5 of Japan’s Most Breathtaking Beachside Hotels for Your Summer Holiday

The fluctuating weather and blooming of the hydrangeas are loud and clear signs that summer is upon us here in Japan. In just a matter of time, seaside towns across the country will be gearing up to welcome crowds seeking to beat the heat by splashing around in the water. 

With some long weekends (or summer break, if you’re a student) coming up over the next few months, you may already be planning to hit the beach. If you still haven’t decided where to go, let these five beautiful hotels by the beach provide the inspiration you need to plan that perfect summer getaway! 

While no round-up of excellent beachside hotels in Japan would be complete without at least one Okinawa hotel, rest assured that our list also contains hotels elsewhere across the country. 

Okinawa is certainly splendid, and it’s not surprising that it’s the go-to destination for Japan’s beach lovers. But it’s not the only place in Japan to enjoy the beach, after all!

Okinawa is a treasure trove of fantastic accommodations, so narrowing options can pose a challenge for those planning a getaway to this sunny island paradise. But even among the best of the very best, the luxurious ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort is noteworthy for offering guests a private paradise through top-notch hospitality, an array of exciting activities, and a pristine white-sand private beach.

If you have only one opportunity to enjoy Okinawa — and the budget to spare — this is the resort to book. It’s not widely considered to be Okinawa’s (some would say Japan’s) leading resort destination for nothing! Nestled in Onna Village on Okinawa’s main island, this resort is surrounded by the shimmering, crystal-clear waters teeming with coral.

There are plenty of ways to have fun in the water at Manza Beach Resort! In addition to the main Manza Beach, one of Okinawa’s best beaches, hotel guests can also enjoy a smaller but much quieter beach exclusive to them — a tiny slice of heaven away from the throngs of visitors. 

If those still aren’t enough for you, the resort also has two large pools overlooking the beach, and even its own all-ages water park out on the emerald-colored ocean: Manza Ocean Park, one of Japan’s largest inflatable water parks. What’s more, the resort offers a diverse array of marine experiences, ranging from sunset cruises, to coral conservation tours, to more adventurous activities such as diving and kayaking.

With colors and motifs inspired by the sand and sea, all rooms here overlook the ocean and are designed to match the island’s surroundings and let in plenty of natural light. While the classic rooms are already cozy and roomy as they are, book a Club InterContinental room or suite to enjoy extra perks: complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, refreshments, evening cocktails, and access to the fancy Club InterContinental Lounge, from where the sunset views are unparalleled.

Facing the tranquil blue sea of the Shiomi Coast is Hanashibuki, a ryokan inn tucked away in the surf town of Tateyama, on the southern end of Chiba Prefecture. 

At only a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, Tateyama is fairly easy to access from the metropolis, making it a haven for beach- and surf-loving Tokyoites. But after a day of fun but physically strenuous water activities, there’s nothing like unwinding and recharging for the night — and that’s where Hanashibuki comes in. Hanashibuki is just a few minutes by car from two of Tateyama’s beaches, Hasama and Okinoshima. You can go beach-hopping before checking in, then drive or take a taxi to the ryokan. Alternatively, from Tateyama Station, you can board a public bus or Hanashibuki’s free shuttle (advance reservations required) to reach the inn.

Nestled in a neighborhood that still has the feel of an old-school fishing village, Hanashibuki sources fresh seasonal seafood from local fishermen, so meals here are not to be missed. In addition, the inn not being within short walking distance of the above-mentioned beaches means that it’s quiet and serene, perfect for quiet contemplation. 

The guest rooms, lounge, and open terrace afford sweeping sea views. Feel the cool sea breeze on your skin and gaze out into the distance — on a clear, sunny day, you might even see Mt. Fuji! 

If you like, stroll along the sandy shore right outside the inn, and stand at the edge where the shore meets the sea to feel the water gently lapping at your feet. Be sure to catch the sunset, as the views from here are superb.

Hanashibuki is an onsen ryokan, so enjoy a nice long soak in their hot-spring baths. Using water from Tateyama Onsen, the baths here are said to relieve fatigue and muscle pain, so even if you’re visiting in summer, you might still want to take even a quick dip in the hot springs to wash your stress away. 
The inn has both public and private baths, which can be reserved for an additional fee. After bathing, you can enjoy complimentary drinks and a free five-minute foot massage from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On the western part of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture is Dogashima, a town known for majestic cliffs, mysterious caves, geological formations, hot springs, and — you guessed it — beaches. If you’re planning a trip to this area, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Dogashima New Ginsui.

The panoramic views from Dogashima New Ginsui are a delight: all rooms provide views of Suruga Bay’s dramatic coastline. On-site facilities such as the restaurant, lounge, and open-air bath all have a view; guests can see Mt. Fuji when the conditions are right. 

In addition, this expansive resort offers ideal vantage points for viewing the magnificent Dogashima sunset, considered one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Sunsets. From around mid-October to early March, the hotel treats guests watching the sunset to a complimentary glass of wine.

Dogashima New Ginsui is right in front of the secluded Tsubasawa Beach, a tranquil cove with shimmering waters that are great for snorkeling. Two other beaches, Matsuzaki and Cape Koganezaki, are a mere 10 to 15-minute drive away.

Guests will find no shortage of things to do at this comprehensive resort, as its facilities include relaxing hot-spring baths, an amusement zone, an extensive souvenir shopping area that’s the largest of its kind in western Izu, a morning market selling seafood and dried food, and a pool (only open during summer months).

Billing itself as not quite a hotel but not quite a ryokan is Kaike Yugetsu in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture. It’s located in Kaike Onsen, an extraordinary hot-spring resort town for two reasons: first, for being one of the rare saltwater hot springs in Japan, and second, for being an onsen town with a beach. In summer, it’s not uncommon for visitors to wade in the beach then end their day with an onsen bath.

Since its grand opening in 2019, this seaside hotel, with a harmonious fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics, has quickly gained buzz among domestic-travel enthusiasts, earning glowing praise and mentions in travel-related media.

Great for couples, friend groups, and families alike, Kaike Yugetsu boasts spacious rooms. The starting size is 59 square meters for a Standard Room, which features a tatami-mat area with a low table and zaisu chairs and a bedroom area with hardwood flooring and beds that can comfortably sleep two to four people. 

All rooms offer views of the Sea of Japan and are furnished with an open-air hot-spring bath on the terrace. Let the sodium-rich saltwater of Kaike Onsen soothe you as you gaze out into the distance, the sea unfolding right before your very eyes. 

While silently enjoying the view in your private space is all well and good, you’ll also want to check out the public bath on the seventh floor: an infinity onsen overlooking the Sea of Japan. Whether it’s clear skies during the day, the vivid glow of sunset, or the starry sky and the glow of fishermen’s boat lights in the distance, the views here will heal your senses.