Japan's 5 Most Stunning Beach Destinations

Japan is full of lush natural landscapes and ecosystems — from dense forests, grand mountains, and volcanoes to beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterways. Although Japan may be better known for its mountainous terrain, there are many beautiful coastal areas and beach destinations to discover and explore.

Technically an archipelago or an extensive group of islands, Japan comprises four major islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu — along with numerous smaller islands. The nation is effectively surrounded by sea, namely the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, and the East China Sea.

From white sandy beaches, and rocky coastlines to surfer's paradises and hidden gems, Japan has many more beautiful beaches than one might expect. Each with its unique charm and beauty, we've gathered some of Japan's most stunning beach destinations that are calling for your attention.

Okinawa is probably top-of-mind when it comes to beach hangouts, thanks to its stunning beaches, subtropical climate, and rich cultural heritage. It's a cluster of islands that boast a wonderfully warm and laid-back charm, with no shortage of things to do and spectacular sights to see.

Ishigaki Island

Located in the southernmost part of Japan, Ishigaki Island is part of the Yaeyama Islands and offers gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The idyllic subtropical paradise is part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and most of the island, other than the coast, is covered in thick vegetation. Kabira Bay, Yonehara Beach, and Sukuji Beach are popular spots on the island.

Given the number of beach spots to enjoy, you may want to stay for more than one day. When it comes to staying in Ishigaki, there are a number of accommodations dotted across the island. Located close to the beach, Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima Villa Garden has ocean-view rooms, private villas, and a complete resort experience with swimming pools and a delicious buffet breakfast.

Miyako Island

Another gem in Okinawa, just 50 minutes by air from Naha, Miyako Island or Miyakojima is famous for its stunning coral reefs and pristine beaches. The island itself is pretty compact - you could drive across the two furthest capes, Nishi-Hennazaki to Higashi-Hennazaki in around 45 minutes.

Yonaha Maehama Beach is one of the longest on the island, with about four miles of unspoiled sandy beach. You can swim or snorkel at Aragusuku Beach and find some brightly colored subtropical fish, or visit Sunayama Beach with its arch-shaped rock that makes its mark in the water.

If you’re keen to beach-hop, there’s also Yoshino Beach and Yonaha Beach, which are quality beaches to visit on the island. There are many watersport activities you can take part in on Miyako Island, including SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding), snorkeling, and canoeing.

Zamami Island

Zamami Island is part of the Kerama Islands archipelago and is known for its untouched beauty. The island boasts beautiful beaches like Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach, which offer clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving.

When it comes to marine activities, you won’t want to miss the chance to see whales gliding through the “Kerama Blue” waters. If you’re in the islands from January to April, join a tour and try to catch a glimpse of humpback whales that have migrated south from the Arctic and into the warmer waters around the islands.

Shimoda is a quaint town near the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.  One of the most popular spots is Shirahama Beach or literally “White Sand Beach”, a half-mile stretch of white soft sand dunes and clear blue water, with the picturesque red Shinto shrine Shirahama Jinja that stands over a rocky slab at the edge of the coast.

While the official swimming season begins in July, the pristine waters and regular surf mean surfers visit Shimoda’s beaches throughout the year.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Shimoda Tokyu Hotel is ideal. This seaside accommodation atop a hill is surrounded by the shimmering ocean, with a handful of local eateries and izakaya nearby. There’s also an onsite onsen and a delicious selection at the buffet breakfast.

Located just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is a popular day trip destination known for its historical sites and beautiful beaches. Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach are two well-known spots where visitors can relax and make the most of the sun, surf, and sand.

Whether you want to escape the city to sunbathe, swim, or surf, Kamakura is a great place to do it. The official beach season lasts from July to August, but you’ll find surfers in wetsuits much earlier in the year.

Ogasawara, otherwise known as the Bonin Islands, is a 24-hour ferry ride from mainland Tokyo. Although the trip isn’t particularly cheap, you’ll be transported to a subtropical paradise. Ogasawara Islands and its rich ecosystem is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

You’ll be forgiven for thinking these remote islands are from another continent. With emerald waters, endemic species, and the chance to see giant squid, Ogasawara truly lives up to its nickname as the "Galápagos of the Orient". The best time to visit is early summer when the weather is superbly warm.

Shirahama is a popular beach resort area with stunning white sandy beaches situated on the southern coast of Honshu Island. Not to be confused with Shirahama in Izu Peninsula, Shirarahama Beach in Wakayama is the most famous beach in the area, known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and historical hot springs.

Watch breathtaking sunsets with the backdrop of Shirahama and Kushimoto, which face the Pacific

Yakushima Island, Kagoshima

Known for its ancient cedar forests and natural beauty, Yakushima Island also offers picturesque beaches. Nagata Inakahama Beach is the largest sandy beach on the island and is also a nesting spot for loggerhead sea turtles. While it provides a beautiful setting, Isso Beach is better suited for swimming and is a popular destination during summer months.

Oarai, Ibaraki

Located on the eastern coast of Honshu Island, Oarai is a popular beach destination known for its clear shallow waters. Oarai Sun Beach and Isohama Beach are two notable beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.