Location: Approximately 2 hours away by jet boat from Takeshiba Sanbashi Pier, Tokyo. Other ferries leave from Shimoda, Shizuoka.

Niijima is one of the islands out from Tokyo Bay and is actually part of Tokyo city. Niijima is a  really popular summer desitination and is renowned for its good surf and  white sand beaches. It also has a couple of good Onsens and some lovely forest areas.

Habushi beach and Jusanshi shrine

Aiichi  Long Beach is a well known surf spot on Japan and there are several surf competions held there during the year. There are several breaks including a really nice point break. If you like fishing there is a nice harbor to fish nearby.

Omaezaki beach is a surfing mecca for the region and is reputed to have some of the best breaks in Japan. The beach is pretty nice but if you are a surfer it is a good place to go and spend a few days.

Because of the strong winds, Omaezaki beach has some of the best windsurfing in Japan.

Other than the beach some places of interest are the famous Omaezaki lighthouse and its extensive green tea fields.

Wakayama Beach in Shirahama is about 3kms long and is quite close to Osaka. It is relatively deserted and sea turtles actually turn up to lay their eggs there. It has a toilet and shower but no stalls. It can be a little hard to find which may explain why it is still so uncrowded.

Shirahama is a popular destination in the Summer months and can get quite crowded. It is a beautiful white sand beach and has a festival atmoshphere with stalls and shops aplenty. The place to see and be seen during the summer months in the area.

Location: Northern end of Kyoto prefecture, jutting into the Sea of Japan (3 hours north of Kyoto)

The Tango Peninsula is on the north eastern top of Kyoto-fu and is host to an array of lovely beaches. The combination of sweeping white sand beaches and the distinctive shape of the hills which terminate at the beaches make this region extremely beautiful.

There are a lot of shrines and old Japanese architecture which make this stretch of coast extremely beautiful. Continue Reading

Location: Kochi prefecture (30 minutes south of central Kochi by bus)

Katsurahama beach is a breathtaking piece of coastline. Swimming is actually banned here but the scenery is beautiful and it is well worth a visit. The rocky cliffs and winding path to the Japanese Shrine at the top make this a very Japanese scene. A great place for a photo opp.

Shimoda, Izu beaches are only about 3.5 hours from Tokyo. These beaches on the Izu Peninsula are absolutely stunning. Check out Minami Ohama, Tatadohama, and Iritahama. They are all great beach spots with beautiful clear water and white sand beaches.

They are surrounded by the rocky cliffs of Izu and are very picturesque. Alll of these three beaches are popular for surfing. Make sure you make a trip to Kannon Onsen and Kanaya Onsen while you are here. Continue Reading

How to get there: Transportation is limited to Ogasawara Kaiun ferries from Takeshiba in Tokyo to Chichijima. The ferry runs every three days in each direction and takes 25.5 hours one way in good weather, but longer if the sea is rough (and it often is).

The beaches of the Ogasawara Islands are simply stunning. Ogasawara can only be reached by a 25 hour ferry ride from Tokyo. While under the protectorate of the Tokyo city it is actually on about the same lattitude as Okinawa but even further east. Continue Reading

Address: Shanadou, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun
Tel: 098 985-7115
Map

Eef Beach is located on Kumejima which is west of Okinawa island and is spotted with stunning beaches. Eef beach is by far the most photographed and well known. Kume island has a resort feel to it with some nice resort hotels and a fair bit of windsurfing and jetskiing. Continue Reading

Sunahama Beach situated in Miyakojima in Okinawa is characterized by the arch-shaped hole in the rock at one end. The beach has stunning white sand and turquoise blue waters. It is a coral beach and there is great snorkelling to be had.

Yonaha Mae-hama Beach in Miyakojima is a one hour flight or 13 hour ferry ride from Naha.  This Japanese beach in Okinawa is well known for its clear waters and fantastic diving  and has beautiful white sand and stunning turqoise waters.

Okinawa’s beaches are known to rival the beaches and warm clear water of Hawaii. This beach is a shining example of that special Okinawan beach beauty.