Summer Fun: 20 of the Best Beaches in Japan

Summer in Japan lasts from June through August, sometimes even stretching into September, and it is characterized by hot, humid weather and lots of sunshine. The temperatures during these months are usually upwards of 30~35℃ (86~95℉), so both locals and tourists alike tend to gravitate towards activities that will help them stay cool. Some people prefer staying indoors in air conditioned spaces, while others take trips to the mountains where the temperature is slightly cooler, but by far the most popular summer activity in Japan is heading to the beach.

The Japanese archipelago is made up of five main islands and thousands of smaller ones, resulting in almost 30,000 kilometers (18,500 miles) of coastline. This, along with its long, narrow shape, means that there are countless beaches, some rocky with rough waves, some with cold water, some perfect for snorkeling, and many with soft sand and gentle waters that are perfect for swimming.

There are far too many wonderful beaches to list all at once, so we’ve gathered a few from all over the country to get you started.

◉Hokkaido

Atsuta Kaihin Beach Pool

Atsuta Kaihin Beach Pool is a sandy swimming area completely enclosed by an embankment. The barrier results in gentle waves, making it a remarkably safe place to swim. It has plenty of convenient facilities such as changing rooms, restrooms, showers, lifeguards on duty, and a parking lot right in front. It is also located just next to the fishing harbor, so visitors can buy fresh seafood for lunch or snacks during their day out.
The beach pool is open for swimming from early July to mid-August.

Higashi Otaru Beach

Located near the downtown area of Otaru City, this beach has easy access from Sapporo, though it’s a lesser-known spot, mainly popular among Otaru City locals. There is free parking as well, but it’s only a 20-minutes walk from Otaruchikko Station. A fair portion of the beach is rocky, but the stones have been worn down by the water, resulting in smooth, though not soft, surfaces.
The beach is open for swimming from mid-July to late August.

◉Tohoku Region

Jodogahama Beach (Iwate Prefecture)

Jodogahama Beach in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, lies in the middle of Sanriku Fukko National Park and Sanriku Geopark. It is famous for its beautiful scenery; one of its defining characteristics is the white surfaces of the volcanic rock on the outcrops surrounding the coast. The beach is surrounded by this rock, resulting in a cove-like shape and gentle waves that make it a popular swimming destination in summer.
The beach is open for swimming from mid-July to mid-August.

Senjojiki Kaigan Coast (Aomori Prefecture)

Senjojiki Kaigan Coast has been selected as one of Japan's Top 55 Swimming Areas as well as one of the 100 Best Sunset Views in Japan. It’s a popular destination for swimming and camping, and the coast is equipped with showers, changing rooms, restrooms, free parking, and restaurants. Visitors should also make sure to stop by the Senjojiki Center, which offers plenty of seafood, beautiful views, and local sightseeing information.
The swimming area is open from early July to mid-August.

◉Kanto Region

Yuigahama Beach (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Located along the coast of Sagami Bay in Kamakura City, Yuigahama Beach is one of many swimming and leisure beaches in the region. Its easy access from the metropolitan area makes it a popular day-trip destination for people living in Yokohama and Tokyo, and it is known as a hotspot for swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and other marine sports.
The beach is open for swimming from early July to late August.

Zushi Beach (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Zushi Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture is known for its shallow water and gentle waves, making it a popular summer destination for families and beginner swimmers. There are lifeguards and emergency stations right on the beach, and children’s life jackets are available for free rental. The beach is also home to around 40 beach houses, which offer everything from shower rooms to rest areas to restaurants to bars during the summer swimming season.
The beach is open for swimming from early July to early September.

◉Chubu Region

Tokumitsu Beach (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Tokumitsu Beach is a swimming area located next to Matsuto Seaside Park in Ishikawa Prefecture. The beach itself is equipped with restrooms and showers, and inside the park there is an area designated for barbecues as well as onsen hot spring and indoor pool facilities.

The beach is open for swimming from mid-July to mid-August.

Tatadohama Beach (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Shimoda City on the Izu Peninsula is famous for its beaches, and Tatadohama Beach in particular is a long stretch of coastline known for its soft sand, warm shore and gentle waves. This beach is one of several swimming beaches in the area, but it is especially famous for surfing and other marine sports; in fact, it is open for surfing all year round.
The swimming area is open from mid-July to late August.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is one of the only beaches in the world and the only beach in Japan on which driving is allowed. Visitors can use cars, motorcycles, and bicycles directly on the sand, and beach cruise bicycles are also available for rent. The beach is also home to sand art during the summer months, and driving or cycling around to see the different sand sculptures is a popular tourist activity. Hamachaya beachside cafés are also open in summer, and they offer everything from locally-sourced seafood to ramen.
The swimming area is open from mid-July to mid-August.

