Has it already been 6 months into 2021? The all-time favorite Spring season has ended, and Japan now welcomes the hot Summer season. The heat can be extreme and unbearable, and though it may not be the most popular season to visit, there are still ways to remain cool and make the most out of this hot period. Think about the endless blue sea and the white sand beach that glitters in the sunlight. Surrounded by abundant nature, there are many beautiful, tranquil, and photogenic beaches in Japan. Some also offer water activities such as diving and snorkeling, making good tips and ways on how you can enjoy this tropical underrated season. In this read, we introduced some of the best beaches in Japan (from central to south of Japan) recommended by local Japanese - perfect for water activities, resort mood, or just a summer holiday destination!

• Nishihama Beach, Hateruma Island, Okinawa

When we think about Summer in Japan, the first place that would come into our minds is Okinawa - one of the world’s most famous resort spots and islands! Okinawa Prefecture can be divided into three major island groups, Okinawa Island, Miyako Island, and Yaeyama Island.

Housing many stunning beaches, it may be tough to decide which to visit if you only have a few days to spare! Topping our list, we highly recommend you to visit Nishihama Beach, Hateruma Island, Okinawa.

This beach is ranked the top beach in Japan by locals and it is popular for its beautiful turquoise waters & coral reef. At Nishihama Beach, there are only clear blue seas and a white sandy beach that stretches for more than 1km.

• Furuzamami Beach, Zamami Island, Okinawa

Furuzamami Beach is located in the southern part of Zamami Island, a remote island for those who want to skip beach crowds. Most tourists enjoy a day trip to Furuzamami Beach since it is easily accessible from the main Okinawa island. Furuzamami Beach offers everything from swimming to diving and snorkeling. This beach is also awarded 2 stars by Michelin Green Guide Japan!

• Hate No Hama, Okinawa

This is a tiny, uninhabited, and remote sand spit with a white sand beach that stretches long and narrow. Hate No Hama offers a true island and out-of-the-world experience where you will only see panoramic and picturesque blue seas. A holiday to Okinawa can’t get any better if you allocate a day trip here! At Hate No Hama, you can do many water activities including swimming, snorkeling, and standup paddleboarding.

• Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima Island, Okinawa

Miyako Island, located south of Okinawa Main Island, is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great dating and family spot during all seasons. Sunayama Beach is a highly recommended beach by many natives! This pleasant and less populated white sand beach is immediately identifiable by the rock arch at the southern end of the beach. Sunayama is a great place to unwind and I generally recommend visiting during the late afternoon and spend your evening there catching the beautiful breathtaking sunset.

• Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture

Lake Biwa, also known as Biwako, is Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Reading off its name, Biwako may not be a beach, but the lake has a large shoreline of 235 kilometers and holds many sandy beaches, which makes it an ideal place for swimming and other beach activities. Many locals in Kyoto and tourists flock to Lake Biwa during the summer season because of how close and convenient it is from central Kyoto. Most beaches in Kyoto are pretty inaccessible from central Kyoto and takes a long journey to get there. This is part of the reason why Lake Biwa is extremely popular during the summer season.

• Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Kamakura is a famous coastal town for its accessible beach locations which are just less than 1 hour from central Tokyo. Many locals flock to the beaches in Kamakura during the summer weekends. One of the popular beaches in Kamakura is the Yuigahama beach. Here you can do many water activities such as surfing, flyboarding, and wakeboarding. Many facilities are top-notch and catered to beginners as well. Hence do also expect a large crowd if you visit during the tropical season!

• Yurigahama Beach, Kagoshima Prefecture

Don’t mistake this as the Yuigahama beach in Kamakura mentioned earlier, Yurigahama Beach in Kagoshima Prefecture is completely different and is located south of Japan, in Kyushu island! We all know Kyushu as a place with natural onsens and beautiful cherry blossoms, but little do you know that the island also contains one of the best beaches on earth. 

Yurigahama beach only appears for a limited period from spring to autumn during the low tide and will disappear and sinks during the high tide. Surrounded by white star-shaped sand and emerald-colored sea, its appeal is maximized when the clear water is exposed to the sun. Yurigahama Beach tops my bucket list and it is a place where you will experience the wonders of nature, and where one’s soul will be rejuvenated. 

• Shirarahama Beach, Wakayama prefecture

Ask any Japanese about their favorite beach and most of them would mention Shirarahama Beach in Wakayama prefecture. This beach is extremely popular for it is known as the sister beach to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. And if you are unaware, Hawaii is most Japanese’s favorite island and their top summer holiday destination. The Shirarahama region is also been known for centuries as one of Japan's most famous hot springs destinations, hence making a trip to Shirarahama Beach more worthwhile!

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