Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and flower arranging are among the traditional arts practised in Japan. Japan is a long, thin island country bounded on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. Because of the country’s length, there is a long coastline with many beaches. It also implies that the climate and swimming season vary significantly from south to north.
Japan’s nature is incredibly diverse, ranging from the wilderness of Hokkaido to the pristine white beaches of Okinawa. Japan may be one of many countries that come to mind when you think of a beach vacation. Still, Japanese visitors know that the coastline of this fascinating archipelago is dotted with beautiful beaches, especially on the dreamy southern islands. The following are the top ten best beaches in Japan in 2025.
What You Should Not Do In Japan?
Avoid scratching an itch, signalling a waiter in a restaurant, pointing at someone, spearing a piece of food, or drumming on the table with them. Don’t cross your chopsticks, leave them standing in your bowl, and don’t ‘hand’ a piece of food to someone else’s waiting chopsticks.
Are Tattoos Allowed In Japan?
If you have tattoos and travel to Japan, you should cover them at any pool, gym, and most water parks and beaches. Tattoos are generally prohibited in some areas of Japan, as indicated by clear signs.
10 Best Beaches in Japan 2025
1. Sesoko Beach
In the northwest, the 800-metre-long Sesoko Beach is picture-perfect, with clear water gently lapping the fine-grained sands. At sunset, look out over neighbouring Minna and Ie Islands to see Mt. Gusuku on Ie Island standing out on the horizon. Because of the low level of light pollution on Sesoko Island, the stars sparkle as night falls; the best views are to be had in the cooler evenings from the end of summer to fall.
The shoal of fine white sand is a natural beach where children can enjoy sea bathing activities. Snorkelling and diving are also possible due to the abundance of tropical fish and coral reefs. Sesoko Beach is famous among marine sports enthusiasts, with local operators offering banana boats, U-boat, big marbles and jet skis.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 5583-1 Sesoko, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan
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Check Info On Website2. Miura Beach
The Miura Peninsula is well-known for its beautiful beaches. The live music studio Otodama Sea Studio is located in the swimming area. The Miura Peninsula is about 60 to 70 kilometres from central Tokyo and can be reached in an hour and a half. Here you can eat fresh seafood at reasonable prices and enjoy the rich natural environment in what is likely Tokyo’s closest resort area. The Miura Kaigan Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 6th.
The Miura Peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean, with Tokyo Bay to the east and Sagami Bay to the west. It is a natural paradise where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has scuba diving spots and, in recent years, marine sports such as SUP (stand-up paddle boarding).
Address: Kamimiyada Minamishitauramachi, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0101, Japan
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3. Aharen Beach
Aharen Beach is located on the west coast of Tokashiki Island, which is part of the Kerama group and is about an hour’s boat ride from Naha, Okinawa’s central city. A coral reef lies just off the coast, beneath the clear, aquamarine water, making Aharen an ideal location for snorkelling and diving.
The reefs at Aharen Beach are generally well preserved, though some areas may be damaged. Scuba divers will find vibrant, bright-coloured gardens in the best-preserved areas. These areas are home to diverse underwater life, including blue damselfish, butterflyfish pairs, Moorish idols, and giant clams. Aharen Bay is usually protected from waves and currents, making it ideal for beginners.
Address: Aharen, Tokashiki, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-3502, Japan
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Website Info4. Takenohama Beach
Takenohama Beach in Hyogo Prefecture is a hidden gem with turquoise waves for swimming and snorkelling in clear waters. The land’s geological formations and landscape are as beautiful as the beaches. Takeno is a natural monument that is part of the San’in Geological Park. Take a ride along the coast and enjoy the panoramic views of Japan’s sea from various vantage points. Take the lower “road” and kayak out to the end of the peninsula for a different perspective.
