Article by: anees

Japan has number of stunning beaches at several locations in the country with crystal clear water and pure white sand

Speaking of beautiful beaches in Japan, most of us may think of Okinawa, but there is a number of stunning beaches at several locations in the country with crystal clear water and pure white sand. Some of them are great options for snorkeling and diving to see colorful reefs and colorful sea creatures. This summer, we would like to share 12 amazing beach destinations in Japan Including Okinawa. Besides stunning beaches, these 12 spots offer alternative tourist attractions where visitors can have special experiences. So let’s check them out!

1.Nakanoura Beach - Tokyo
It is located between Kamibiki Bay and Oura. Great place for snorkeling and diving.
the island can be visited with an electrically power-assisted bicycle. I think that you can make a ladder on the beach because it is a bicycle. Nakaura is particularly transparent, and you can enjoy it all day long with a snorkeling set and afloat. This is a really recommended beach.

2. Zushi Beach - Kanagawa
is a place to visit for swimming every summer. Summer is quite crowded with young people and families. The waves are calm so it's easy to spend. I like the sea because I been there once. I also like the atmosphere of Zushi. There are many spots to enjoy and stop by fashionable cafes!

3.Hachijo-Jima Island -Sokodo Beach- Tokyo- (Distance from Tokyo 287 km)
Hachijo Island attracts visitors for its jungle-like greenery, ocean, birdlife, and distinctive cultural heritage, especially its sericulture and kihachijo silk-weaving. Being volcanic in origin, the island has several natural thermal springs in its southwest for bathing and relaxation. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular pastimes for visitors to Hachijo-Jima, with its coral, tropical fish, and underwater lava formations. There are numerous diving stores, all in proximity to the airport. The island's beaches - the water warm almost until winter - attract surfers. However, swimmers beware: Hachijo has a very rugged, mostly inhospitable coastline with only one half-decent beach (and camping site), Sokoto, directly east of the airport.

The island's two main mountains are the volcanos Mt. Mihara (650 m) in the southeast and Mt. Nishi (850 m) in the northwest. Mt. Nishi is more commonly referred to as Hachijo Fuji-san for resembling Japan's most famous peak. Both make for good hiking, and of course great views. Trail maps are available at information spots. Hachijo Island is a major exporter of Phoenix roebelenii palms, and also cultivates aloe vera, so you will encounter numerous plantations of both. Tiny, uninhabited Hachijo-Kojima Island, about 4 km west of Hachijo Island, is a volcano formed around the same time as Hachijo.

4.Shirahama - south coast of Wakayama
Shirahama is located on the south coast of Wakayama prefecture and one of the largest, most popular beach resorts in Japan. Shirahama means “White Beach”, which literally stands for the 500 meters long, stunning sand beach which attracts a huge number of visitors. Shirahama is also famous for its hot spring resource and there is a number of Onsen spots. As one of the biggest resort destinations in western Japan, there is a number of tourist attractions situated such as museums, amusement parks as well as seaside hotels, and restaurants.

5.Hitotsuku Beach - Hirado Island
The sweet, off-the-beaten-path island of Hirado has picturesque old streets, great seafood, a grand castle, and intriguing museums. It also has some wonderfully rugged sections of coastline, and travelers who venture this far west are spoilt for their pick of pristine beaches. However, Hitotsuku, on the west coast is perhaps the pick of the lot, with clear, turquoise waters and a sliver of silver sand. Toilets and showers are available here too.

6.Tsunoshima island in Shimonoseki city - Yamaguchi
Tsunoshima (角島) is an island in Shimonoseki city, Yamaguchi prefecture, connected with the mainland by the Tsunoshima Bridge. The astonishing scenic bridge has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in the past years, and Tsunoshima Island is now becoming a popular beach destination. The 4.1 km2 island is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and there is a number of beautiful beaches with crystal

7.Ōkinohama - Shikoku
About 25km south of Shimanto City, you'll find Ōkinohama, Shikoku's most magnificent sandy beach. The only souls to frequent this unspoiled 2km stretch are the pick of the region's surfers, some egg-laying turtles, and the odd, grinning clam diver. Facing east means you can watch the sun and moon rise from your beach towel, and warm currents ensure swimming is possible year-round.

8.Hirizo Beach - Shizuoka
The sea is also known for its high transparency in Minamiizu, Honshu! The water of Hirizo Beach on Daikon Island, which can be seen from the Irozaki Tour Boat, is clear all year round, and the transparency is outstanding enough to be seen up to 7m below the seafloor. Pleasure boats pass through such seas and just below the island. You can't miss the cliffs and cliffs that are approaching in this area due to the unique terrain. You can also go to the island and play on the rocky shore by a summer-only ferry. Go to Izu during the summer vacation!

9.Kume-Jima Island Okinawa
The beaches in Okinawa are beautiful anywhere you go. The emerald green waters shine in the bright sunlight and the clarity cannot be compared to anything you’d find on most of the beaches on the Japanese mainland. However, there are beaches that can be described as more amazing than normal. This beach is actually an uninhabited island made out of just white sand. The whole island is pure sand. It lies 5 km off of Kumejima Island. And Kumejima Island is a 30-minute plane ride from Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa. There are half-day and full-day tours that take you there by boat. It’s an amazing place to take pictures and enjoy marine sports.

10.Hateruma-Jima Island - Okinawa
This beach is unbelievably beautiful. It looks like something that you’d see maybe on an island in Fiji, not something you’d be able to see in Japan. It’s a beach on the southernmost island of Japan, Hateruma Island. It’s difficult but not impossible to walk there from the accommodations on the island, but usually, people rent a bicycle to get around. If you want to see a breathtaking scene, visit this beach on a sunny day. You need to take the ferry for 1 hour to get to Hateruma island, and the waves tend to get rough so beware if you get seasick.

11.Miyako-Jima - Okinawa
This beach is said to be the most beautiful in East Asia. It is located on Miyakojima island. The annual Miyakojima Triathlon starts here on this beach. The 7 km long natural beach is made out of white powdery sand and the water is a “Miyako Blue”. The beautiful waters around Miyakojima island are so beautiful that they have a color of their own.

12.Furuzamami Beach - on Zamami Island
Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island is known as quite the snorkeling paradise. On the southwestern side of the island, you’ll get breathtaking sunsets from Ama beach. A short hop over to Aka Island will have you swimming with the turtles in crystal clear waters. Just remember to look out for any signs that will advise you on how to behave in order to help preserve the coral reef and marine life.

Disclaimer: The information is from the time of this article's publication, Information mentioned is subject to change.

Photo by Vladimir Haltakov on Unsplash