Quick Summary:

  • Japan is a long island country with the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
  • Its length results in quite a lot of coastline that is home to numerous beaches.
  • The swimming season and climate significantly vary, however, from the north to the south.
  • Most of the beaches that are best for swimming and sunbathing are located in southern Japan in Okinawa, but many great beaches can be found in other parts of the country as well.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Hayama-Isshiki Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Hayama-Isshiki Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Tomohiko Tanigawa/stock.adobe.com

2. Yuigahama ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yuigahama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© kenstock/stock.adobe.com

3. Shichirigahama

Shichirigahama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com

4. Enoshima

Enoshima | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© e185rpm/stock.adobe.com

5. Araihama

Araihama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Oleksandr Shevchenko/stock.adobe.com

6. Zushi Beach

Category: Beaches
Zushi Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© gumichan/stock.adobe.com

7. Oarai Beach

Category: Beaches
Oarai Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© photo3idea/stock.adobe.com

8. Onjuku Beach

Category: Beaches
Onjuku Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© osap1111/stock.adobe.com

9. Kujukuri Beach

Category: Beaches
Kujukuri Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Alvin Yoshikawa/stock.adobe.com

10. Hirizohama

Hirizohama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Miroslaw Stepinski/stock.adobe.com

11. Tatadohama

Tatadohama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© shige/stock.adobe.com

12. Iritahama

Iritahama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© stars_hjp/stock.adobe.com

13. Shirahama Chuo Beach

Category: Beaches
Shirahama Chuo Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© shige/stock.adobe.com

14. Sotoura Beach

Tours
Sotoura Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© siro46/stock.adobe.com

15. Suishohama

Suishohama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Joshua Daniels/stock.adobe.com

16. Wakasawada Beach

Category: Beaches
Wakasawada Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© tatyanasuyarova/stock.adobe.com

17. Kataonami Beach

Category: Beaches
Kataonami Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© andreygv/stock.adobe.com

18. Kotohiki Beach

Category: Beaches
Kotohiki Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com

19. Keinomatsubara Beach

Category: Beaches
Keinomatsubara Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© srckomkrit/stock.adobe.com

20. Yurigahama

Yurigahama | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© kenstock/stock.adobe.com

21. Bayside Beach Saka

Category: Beaches
Bayside Beach Saka | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Zerophoto/stock.adobe.com

22. Japan Beaches: Hitotsuku

Category: Beaches
Japan Beaches: Hitotsuku | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© paylessimages/stock.adobe.com

23. Sesoko Beach

Category: Beaches
Sesoko Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© tnehala/stock.adobe.com

24. Kondoi Beach

Category: Beaches
Kondoi Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© elmer/stock.adobe.com

25. Sunayama Beach

Category: Beaches
Sunayama Beach | Hidden Gems & Popular Beaches in Japan You Need to Visit
© Eiji Anzai/stock.adobe.com

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