Best 12 Beaches in Japan for Families and Couples

Japan is surrounded by the sea, offering stunning coastal views and a rich variety of marine life. It is known as one of the best places in the world for snorkeling. The clear waters around coral reefs, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful sandy beaches create perfect spots for outdoor activities like snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.

The food is also a highlight, with dishes like fresh sea urchin rice bowls and local-flavored ramen showcasing the ultimate in freshness. Coastal cuisine provides a complete sensory experience.

Beach Near Kyoto: Amanohashidate Beach

• Highlight: Bike along the pine-covered sandbar with stunning sea views.
• Location: Miyazu Bay, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

At Amanohashidate, you can see the ocean split in two by a sandy spit, with the water displaying different shades of blue. Taking a cable car to the mountaintop offers a breathtaking view of the entire Amanohashidate and the vast sea.

Families could enjoy biking or walking through the pine forests, and don't miss the chance to visit the Amanohashidate Aquarium to see amazing marine life.

For couples, riding the cable car to the observation deck is a must. You could look down at the stunning "Bridge to Heaven" beneath you—it's a truly magical view!

Beaches Near Tokyo

Atami Sun Beach

• Highlight: A mix of hot springs and fireworks for a romantic experience
• Location: Shizuoka Prefecture, just a 50-minute drive from Tokyo

Atami Sunshine Beach is famous for its crescent-shaped shore and soft white sand. The water transitions beautifully from light blue to deep blue, creating a unique glassy sea. During the day, it's a perfect spot for sunbathing, and from May to September, you can enjoy various water activities.

In the evening, the beach comes alive with a fireworks festival that has been celebrated for over 70 years. This is one of Japan's most famous firework displays, held every weekend in July and August, making for a truly romantic night out!

Kujukuri Beach

• Highlight: A long coast perfect for surfing
• Location: Kujukuri, Chiba Prefecture, about a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo

Kujukuri Beach is Japan's second-longest beach, and it's a peaceful escape from the busy tourist spots. If you love surfing, this is your paradise! With 60 kilometers of sandy shore, it's also great for family walks and building sandcastles.

In spring and fall, don't miss the chance to hop on a boat and get up close to wild dolphins. It's an unforgettable experience! So grab your sunscreen and enjoy a day at the beach!

Beaches Near Osaka: Shirahama

• Highlight: Soak in hot springs while enjoying stunning ocean views
• Location: Southern Wakayama Prefecture, on the Pacific coast of the Kii Peninsula, about a 2.5-hour drive south of Osaka

Shirahama is a gem where you can relax in hot springs and take in beautiful sea views. The rocks at Sandanbeki have been shaped into amazing formations by the waves, and the cliffs are truly breathtaking.

You could stroll along the "Senjyoujiki" layered rock formations or wait for the sunset at the natural arch of Engetsu Island, where the light shines through in a magical way.

In the summer, don't miss the weekly beach fireworks, usually held on weekends in July and August，which you can enjoy from a private yacht!

It is a perfect family getaway in the Kansai region as this beach is less crowded. The soft white sand is great for kids to splash around, and nearby theme parks offer close encounters with giant pandas and dolphins. Grab your beach gear and get ready for a fun-filled day!

If you're a couple, consider soaking in a private hot spring cave at a local ryokan (inn) with an ocean view.

Beaches in Mainland (Honshu)

Enoshima Beach

• Highlight: A perfect blend of surfing paradise and sacred shrines
• Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, next to Kamakura, about a 1-hour train ride from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo

Start your adventure at the entrance of Enoshima Shrine, where you can feel the rich history. Don't forget to ring the "Dragon Love Bell" to wish for everlasting love! After that, explore the mysterious caves and marvel at the wonders of nature. If you're up for it, hike or take the elevator to the top of the island for a breathtaking view.

For families, there are fun surfing lessons available, or you can enjoy a bike ride along the coast. While on the bridge to Enoshima, you can feed the seagulls, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance. Pack your bags and get ready for a day full of fun and adventure!

Itsukushima Shrine Beach

• Highlight: Tidal views and the iconic floating Torii gate
• Location: Miyajima Town, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It takes about 50 minutes to get there by train or ferry from Hiroshima.

When you arrive at Itsukushima Shrine, you'll notice that the red buildings are built right over the water, connected by wooden walkways. It feels like a palace on the sea! These ancient structures are not only well-preserved but also full of history.

The bright red Torii gate is a must-see. When the tide goes out, you could walk right up to it for some amazing photos. The sight of people strolling to the gate during low tide is simply magical!

If you have time, stick around to watch the sunset over the water, and don't miss out on trying the delicious oysters while you're there! After the tide goes out, keep an eye out for little creatures like hermit crabs and starfish. Plus, you might even spot some friendly deer on the island that you can feed.

Beaches in Okinawa

Kouri Island Beach

• Location: Northern Okinawa, about a 30-minute drive
• Highlight: Heart-shaped rocks and jelly-like waters

Kouri Island is famous for its mythical origins and is known as a lovers' paradise. Surrounded by emerald waters and soft white sand, the island is just 1 kilometer in radius, making it easy to explore in about 15 minutes. It's one of the smallest and most charming islands in northern Okinawa, with fewer tourists, so you can enjoy a peaceful getaway.