◉Kansai Region

Goza Shirahama Beach (Mie Prefecture)

Calm and secluded, Goza Shirahama Beach is located within the Ise-Shima National Park and boasts white sand and clear waters. In fact, it has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Best Swimming Beaches of Japan. Swimming and other marine activities are popular during summer, and there are also a number of events held here for visitors to participate in.
The beach is open for swimming from early July to late August.

Shinmaikohama Beach (Hyogo Prefecture)

Shinmaikohama Beach is located within the Setonaikai National Park, and it offers a wide view of the islands of Seto and a stretch of around 500 meters of tidelands during low tide. It’s a popular place for swimming in summer, of course, but visitors can also enjoy gathering the shells of a variety of creatures in spring and early summer.
The beach is open for swimming from mid-July to mid-August.

Takenohama Beach (Hyogo Prefecture)

Takenohama Beach in Hyogo Prefecture is known for its fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters, and it has been selected as one of the 100 Best Swimming Beaches as well as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches. The beach boasts some of the clearest, highest quality water in the Kansai area, and it stays shallow for some distance, making it a great place to swim. In addition to swimming, other marine activities such as geo-canoeing, geo-diving, and leisure cruises are also popular.
The beach is open for swimming from early July to late August.

◉Chugoku Region

Uradome Kaigan Coast (Tottori Prefecture)

Uradome Kaigan Coast is a 15-kilometer stretch of ria coast famous for its clear waters and rough cliffs. There are walking paths along the coast that offer views of the beautiful scenery from all different angles, and leisure boat cruises are a popular way to get a different perspective. There is a beach open for swimming in summer, and visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and kayaking.
The swimming area is open from mid-July to mid-August.

Inasanohama Beach (Shimane Prefecture)

Located near World Heritage Site Izumo Taisha Shrine, this area is known for its legends about ancient deities. The iconic Bentenjima lies on the sandy beach, and two famous rituals are held here. The beach is popular not just for sightseeing, but for swimming as well, and in the summer months especially it is bustling with locals and tourists alike.
The beach is open for swimming from mid-July to late August.

◉Shikoku Region

Tatsukushi Kaigan Coast (Kochi Prefecture)

Tatsukushi Kaigan Coast in Kochi Prefecture is Japan's first designated marine park, famous for its multitude of interesting rock formations. The rocks themselves are a popular tourist attraction, but visitors should also make sure to visit the Ashizuri Seabed Museum, which operates as an underwater observatory. Sakurahama Beach, a sandy stretch that is open for swimming in summer, also lies along the coast.
The beach is open for swimming from early July to late August.

Katsurahama Beach (Kochi Prefecture)

Katsurahama Beach has been known for hundreds of years as a popular spot to view the moon. The beach extends out in an arc, and the green pine trees on the coast make a beautiful backdrop for the blue of the sea. The entire beachfront is included in Katsurahama Koen Park, which includes the Katsurahama Aquarium as well as a souvenir center.
Unfortunately, due to high waves and strong tides, swimming is no longer allowed at this beach. There are plenty of other summer activities, however, and the scenery is well worth the visit.

◉Kyushu Region

Isso Beach (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Isso Beach is located at the northernmost point of Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. It is mainly used as a swimming beach, but on the opposite side of the swimming area there is also a diving spot and a large coral reef that is home to plenty of colorful fish. The beach is equipped with plenty of facilities for visitors, and there are also athletic fields and campgrounds nearby for those who want to extend their visit.
The beach is open for swimming from early July to early September.

Okoshiki Kaigan Beach (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Famous for its beautiful tidelands and causeway, Okoshiki Kaigan Beach is considered one of the more picturesque beaches in Japan. The flat tidelands result in ripple-like patterns in the sand during low tide, and during twilight the setting sun shines and sparkles on the ripples, creating a uniquely beautiful view.

◉Okinawa

Aharen Beach

Aharen Beach is the main beach on Tokashiki Island, and it boasts 800 meters of smooth, white sand. It is located in an inlet, making the waves relatively gentle and therefore a good place to swim. The beach is also known as a popular snorkeling spot, and even in the designated swimming area visitors can see coral reefs and tropical fish. There are also plenty of facilities and rental shops, as well as other marine activities to enjoy.
The beach is open for regular swimming from June until late November; swimming is allowed in winter as well, but visitors are required to wear wetsuits.

Yonaha Maehama Beach

Yonaha Maehama Beach, a 7-kilometer stretch of pristine, white sands, is easily one of the most famous beaches in Japan. It is one of several popular beaches on Miyakojima Island, which is famous for its beautiful sand and water, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Many people visit to swim and sunbathe, of course, but snorkeling around the coral reefs is also a popular pastime here.
The beach is open for swimming from mid-March to late December.

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