Japan is famous for many unique experiences but is yet not widely famed as a beach destination among Indian travelers. Often, the image of Japan has been confined to skyscraper cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo, Osaka, etc. where acute tech-led professional and fast lifestyles merge with old Japanese traditions and new age customs.
Well, the country has a wealth of beautiful beaches and an ample array of water activities on offer. Japan’s beaches are always clean, with emerald green waters and soft white sands to please everyone.
Here are Japan’s TOP summer getaway beach locations:
Jodogahama Beach, Tohoku region: Located on the Rikuchu Coast, this beach sits on a peaceful inlet formed by volcanic white rocks and pebbles and contrasts beautifully with the surrounding green pine grove, reminding visitors of the beauty of traditional Japanese rock gardens. Legend has it that a Buddhist priest who once visited compared the beach’s beauty to Buddha’s Paradise giving rise to the name Jodogahama (Buddha’s Paradise Beach). The nearby Jodogahama Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the area or to grab a map of the nearby hiking trails. For those looking for a more relaxing activity, a number of cruises depart from the beach to tour the nearby waters and islands, as well as the famous Blue Cave.
Odaiba Beach, Tokyo: Odaiba beach is the perfect location, Tokyo’s most famous beach; it is still one of the most visited. Shopping malls, a pier, and plenty of amenities to keep visitors happy surrounding Odaiba Beach. During summer, the city organizes beach volleyball and sailing competitions, and in July, people stop by to see paper lanterns lit up during the matsuri (Japanese festival). Odaiba Beach is the perfect half-day escape for Tokyo travelers, especially if you want to combine it with some dining and shopping.
Okinawa, Japan: Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. Tourists visit Okinawa for the food, the beach, of course, and the aquariums. Okinawa beaches are famous for Snorkelling; diving and other water sports activities for families and professionals. For swimming and water sports, the best time to visit Okinawa is between the months of May and October when the weather is warmest. Manza Beach in mainland Okinawa is a beach paradise. It is on Manza Cove surrounded by several large hotels and just an hour’s drive from the Naha Airport. One can easily book a room with an ocean view, where you can walk out of your guestroom and out to the sandy shores. Technically, Manza Beach is on ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort’s property, but guests don’t need to stay at the resort to enjoy the beach, as it’s open to the public. Manza Beach has white sands, clear waters, and even a lot of sports activities. Other famous activities include diving. From Manza Beach, some choose to walk to the nearby Cape Manzamo, a beautiful backdrop for travel photos. Nishihama beach located in the region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Japan, the beach in Okinawa is no less than a dream come true for all nature lovers. The cobalt-blue waters are particularly calm, making Nishihama a nice pick for families with young children. Besides swimming, snorkeling is also popular at Nishihama Beach, thanks to the amazing coral reefs that lie just off the shore. Other scenic beaches of interest in the area are the Kerama Islands, Ishigaki Island, and Miyako Island.
Kamakura beaches, Kanagawa Prefecture: Located adjacent to each other, Yuigahama and Zaimokuza are Kamakura’s two most popular beaches due to their convenient location and good facilities. As a result, both get very crowded during the summer season. The two beaches collectively span about one kilometer of coastline, providing a lot of space for sunbathing and swimming. They offer all kinds of marine activities including surfing, flyboarding, and wakeboarding. Zaimokuza Beach is popular for sea-kayaking, paddle boarding, and water-biking.
Hirizo Beach, Shizuoka Prefecture: Located in the southern region of the Izu peninsula of Shizzuoka prefecture, this place is bordered by very steep cliffs and is only accessible by a ferry ride. The green water and green mountains complement each other, and every single shot is a blockbuster-level sheer beauty. The ultra-transparent sea water makes this water area a paradise for snorkelers, and many aquatic creatures can be seen up close, which is enough entertainment for a day out to this spectacular stretch along the southern coast of the Izu peninsula.
Shirahama Beach, Wakayama prefecture: Famous for its sparkling white sand, Shirahama Beach – the sister to Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach is touted as the best beach in Kansai, the south-central area of Japan. This beach resort town is a favored spot for sunbathers and swimmers alike. Snorkel in Shirahama and see colorful fishes with shallow, clear water, many coral reefs, and rock stretch.
Takenohama Beach, Hyogo Prefecture: A hidden gem along the northern coast of Hyogo prefecture. Its crystal-clear water has been given top marks and clean soft sandy beaches make it all the better. Located on the JR line it is easy to get to from Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji taking an average of three and a half hours. Soft white sand stretches 1km (approx.) along crystal-clear blue waters. A perfect destination for families and those seeking sun, beaches, and relaxation. The local snorkeling center offers sea kayak tours from April to October as well as rents out snorkeling gear. It’s one of the best places for canoeing in the country!
