mind. One that probably doesn’t is a beautiful beach. Yet between the coastlines of Hokkaido island in the north and the tropical Okinawa archipelago in the south, there are many enticing stretches of sand for travellers to retreat to between trips to see Japan’s big attractions.
1. Shirahama, Wakayama
This buzzy getaway south of Osaka has the feel of a proper beach resort, with onsens, amusement grounds and nightlife — all packed into an area stretching for less than half a mile. The white sands are lined with family-friendly hotels serving up extras like pools, karaoke rooms and formal kaiseki (multi-course) meals. Firework displays are hosted along the beachfront during the summer months.
Where to stay: Shiraraso Grand Hotel has sea views and Japanese kaiseki banquet menus. From ¥12,802 (£63).
2. Chigasaki, Kanagawa
Escape the Tokyo crowds at the birthplace of Japanese surfing, just 90 minutes from the capital by rail. Chigasaki is known for its reliable waves and, on clear days, views to Mount Fuji. Travellers can rent boards here or take a lesson at one of the surf schools. Make a day of it by wandering along the coast towards Enoshima island, where beach bars clutter the sands and local shrines await discovery.
Where to stay: With a terrace and some rooms overlooking the sea, Marsol CS Beach Hotel costs from ¥28,500 (£140).
3. Jodogahama Beach, Iwate
With its calm, sheltered waters and forested rock formations that rise from the offshore depths, it’s little wonder ‘Paradise Beach’, as ‘Jodogahama’ translates to, is often cited as one of the country’s most beautiful. Here in Iwate, at the unexplored northern end of Honshu, you’re far from tourist crowds and can revel in impressive temples like Chusonji and Motsuji without the Kyoto-like crush.
Where to stay: Just 600 metres from the sands, The Park Hotel Jodogahama has prime water views. From ¥13,200 (£65), B&B.
4. Hoshizuna no Hama, Iriomote
It has to be seen to be believed: a wild, remote Okinawan beach where the sand grains are shaped like stars (explanation: they’re the exoskeletons of microscopic organisms). Hoshizuna no Hama is just one of the many wonders on UNESCO-listed Iriomote island in Japan’s deep south, which also include indigenous wildcats, waterfalls and mangrove forests.
Where to stay: Luana Mele Iriomote offers a pool and in-house massage. From ¥10,800 (£53).
5. Shirahama Beach, Izu
Translating simply as ‘White Beach’, Shirahama is a broad swathe of pale sand, backdropped by mountains and punctuated with a rocky mass topped by a red torii gate. It’s popular with holidaying Tokyoite families, particularly given Mount Fuji, the Atami Onsen resort and the Yamanashi wine region are all within striking distance.
Where to stay: For a proper on-the-sands beach resort, try Shimoda Prince Hotel. From ¥24,111 (£119), including breakfast and dinner.
6. Kami Kamagari, Hiroshima
Fringing the Seto Inland Sea, this lovely island south east of Hiroshima has a buzzy feel, offering local sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, stargazing in an observatory and a popular sports ground with tennis on tap – all at its main beach at the island’s south end.
Where to stay: Beachside cottages in Kami Kamagari are available through Vacation Cottage, from ¥17,000 (£85).
7. Megijima Beach, Kagawa
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the city of Takamatsu on Shikoku island, little Megijima island is barely one square mile and famed in folklore; it’s said to be the home of ogres. But don’t let that put you off, or you’ll miss this golden, Grecian-like shore of frothy azure. When the Setouchi Triennale festival is on (next in 2028), the mountainous isle is flooded with art pieces, and extra visitors.
Where to stay: With its own small cafe serving Japanese curry and pizza, relaxed Megijima Island Guesthouse has doubles from ¥14,000 (£70).
8. Shimamui Coast, Hokkaido
It’s less the sands and more the vibrant cobalt blue of the water that draws visitors to this scenic spot at Hokkaido’s Cape Shakotan, a two-hour drive north west of the island capital Sapporo. Framed by cliffs carpeted in hiking routes, the area feels wild and untouched, a perfect foil to urban explorations in the prefecture capital.
Where to stay: Although the rooms are basic, at Sirara Hime-no-Yu, you get on-site hot springs and unbridled coastal views. From ¥7,800 (£38).
9. Ohama Seaside Park, Amami Oshima
West-facing Ohama on the UNESCO-listed island of Amami Oshima – which sits just a little above subtropical Okinawa – is understandably popular come sunset hour: blazes of cocktail-hued colour fill the sky over the crushed coral beach. At other times you can explore the island’s mangrove forest and frolic in island waterfalls, or else watch for the turtles who lay eggs on the beach during the summer months.
Where to stay: Denpaku The Beachfront Mijora is a series of minimalist, modernist and deliberately low-tech villas on the island’s northwest coast, from ¥41,000 (£200).
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