Sandy beaches? Clear blue water? All within a couple of hours from Tokyo? We have the right places for you! Discover the five best beaches near Tokyo for a day trip, so you can feel like you are traveling to far tropical lands without the hassle of hours on a plane!
7 Beaches near Tokyo to Visit This Summer
Sotoura Beach (Izu)
Sotoura Beach, located in Shimoda, Izu Peninsula, is widely known for its beautiful white sandy beach, comparable to that of the more famous Shirahama beach, also in Shimoda, but without being so crowded. Although Sotoura Beach is relatively small, it is popular especially among families because of its shallow water. Since it is located in an inlet of Sotoura Bay, the waves are very calm and children can play safely without parents having to worry too much.
Simply sunbathe and enjoy the sandy beach, or–if you are the more adventurous type–try fishing, kayaking offshore, or one of the other marine sports available at Sotoura beach.
There is a small island called Fudejima located just in front of Sotoura, and the view from this island is unique and beautiful.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Image credit: Photo-AC
Irita Beach (Shizuoka)
Irita Beach, located in Minami-Izu, is one of the most loved beaches on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Irita-hama is surrounded by sycamore trees, giving the beach an almost tropical atmosphere. The tropical vibe, the luxuriant vegetation, clear sea, and sandy white beach attract many visitors all around summers, from surfers to couples and families.
Beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and body boards are available for rent.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Araihama beach (Miura)
The 150-meter-long sandy, white beach and clear blue ocean make Araihama Beach, on the eastern side of Miura Peninsula, an ideal one-day trip from Shinagawa.
The beach is easily accessible from Tokyo: get on the Keikyu line from Shinagawa all the way to Misakiguchi and then a 15-minute bus ride will take you–and a lively crowd–to Aburatsubo bay.
When the sky is clear, from Araihama Beach you can see Mt. Fuji. Several beach houses offer barbeque and sports equipment, and free services such as toilets and showers.
Araihama beach gets very popular during summer because of the convenient transportation–try the smaller Yokobori beach close by for a less crowded space and enjoy a beer at the cute little beach hut.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Image credit: Canva
Wadaura Beach (Chiba)
Wadaura Beach is located between Tateyama and Kamogawa on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Buses run from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku to Tateyama Station, and from there, it is another 30 minutes or less by train. Although long, the bus ride is convenient and makes the trip easy, reason why this destination is recommended for a day trip as well.
The sandy beach with a rocky shore is well-maintained and was selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan. The beach is also known for sea turtles and whales–in summer, sea turtles come to lay eggs at Wadaura, and since in this area whaling is still practiced, you can also participate in the dismantling of whales, which is open to the public.
Since bodyboarding, surfing, and barbequing are not allowed on the beach, this is definitely a destination for the less sporty and for those who want to just relax or go for a walk on the beach.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Ishihama Beach (Ibaraki)
Ishihama Beach is in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and faces the Pacific Ocean.
The contrast between the white sandy beach and the pine forest is one of the reasons why this beach has been selected as one of the “100 Best White Sand and Green Pine” and of the “100 Best Beaches” in Japan. The area is well known as a spawning ground for loggerhead turtles, and these can be seen swimming when snorkeling.
The beach also offers free facilities such as showers and toilets, making it not only beautiful but also very convenient to use.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Image credit: Photo-AC
Hirizo Beach (Izu)
This unexplored beach is located on the southernmost tip of Izu peninsula. Since September 2012, it has been part of the Izu Peninsula Geopark because of the variety of unspoiled wildlife and clear water.
What helps maintain such a unique environment untouched and relatively uncontaminated is the fact that the beach is only accessible by boat between June and September. In addition, the presence of the Kuroshio current makes the water clear and transparent, and the boats look almost as if they are floating over the water.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Sarushima Island
Sarushima is the only natural island and the largest uninhabited one in Tokyo bay. The island was once a “fortress island” with gun batteries and ammunition deposits that were key to protecting Tokyo Bay.
Today, visitors can freely walk around the island and enjoy the unique scenery which combines its historical legacy with pristine nature, just half an hour boat ride from Yokosuka, Kanagawa.
Sarushima’s main beach is quite small, but it has a great view of Tokyo Bay, and you can swim, snorkel and finish the day off by renting some barbeque utensils to have the perfect barbeque on the seashore.
Find the location here on Google Maps.
Your One-Day Escape to a Beach Near Tokyo
Do you want to escape the boredom of city life even for just a day? Don’t forget your sunscreen and head over to one of the five best beaches near Tokyo for some sun and fun!
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Summer in Japan Series 5: 10 Interesting Water Parks in Japan
Featured image credit: Canva
