The most beautiful beach trips in Japan ??

Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, tropical islands... Japan may not be the first destination that springs to mind when one thinks of these heavenly landscapes, yet its 20,500 miles of coastlines make it one of the 10 countries with the most shoreline in the world. From the idyllic panoramas of Okinawa's beaches to the stunning coves of Shikinejima and the trendy surf spots of Shirahama, Japan is an unexpected seaside destination, but one to see at least once in a lifetime.

THE PARADOX OF JAPANESE BEACHES

With climates differing from north to south, Japan boasts one of the world's greatest diversity of beaches, from the white-sand stretches of the Okinawa islands to the rugged cliff-surrounded creeks of the Izu peninsula.

However, compared to the West, the Japanese have a different relationship with the beach. The sea is only for marine life and people who work on the water in Japanese culture.

Therefore, bathing and sunbathing are not a part of the Japanese way of life. Instead, they like relaxing on the beach with their toes in the sand, enjoying a BBQ, playing competitive beach volleyball, or participating in other outdoor activities. Alternatively put, everywhere but in the water.

Find out more here!

MAP OF OUR FAVORITE BEACHES

From getaways near Tokyo and Kyoto to the tropical islands of Okinawa, these are the beaches we're going to tell you about today!

Discover 3 beaches on Japan's main island, Honshu: the beaches of Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo, the beaches of the seaside town of Kamakura, and Omi-maiko beach on Lake Biwa, close to Kyoto.

And escape to Nii-jima, Okinawa and Iriomote, three of the thousands of islands in the Japanese archipelago.

KAMAKURA BEACHES

The seaside town of Kamakura and its surroundings, including Enoshima Island, are one of the best retreats near Tokyo to enjoy the beach in Japan as well as views of Mount Fuji. They are located about an hour's train trip south of Tokyo.

The little seaside town, which served as Japan's capital from 1185 to 1333, is well known for much more than just its beaches (learn more about it on our guided tour!). But Kamakura's beaches, such as Yuigahama and Zaimokuza, which are frequently crowded and have the advantage of being lifeguarded, are what draw thousands of Tokyo residents there each year.

On the other side of Inamuragasaki hill - with its sublime ocean views - Shichirigahama beach, wilder and more reserved, is a renowned surfing spot, but swimming is prohibited. We also recommend the Enoshima peninsula, with its bucolic little train (accessible with the Hakone-Kamakura Pass). Its two main beaches, Higashihama and Nishihama, have a lively seafront and are very popular with sports enthusiasts and surfers.

THE GEMS OF OKINAWA

Referred to as the "Hawaii of Japan", the Okinawa archipelago is a true tropical paradise. Located to the south of Japan's main island, Honshu, the prefecture is made up of almost 200 islands, each of which conceals absolutely gorgeous beaches, bays and creeks.

While some of Okinawa's beaches are world-famous, such as Maehama and Yochino on the Miyako Islands, it's obviously by going deeper into the heart of the wilder islands that you'll discover some truly unique hidden gems. On the island of Iriomote, for example, Hoshizuna beach boasts an unusual feature: its grains of sand are shaped like stars!

To the west of this heavenly island, accessible by ferry from Ishigaki Island, another beach is well worth a visit. Clément, Japan Experience product manager, recommends venturing to Ida Beach, a discreet beauty spot that's not to be missed. In its pristine, clear turquoise-blue waters, you won't need to swim far to find yourself among a vast array of marine wildlife, including sea turtles!

THE FAVORITE JAPANESE BEACH OF NORBERT, JAPAN EXPERIENCE TRAVEL ADVISOR

"Located in the south of Nii-jima island, Mamashita beach is ideal if you want to have a swim while enjoying a beautiful scenic view, with Toriga Island nearby. Accessible by ferry from Tokyo in around 3 hours, the island is a real gem, and Mamashita beach is a must-see. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers, in addition to panoramic views of Mamashitaura Bay and the Pacific Ocean, a peek at Mount Fuji when the sky is clear. At the end of the day, you can take advantage of the Yunohama open onsen, right next to the beach, which offers a magnificent sight, especially at sunset (you can enjoy the onsen in your bathing suit). The Nii-jima Art Glass Center, a short walk away, is also worth a visit, as the island is well known for its glass sculptures."

Bonus: a beach recommendation from Clément, Japan Experience product manager

"Omi-maiko beach, on Lake Biwa, is just a stone's throw from Kyoto! It's the closest to the city for cooling off, but it's rarely mentioned in guidebooks."

THE BEST BEACH GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO: CHIBA

Just a short distance from the Japanese capital is the Pacific Ocean-facing Chiba Prefecture, which boasts miles of beaches !

· Kujukuri, just 3 hours away by train, is Japan's second-longest beach, stretching over 37 miles! Here you'll find a wide range of water sports: surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing...

· Onjuku, with its two atypical statues of an Arab prince and princess, captivates with its large white-sand beach.

· Ubara beach, with its creek surrounded by cliffs and rocks, is a must-see. However, because it is so close to Moriya, one of the top 100 beaches in Japan, which is equally worth visiting, it is frequently deserted.

EXPLORE JAPAN AND ITS BEACHES WITH OUR TOUR

The tour "From Tokyo to the beaches of Okinawa" is ideally designed for a land and sea immersion in Japanese culture: so make the most of your trip to Japan by exploring its beaches.

This 18-day Japan Experience tour takes you from Tokyo to Okinawa, where you'll spend the last 5 days discovering Japan's tropical islands. Mount Fuji and the Hakone region, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Fukuoka... This tour maps out the ideal route to the islands of Okinawa, guiding you through the most beautiful sights in Japan.

All of this comes with transportation passes, domestic flights, a travelogue with suggestions for sightseeing, Pocket Wifi, and more!

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