Japan’s best-kept-secret beaches

Long thought of as one the more expensive places to travel, in 2024, Japan is in fact now surprisingly affordable, thanks to the weakness of the yen. Another misconception? It’s just a place for a city break. In the summer months, the hundreds of beaches that frame the archipelago become destinations in their own right, with locals and tourists flocking to the coast for paddle boarding, turtle watching and more. From seaside day trips a quick train ride from the city, to remote tropical islands far beyond the mainland, Japan’s beaches are perhaps its most unsung attraction. Here are five to add to your itinerary.

Best for wild waves: Shirahama Beach

A couple of hours southwest of Tokyo, Shirahama (which, fittingly, means “white beach”) is a popular spot for beachgoers, families—and surfers looking to escape the city and catch some waves. You’ll know Shirahama by the iconic red torii gate that sits atop a rock at the north end of the beach, marking the Shirahama Shinto shrine, said to be 2,400 years old. A short walk away is Hotel Izukyu, with its own outdoor pools, hot springs and a spa for some post-surfing R&R. (NB: this is the Shirahama on Japan’s Izu peninsula, not to be confused with the town of the same name in Wakayama prefecture).

Best for art appreciation: Naoshima Island

In the middle of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea is Naoshima, nicknamed “Art Island” for the galleries and installations that populate the area—many designed by the architect Tadao Ando, such as the beachfront Benesse House Museum, which also has an on-site hotel. Gotanji Swimming Beach, located moments from Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow and black pumpkin sculpture, is a good place to relax for a paddle between all the art appreciation. While there are few hotels of note directly on the beach, the sophisticated Naoshima Ryokan isn’t far, and is easily the best hotel on the island. Located in the center of Naoshima, it features a number of works by emerging Japanese artists, and is the perfect base from which to explore the rest of the island (which is best done by bicycle—rent one directly from the hotel to avoid queues elsewhere). 

Best for natural wonders: Yakushima Island

Home to just 13,000 people, Yakushima is a subtropical island off Japan’s south coast. There is just one road around the island’s circumference, and much of the center is a national park filled with ancient cedar trees, which inspired Princess Mononoke, the celebrated Studio Ghibli anime. It’s also home to Isso Beach, ideal for swimming, and Inakahama Beach, which is famous as a sea turtle breeding ground. (For conservation purposes, any visitors wishing to view the turtles laying eggs must do so via an organized tour.) The sunlit and airy Samana Hotel on the south side of the island boasts its own hot springs, with views of the ocean. 

Best for a city side-hop: Kamakura

When the temperatures begin to rise, busy Tokyoites grab the sunscreen and head to Kamakura. Blessed with a diverse range of restaurants and shops, as well as a 40-foot tall Great Buddha statue and access to the nearby island of Enoshima, Kamakura is a great place to spend a day or two out of the city. Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura is a comfortable and contemporary hotel located a short distance from Shichirigahama, Yuigahama and Zushi beaches, some of the most popular stretches of coast in the area.

Best for beach-resort vibes: Okinawa

With clear turquoise waters and white sands, the Okinawa islands are home to the best resort-style beaches in Japan. To the north, Kouri Beach offers clear, warm water and coral reefs; while the aptly named Tropical Beach in Ginowan on Okinawa’s main island is not far from Naha, the capital, and is popular with families and couples looking to top up their tans or watch the sunset. The Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan is an oceanfront resort a short walk away, and has an on-site spa and free poolside cabanas.