11 Beaches in Japan You Should Visit in Summer 2024

1. Yonaha Maehama Beach - Miyako Island, Okinawa

With 7 kilometers of pristine white sands and crystal-clear blue seas, Yonaha Maehama Beach is considered one of the best in Japan. Located in Okinawa Prefecture on Miyako Island, this beach is only 11 minutes by car from Miyako airport and perfect for those who want to jump right into the sea upon arriving on the island. If water sports aren't your thing, you can always visit Kurima Island, an island that's visible from the beach. Just take the Kurima Bridge that's also on the beach to cross to the opposite coast. Local and international beach-goers love Yonaha Maehama Beach for its heavenly white sand, sparkling sea, splendid Kurima Island and Bridge as they all make for lovely instagram photos.

Stay Near Yonaha Maehama Beach - Marine Lodge Marea

2. Tomori Beach - Amami Oshima Island, Kagoshima

Kagoshima’s hidden tropical paradise, Amami Oshima, was recognized as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2021 and boast magnificent nature and beaches such as

Tomori Beach. The emerald waters of Tomori Breach here lend itself well to snorkeling, and if you're lucky might find some sea turtles swimming around with the tropical fish among the corals. Just be wary if you do decide to visit, as the undercurrent here can be quite strong in some areas, so try not to wander too far out to sea.

Stay Near Tomori Beach - Coral Palms

3. Shirahama Beach - Wakayama

With lovely white sand imported from Australia contrasting with the surreal azure ocean, the 600-meter long Shirahama Beach in Wakayama is one of the most popular beaches in Japan. Shirahama Beach is usually the first beach to open on the main island of Japan, marking the start of beach season in Japan. Travelers should try to aim to go early in the morning as it can get pretty busy in the summer months. Wakayama’s Shirahama Beach is also renowned for its spectacular “hanabi” firework shows held during the summer months. Around 3,500 fireworks are launched during the biggest display which is usually held in August.

Stay Near Shirahama Beach - Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel

4.Onjuku Beach - Chiba

Located in Chiba Prefecture, less than 90 minutes from Tokyo by limited-express train, Onjuku is a small marine town renowned for its 2-kilometer-long white sandy beach where swimming and surfing are popular activities. The town offers both resorts and traditional inns and there’s even a water park operating in the summer. On Onjuku Beach, travelers can find restaurants serving simple dishes such as yakisoba and shops renting all the necessary beach equipment. Public facilities include toilets and outdoor showers.

Ubara is also a must-stop destination if you are visiting the area. Not only is Ubara Beach a favorite of surf and nature lovers but here visitors can admire the magnificent white “torii” gate signaling the local Yasaka Shrine.

Stay Near Onjuku Beach - ONJUKU BEACH COTTAGE

5. Isshiki Beach - Kanagawa

Perfect for a day trip from Tokyo, Hayama’s Isshiki Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture is a 90-minute train ride from the Japanese capital. Isshiki Beach is a quieter option compared to other nearby popular beach destinations such as Kamakura and Enoshima and a great choice for families as the waters here tend to be calmer compared to other spots on the Shonan coast. Known for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, sun bathing, Isshiki Beach offers a picturesque beach house called Blue Moon, a lifeguard station, and restrooms. 

Drop by the nearby Morito Shrine to see impressive rock formations and the shrine’s vermillion torii gate standing amidst the sea. If you are lucky you might even be able to see Mt. Fuji.

Stay Near isshiki Beach - Scapes The Suite

6. Shirahama Ohama Beach - Shizuoka

Shirahama Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, praised for its clear, turquoise waters and white sand, as the name also suggests ("shirahama" means "white beach"). The 800-meter-long beach not only is a great spot for swimming and surfing but also attracts visitors captivated by the beauty of the nearby Shirahama Shrine. The picturesque shrine is built on a cliff and features a bright-red torii gate standing right on the edge of a bluff overlooking the ocean. 

It takes around 3 hours from Tokyo to Shirahama Beach via Izukyu Shimoda Station by limited express Odoriko and local bus. The scenic train ride along the coast is one of the highlights of the trip!

Stay Near Shirahama Ohama Beach - Shimoda Prince Hotel

7. Aharen Beach - Tokashiki Island, Okinawa

With its white, smooth sand beach, beautiful corals, and colorful tropical fish, Aharen Beach was named among the World's Best Beaches in 2024. The beach stretches for 800 meters on the west coast of Tokashiki Island in the Kerama archipelago which is known for the abundance of nature and striking landscapes featuring unbelievably clear waters. 

Aharen Beach is an ideal place to try a variety of marine activities such as SUP, snorkeling, banana boat rides and sea kayaking. As the archipelago is home to sea turtles keep an eye out as you might encounter them during your undersea explorations. Toilets, showers, and beach huts renting beach towels, snorkeling gear, and more are available.

Stay Near Aharen Beach - Niraikanai Lodge

8. Atami Sun Beach - Shizuoka

Complete with free showers and just a few minutes walk from shopping streets and restaurants, beachgoers flock to the palm-tree-lined Atami Sun Beach during the summer months.Atami Sun Beach is also illuminated at night, making for the perfect spot for an evening stroll by the sea.

A popular destination throughout the year, the hot spring town of Atami is only a 40-minute “shinkansen” ride from Tokyo and is a beloved destination where many Japanese go to refresh themselves. The town is packed with attractions such as the Atami Castle and the MOA Museum, so explore its retro streets and have fun tasting all the local street food.

Stay Near Atami Sun Beach - LiVEMAX Resort Atami Sea Front

9. Kondoi Beach - Taketomi Island, Okinawa

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa, Kondoi Beach which is located on Taketomi Island boasts pristine white sand and turquoise sea. The shallow and tranquil waters makes it a great spot for swimming with plenty of tropical fish to see. Kondoi Beach is also the only beach with public facilities on Taketomi Island with restrooms and shower and changing facilities free to use as well as parasols and beach chairs available for rent.

There are no restaurants or cafes on the beach but Taketomi has beautifully preserved traditional villages where visitors can also find different food options while enjoying the charms of the local architectural heritage.

10. Habushiura Beach - Niijima Island, Tokyo

Habushiura Beach stretches for 6.5 kilometers on the eastern side of Niijima Island, one of Tokyo’s Izu Islands. Lined by striking white cliffs, this tropical paradise features splendid white sand and blue ocean and is renowned as a spot for surfing and swimming. 

Niijima is a 35-minute flight on a small plane from Tokyo’s Chofu Airport or a 2.5-hours ride on the jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Port. From its rich nature to its unique culture, Niijima is packed with attractions waiting to be explored!

11. Kujuppama Beach - Shizuoka

Still relatively unknown, Kujuppama Beach is located in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, and hides superbly calm, clear waters and white sands. With its gentle waves, not only is Kujuppama Beach a great place for swimming but the rocky coastline also makes it perfect for rock fishing and hiking. Showers, toilets, food stands, and parasols and beach beds rental are available. Kujuppama Beach is a 45-minute bus ride from Izukyu Shimoda Station but buses are infrequent,  so plan your trip accordingly.