The 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Japan

Widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Japan is Yonaha Maehama, located on Miyako Island in the tropical island paradise of Okinawa. Located 400 miles from much of mainland Japan, Okinawa is a getaway for non-natives and Japanese alike, as the island atmosphere is more relaxed and the land less spoiled than the rest of the country. This four-mile stretch of pristine beach is rarely crowded. Campsites and hotels are located along the shore. Book yourself a guided tour in Okinawa to discover more amazing beaches!

Kondoi Beach is also located in Okinawa, on Taketomi Island. This tranquil spot is far more accessible than Yonaha Maehama – it’s only a short ferry ride from Ishigaki, Japan’s top tourist destination in 2018. This crescent-shaped sketch of white sand is the longest on Taketomi Island, and the water’s shallow depth makes it the most swim and snorkel-friendly.

Yet another Okinawa spot (rest assured some of Japan’s best beaches are located elsewhere) is Nishi no Hama on Hateruma Island. Hateruma is Japan’s southernmost inhabited island, so this beach’s fine, white sand is relatively untouched. People love this beach in particular because of the contrast between the ivory sand and emerald water.

Shirahama is located in southern Wakayama, the Kansai region’s natural wonder. Shirahama (which means “white beach”) is actually largely artificial, with imported sand from Australia making up much of the coastline. However, this spectacular beach is also known for great watersports, oceanside onsen, and incredible cliff formations, making it a worthwhile getaway.

Ibusuki is a small seaside town in southern Kyushu, one of Japan’s main islands. This quaint town is a great escape from the crowds of nearby Kagoshima, with delicious seafood, magnificent hot springs, and fascinating archaeological sites. The main draw of Ibusuki, however, are the volcanic sand beaches, obsidian and steaming. Visitors bury themselves from the neck down in the sand as an unusual, albeit relaxing, spa treatment.

Miho Beach may not be made up of the fine, white (or black) sand as the others on this list, but this isn’t what compels visitors to this place. Located in Shizuoka, the home of majestic Mt. Fuji, the tall mountain towers over the beach, making for an unforgettable sight. The beach is covered in pebbles and lined by legendary pine trees, each with their own story to tell. The northern side of the peninsula is a great place for swimming, and there’s also a delightful walking and cycling trail that traces the beach. If you’re sticking to Japan’s main tourist trails, then this won’t be a massive detour for you to enjoy a laid-back day spent on the coast.

The name of this beach means “Pure Land,” the name of the Buddhist paradise, which was inspired by the jagged islands that rise from the calm water of this protected area. Part of the Sanriku Recovery National Park in Iwate, Jodogahama is a particularly popular spot for swimmers, as well as hikers, and you can even book boat tours to explore the caves and unique rock formations that the beach looks out over. While this is in the lesser-trodden northern regions of Honshu island, Jodogahama is easy to reach if you’re nearby and there are plenty of facilities nearby for you to spend a whole day comfortably enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

These epic sand formations stretch for 14km along the Sea of Japan coast, with sands reaching over 2km inland and some dunes reaching as high as 50m. Found near a small coastal city of the same name, the Tottori Sand Dunes are among the most unique natural sights in Japan. Whether you wish to dip your toes in the ocean, picnic with a view or go charging up and down sand dunes with the kids, there is more than enough space to cater for every kind of beachgoer. There’s even a Sand Museum nearby, which showcases some spectacularly crafter sand sculptures, with global influences ranging from Egyptian Gods to Italian Renaissance paintings. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.