7 Best Beaches to Visit in Japan

Nishihama Beach is a hidden paradise tucked away on Japan’s southernmost island, Hateruma, in the Ishigaki archipelago. Well off the beaten path, it is only accessible by high-speed boat and is a stunning reward for adventurous travelers making the trip.

Its gently curving white sand is lapped by crystalline turquoise waves, creating a serene tropical oasis. You can enjoy prime snorkeling opportunities to discover the marine life that calls this island’s reef home and swim alongside sea turtles that wade in the waters.

Relishing the complete seclusion of the small Hateruma Island, you can unwind in splendid isolation while savoring a picnic of Japanese treats before returning to your luxury resort on Taketomi or Ishigaki.

Best for: Unspoiled seclusion perfect for couples visiting Japan.

Aharen Beach, on the western coastline of Tokashiki Island, is one of Okinawa's most sublime coastal treasures.

Imagine strolling along immaculate silky white sands as the sea beckons with its translucent turquoise waters or exploring Aharen’s beauty beyond the shoreline as you wander across emerald hills and through rocky crevices that enwreathe the beach.

Blissfully uncrowded and with a paradisiacal atmosphere, Aharen Beach invites relaxation and light adventure far from the tourist trail, with exceptional snorkeling to entertain families enjoying its quiet charms.

Best for: Powder-soft sands and marine adventures ideal for Japan family vacations.

On the small, charming island of Taketomi, Kondoi Beach welcomes travelers who want to escape the crowds and explore a pearl-white shoreline along the island’s western coast.

This uniquely beautiful beach is large enough to feel uncrowded, even as many travelers make the trip to explore its shores. While the water is often too shallow to swim, especially during low tide, Kondoi is a postcard-perfect place to relax on the sand and enjoy an afternoon peacefully whiling away the hours with a good book or seaside picnic of Japanese delicacies.

Enjoy a day of relaxation and sunbathing before returning to your resort on the populated neighboring islands.

Best for: Spending a day sunbathing and relaxing on pristine shores.

Furuzamami Beach graces the shores of Zamami Island with vivid emerald green waters perfect for snorkeling and sugary white sands ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

Don a snorkeling mask and flippers to discover an underwater paradise teeming with marine life. Drift over vibrant reefs to wade alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, and more. After snorkeling, head to a local restaurant on Zamami Island for authentic Japanese seafood dishes.

You can also meander the beach’s lush backdrop of forested hills to a lookout point that shares unrivaled views of Furuzamami’s breathtaking bay.

Best for: Snorkeling in a secluded tropical island paradise.

Yurigahama is a phantom beach on the small island of Yoron, just under a mile off the coast of Okaneku Beach in the middle of the sea. The beach is unlike any other across the country as its sandbar only appears between spring and fall during extreme low tides.

The beach only appears for several hours, in different shapes and locations, making walking along its shores and looking out across the dazzling blue water a truly special experience.

During favorable tides, boat tours from Okaneku Beach can take you to Yurigahama, where you can enjoy light snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles.

Best for: Untouched tranquility during Japan vacations on a truly unique beach.

With its titular, breathtaking rock formation sculpted by wind and waves, Sunayama Beach is a visually arresting shoreline for adventure and relaxation.

The powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and rugged cliffs create a dreamy backdrop for a day spent enjoying the sunshine. You can capture stunning images of the coastal hillsides overlooking the charming, remote shores before swimming and snorkeling.

Accessible and with surrounding amenities, a day spent exploring the nearby neighborhoods on Sunayama is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s busy cities.

Best for: A combination of beach exploration and coastal views.

The Tottori Sand Dunes rise like an endless golden ocean frozen in time along the shores of the Sea of Japan. This remarkable stretch of undulating sandy vistas offers a beach experience unlike any other.

From atop the towering dunes, panoramic views of the cobalt-blue sea unfurl as far as the eye can see. Camels cross the dunes and offer a unique vantage point for taking in the vistas, while the sea offers a chance to escape the heat.

Explore the vast dunes and bask in the breathtaking serenity of nature's beauty in this uncommon yet utterly unforgettable landscape.

Best for: Vast sandy landscapes and dune adventures.

Japan's incredible diversity of luxury beach destinations provides endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Whether lounging on the soft sands or admiring dramatic coastlines, these seven oceanside escapes offer experiences for every type of beach vacation.

To explore Japan’s best beaches, our collection of Japan tours shares ideas to inspire your travels. For more ideas and insight when planning your trip, our Japan travel guide provides insider tips to make the most of your luxury trip.