Discover the Best Beaches in Japan

Japan is an island country of mesmerizing thousands of kilometers of coastline, which provides the country with some of the most stunning and varied beaches. Here are some of the best beaches from the tropical paradise of Okinawa to the bounded cliffs of northern Shikoku.

From a surfer in search of a killer wave to a parent and child going on a beach outing in search of fun without risking the dangers associated with water, this list of beaches in Japan will not leave you or your pocket disappointed. Here, we have listed some of the best Japanese beaches so that you can enjoy sun and sand in the land of the rising sun of hope.

Best Time to Visit Japan’s Beaches

So, Japanese beaches are good for a year-round visit while the time to go more or less depends on preferences for the Hawaiian-like experience.

• Spring (March to May): The best time of the year to visit this place is in spring especially because the environment is relatively cold and has beautiful cherry blossoms. But it is still advisable to check the temperature of the water since the water might be still cold enough for swimming.
• Summer (June to August): Japan is a country that has beaches where tourists flock to especially during summer, which is their greatest beach tourism season. The climate is tropical with hot, humid weather and it is suitable to enjoy swimming, sunbathing or water sports. It is also favorable for festivals as well as for organizing beach events. However, it should be noted that many of the beaches described may become a little crowded.
• Autumn (September to November): Early autumn also can be a nice time for a trip, the water temperature is still summer-like and it is not very crowded. The features of nature that I like most are when there is the changing of the leaves in the autumn time, it gives some character to your beach experience.
• Winter (December to February): Beach visits are least preferred during winter, because the climatic condition is not favorable. However, some of the southern beaches such as the ones in Okinawa are still warmer and can still be effectively used.

Thus, whether you decide to come in the hottest months, or in any other period of the year, Japan has something interesting to offer on its beaches.

Top Beaches for Surfing in Japan

Japan has some great surfing destinations that control thousands of surfers from all over the world. Here are some of the top beaches for surfing in Japan:

Shonan Beach, Kanagawa

Shonan Beach is another popular beach which lies only an hour’s drive from Tokyo and is famous for surfing. The waves at the beach are ideal for all the surfing enthusiasts and are constant with plenty of shops and restaurants around.

Ichinomiya Beach, Chiba

Ichinomiya Beach is well known for the national and international surfing championships, the Olympic surfing championships in Tokyo 2020, the International Olympic Committee. As for the waves and colorful atmosphere of surfing, it is too popular among the representatives of a strong intermediate or advanced level.

Hirakata Beach, Kochi

Another beautiful and perfect for surfing beach is Hirakata Beach situated in Shikoku Island. The beach is not so crowded as during the tourist season, so it might be interesting for those representatives of the water interest who search for more quiet atmosphere.

Shikinejima Island, Tokyo

For more seclusion with surfing, one may opt to go to Shikinejima Island. This island is small but very attractive with golden sandy beaches and great waves satisfactory for surfers who wish to practice their sport far from the larger islands.

Okinawa Islands

Okinawa Islands which includes Kerama Islands have steady and warm water, making it a perfect surfers’ haven all year round. Sunabe Seawall and Aka beach are some of the favorites options that have reef break combined with some beach break.

Japan’s coast offers waves more or less difficult according to the level of every participant regardless if he is a beginner or an experienced surfer.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Japan

There are lots of beautiful beaches in and around Japan that are ideal for family outings as there is a safe swimming zone, shades, and water attractions to cover for the young ones.

Yuigahama Beach, Kanagawa

Families especially prefer Yuigahama Beach in the city of Kamakura. Well, this beach is appropriate for kids since the waves are not very big, and children can swim comfortably. In addition, there are many and various food kiosks, toilets, and showers, which may make company’s visiting comfortable for the whole family.

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Shirahama beach is famous because of its fine sand and turquoise sea and it is famous for honeymoon tourists. This beach provides beach activities for children, snorkeling, banana boat ride, and beach volley ball among others. Facilities such as Adventure World which is an amusement park and a zoo located nearby, are other attractions.

Zushi Beach, Kanagawa

Zushi Beach is another one of the best places suitable for families. It is characterised by fairly still waters and is well suited for a day of swimming, tanning and pig-nicking. There are also many choices of cafes and restaurants by the beach also it is also have night clubs and bars.

Maehama Beach, Miyako Island

Maehama Beach situated on Miyako Island is widely praised to be one of the best beaches to sun-tan along the Japanese coast. Due to the flat, shallow and relatively calm water as well as the fine, powdery sand, it is perfect for parents with young kids. But one must also know that the beach is also fitted with facilities such as bathrooms and showers.

Tatadohama Beach, Shizuoka

Tatadohama Beach is in Shimoda city and what makes it suitable for family photography is that sand is well maintained, and water is clear. This swimming beach has lifeguards during the summer making the swimming area safer for swimmers. Continuing, tourists can also take surfing lessons in addition to surfing equipment shops for enthusiasts.

Hence, these family beaches provide the fun and safety delights for those who will be visiting the beach.

To Wrap-Up Your Adventure….

Japan’s coastline stretches through various coastal regions, and so, it has a number of beaches that are quite attractive and have their own characteristics. With strange faces eager for that perfect wave to drop, families in search of a wholesome day well spent or the thrill-seeking adventurer out for a new beach hideout, one thing is very clear;there’s always a beach in Japan for everyone.

Once again, considering the sometimes volatile weather there may be some factors to look at before choosing the best time to visit and type of activities on the beach. As long as taking time to prepare oneself for the Beach and observe receptiveness to the local cultures of the Japanese people, then, the visit will always be one of the most memorable experiences.

From the crowded coastal promenade and Shonan beach to the postcard perfect Miho no Matsubara, Japanese beaches are waiting for you. So come put on your swimsuit and some sunscreen and get yourself prepared to be mesmerized by the world of beauty and awesomeness that the coastal regions of Japan have to offer.

Enjoy your beach adventure!