The shallow waters and gentle waves make it perfect for families. You can try fun activities like walking on the sea floor, kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

In the shallow areas, keep an eye out for colorful tropical fish like clownfish and blue devil fish. They even provide special snorkeling masks for kids! So pack your beach gear and get ready for a day of sun and adventure!

Keramashoto Islands

• Highlight: World-class diving and whale watching
• Location: About an hour by ferry west of Naha City, Okinawa

The Kerama Islands are mostly uninhabited, with only four islands where people live. They boast stunning beaches and popular snorkeling spots, teeming with marine life. You'll find plenty of sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs. Getting between the islands is easy, with fast boats that usually take about 30 minutes.

Best for diving: What makes this place special is its incredible water clarity, with visibility up to 10 meters! The unique "jelly blue" waters, created by sunlight reflecting off the coral sand, make it one of the best diving spots in the world.

Families will love the shallow areas where kids can play, and special gear is available for them. If you venture a bit farther, you can see beautiful coral reefs and fascinating sea creatures.

Best for whale watching: From January to March, the islands welcome another amazing sight—the humpback whales! Whale watching tours last about 2-3 hours, and you're almost guaranteed to see these majestic whales leaping out of the water, splashing down with huge waves, and even hear their calls echoing through the sea. It's a breathtaking experience that connects you to the vastness of the ocean and its incredible wildlife!

Beaches in Kyushu Region

Yurigahama Beach

• Highlight: A dreamy, seasonal beach
• Location: Yoron Island, Japan

Yurigahama is one of the rare seasonal "ghost beaches" in the world. It only appears during low tides in April to June and again in September to October. The beach's location changes with the tides, so having a guide or boat is a must!

When the tide goes out, a stunning, pure white beach floats above the emerald waters, creating a magical "jelly sea" and a "mirror of the sky." You might even find some rare white star sand!

You could wade through the shallow waters or hop on a transparent glass-bottom boat to see the colorful coral reefs and fish below. Grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable time!

Nagata Beach, Yakushima

• Highlight: A small island paradise with original forests
• Location: Kyushu, Japan

Yakushima is a small island where you can drive all the way around in just two hours! From mid-May to the end of July, you could join turtle-watching events to see sea turtles nesting on the beach. You might even spot their footprints in the sand!

The island is covered in lush, original forests, making it a perfect place for hiking and soaking up fresh air. It feels like stepping right into a Studio Ghibli movie!

There's a scenic coastal road that circles Yakushima, and you can bike along most of it. This way, you could enjoy both the stunning beaches and the magical, untouched forests.

Beach in Hokkaido Region: Zenibako Beach

• Highlight: A Winter Wonderland of Snow, Black Sand, and Blue Sea
• Location: Near JR Kinegawa Station in Otaru City, Hokkaido

Yurigahama Beach is a hidden gem where you can enjoy peaceful coastal views without the crowds. Unlike most beaches, its beauty shines in winter, when the snow and the black sand create a breathtaking contrast.

This beach was also a filming location for the Japanese movie "First Love," making it a perfect spot for couples to take a romantic stroll. Don't miss the chance to watch the sunset—it's simply magical!

Beach in Shikoku: Chichibugahama Beach

• Highlight: A Mirror of the Sky and Stunning Sunsets
• Location: Niho Town, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku

Welcome to Chichibugahama Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand on the northwest coast of Shikoku! This beach is perfect for a day of fun, with shallow waters that allow you to wade out quite far when the tide is low.

What makes this place truly special are its breathtaking sunsets, often ranked among the best in Japan. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky bursts with vibrant colors, creating a magical scene. When the tide goes out, the calm water reflects the sky, making it feel like you've stepped into a dream. This is a moment you won't want to miss—the enchanting sunset and the mirror-like water are simply unforgettable!

Best Time to Visit Beaches in Japan

Family Vacation: June to August

For families, the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit Honshu, Okinawa, and Hokkaido. During this period, the average temperature ranges from 25 to 30°C, making it ideal for swimming and beach activities, such as at Kujukuri Beach near Tokyo and the beaches of Hokkaido.

Highlights of the summer include fireworks festivals, parent-child snorkeling, and various water park activities.

However, July and August are peak tourist seasons, so it's advisable to book accommodations in advance and prepare sun protection gear.

Romantic Recommendations for Couples: April-May, September-October and December to February

During the cherry blossom season in April and May, it's best to avoid the Golden Week (early May) and choose beaches like Shirahama in Kansai or Shimoda in Izu to enjoy the tranquility of cherry blossoms blending with ocean views. In Hokkaido, late cherry blossom season from late May to early June at Otaru Beach is perfect for pairing with seafood delicacies.

In the autumn foliage season from September to October, Okinawa's waters are clear after the typhoon season in September, making it ideal for sunset kayaking or stargazing camping. In Honshu, the Shirahama Onsen Beach in Wakayama offers a beautiful and less crowded "autumn sea" experience.

In winter, Okinawa's average water temperature is 20°C, making it suitable for snorkeling and whale watching (Kerama Islands). Meanwhile, the beaches in Honshu and Hokkaido are colder, perfect for capturing winter snow scenes (like the snow scenery at Itsukushima Shrine).

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