View the natural geological formations formed over thousands of years by waves and volcanoes. Dive into the clear waters and observe the local marine life. From the beginning of July to the end of August, the water is at its warmest. From April to October, the local snorkelling centre offers sea kayak tours and rents snorkelling equipment.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Takenocho Takeno, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6201, Japan
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View website5. Tomori Beach
Tomori Beach is one of the best beaches on the island. It is only a 10-minute drive north of the airport, with white sand and clear water. The ocean is dark green and blue, earning it the nickname “Blue Angel.” The emerald green and cobalt blue seas on white sands are a dream come true.
Relax at the beach in the bright sun, take pictures of the beautiful sea, and have a great time. Swimming in this fantastic sea under the hot summer sun refreshes the body and is the perfect summer activity. This beach is ideal for sunbathing and snorkelling due to its white sand and calm, clear waters teeming with corals and aquatic life.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: Kasaricho Oaza Ushuku, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0501, Japan
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6. Habushiura Coast
Habushiura Shore is a 6.5-kilometre-long white-sand beach on the eastern side of Niijima Island, one of the Izu Islands. The Izu Islands have long been a popular weekend getaway for Kanto residents looking to escape the city. The islands have a lot of coastlines and 100 small islands, nine of which are inhabited.
Habushiura is a popular surfing and fishing beach due to its emerald-green seawater and large waves. The coast is also a well-known and popular surfing destination due to its high-quality waves. The main activity available at Habushiura Beach is surfing. The beach’s white sands and the ocean’s emerald blue are sure to enchant.
Address: Honson, Niijima, Tokyo 100-0402, Japan
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7. Hate No Hama
Hate no Hama is an uninhabited sand beach island 5 kilometres from Okinawa’s Kume Island. Hate no Hama is composed of three islands. The closest to Kume Island is “Menuhama,” followed by “Nakanuhama” and “Hatinuhama,” but they are collectively known as “Hate no Hama.” The three islands have a total length of about 7 kilometres.
Hate no Hama, known as the most beautiful beach in the East, has crystal clear water. At Hate no Hama, you can go swimming or snorkelling. Because Hate no Hama is a sand bar island with no shade, use sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Hate no Hama is accessible by boat from Kume Island.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: Japan, 〒901-3106 Okinawa, Shimajiri District, Kumejima, o日本
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View website8. Isso Beach
Isso Beach is a relaxing getaway on the famous island of Yakushima, located off Japan’s southern coast. The island in Kagoshima Prefecture is well-known partly due to the classic Studio Ghibli anime film “Princess Mononoke.” It is also Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site and a scenic, untouched haven for outdoor activities such as mountain hiking and river kayaking.
Isso Beach is a more secluded, smaller beach on one side of a small peninsula. The beach is great for light snorkelling and has everything you need for a beach day, with clear, turquoise water and white sand. There are a few shops that sell refreshments and rent beach equipment.
Address: 2291-225 Isso, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4203, Japan
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View website9. Moon Beach
Moon Beach is a natural beach shaped like a crescent moon surrounded by tropical trees and offers a variety of marine activities. You will not be permitted to visit Moon Beach if you have tattoos. You can stay at the Moon Beach Hotel if you come here. The hotel’s private sand beach offers water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and snorkelling.
Moon Beach Hotel allows you to unwind in paradise at a comfortable resort. Various rooms are available, ranging from twin rooms to large suites with ocean views. A picnic on Yojima Private Island, marine sports lessons for children, diving and windsurfing, cruising and fishing, and other activities are available on our emerald-green beach.
Address: Maeganeku, Okinawa 904-0414, Japan
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View website10. Nirai Beach
Nirai Beach is located in Yomitan Village, in the central part of Okinawa’s main island. This is a resort beach with natural smooth sand and crystal clear water. Nirai Beach is distinguished by a difference in water level between high and low tides. This beach also has swimming facilities, including marine activities and equipment rental.
Nirai Beach has some of the most beautiful white sand in the prefecture and some of the most transparent cobalt-blue water. This natural beach is located in front of Hotel Nikko Alivila. It offers a variety of ocean activities, such as snorkelling, riding a glass bottom boat, and jet skiing, among others. The sight of the vast expanse of water turning amber as the sun sets is genuinely breathtaking.
Address: 600 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0327, Japan
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
