[ad_1]
Japan, despite being a rustic of islands, isn’t identified for its seashores. In some sense, that is utterly truthful: Many Japanese seashores, particularly close to main cities like Tokyo, are nothing to put in writing dwelling about.
Alternatively, sure seashores in Japan are among the many finest in Asia, if not the world. I’m considering particularly concerning the ones in Okinawa (which, for my cash, isn’t solely the “Hawaii of Japan”—it’s higher than Hawaii. Although that’s a subject for an additional submit).
Certainly, I’ve executed my finest to curate an inventory of the most effective seashores in Japan that samples from all around the nation. This manner, regardless of the place you’re touring, you’re not too removed from solar and Japanese surf.
The Reality About (Most) Japanese Seashores
Whereas the most effective Japanese seashores are an exception to this rule, the unhappy actuality is that Japan is unfortunate. Regardless of being an island nation and having one of many longest total coastlines on this planet, most seashores within the nation are common and even forgettable. It jogs my memory slightly little bit of Taiwan, though in Japan’s case I’d say it’s a fair sadder method for the chips to fall.
The opposite subject is that even the place Japan’s seashores are lovely, they’re typically not swimmable. In some circumstances, this is because of intrinsic components a couple of given seaside, such because the hazardousness of the tides or the temperature of the water. In others, it’s attributable to laws. Authorities that oversee some seashores in Okinawa, together with one I’ll be spotlighting, prohibit swimming with a purpose to defend their coral reefs.
My Favourite Seashores in Japan
Jodogahama, Iwate
For my cash, the objectively most lovely seaside in Japan is Jodogahama, alongside the Sanriku Coast within the Tohoku area. Regardless of its magnificence, after all, it is rather far north—it’s not swimmable for many of the yr. It additionally doesn’t even get very crowded, which implies there isn’t a lot of a beachy vibe there.
Kujuppama Seashore, Shizuoka
An underrated sizzling spot for wonderful Japan seashores is the Izu Peninsula, which extends simply south of Tokyo. Specifically, I like the seashores close to the town of Shimoda. Whereas Shirahama Seashore might be essentially the most well-known of those, I really discover Kujuppama Seashore (which is barely extra distant) to be extra objectively lovely.
Shirarahama Seashore, Wakayama
In search of an ideal seaside close to Kyoto or Osaka? Whereas it takes a while to achieve Shirahama in Wakayama prefecture, even on a quick Restricted Categorical practice, I do really feel like the fantastic thing about Shirarahama Seashore is price it. That is an particularly good place to loosen up after a visit to Koyasan or a Kumano Kodo hike.
Shimado Seashore, Yamaguchi
One other underrated spot for seashores in Japan is alongside the Sea of Japan coast, notably within the nation’s far west. There are various attractive locations in Yamaguchi prefecture, if I’m trustworthy, however Shimado Seashore is very lovely. Bonus factors in the event you additionally drive or bike onto close by Tsunoshima island.
Kabira Bay, Okinawa
Final however not least is Kabira Bay on Ishigaki island within the Okinawa archipelago. Whereas the dangerous information is which you could’t swim right here—native authorities wish to defend fragile coral reefs—you may take a glass-bottom boat experience to get a view of what lies beneath.
Honorable Mentions for Japan’s Finest Seashore
Clearly, Japan has 1000’s of seashores; the 5 I’ve spotlighted right here don’t even come near being complete. Listed here are another Japanese seashores I like:
- GI Seashore, Okinawa: I’ve forgotten why this seaside on Okinawa’s Ie Island is called as such, however regardless of: It has among the clearest waters and whitest sands wherever in Japan.
- Shin-Nase Seashore, Kanagawa: I like a seaside with a view of Mt. Fuji, and this one provides a mystical torii gate to the combination.
- Miho-no-matsubara Seashore, Shizuoka: One other Fuji-view seaside, this one throughout the water from Shin-Nase frames the mountain with twisty palm bushes.
- Futamigaura Seashore, Fukuoka: OK I’ve a factor for water with torii rising out of it—can you actually blame me, although?
- Itiogawa Seashore, Niigata: Whereas the rocks right here aren’t pure jade however moderately jadeite, their mixture impression is of a deep, inexperienced shoreline that appears timeless and chic.
Different FAQ About Japanese Seashores
What’s the prettiest seaside in Japan?
Essentially the most lovely tropical seaside in Japan might be Kabira Bay in Ishigaki, which is in Okinawa prefecture to the southwest of Japan’s essential islands. On the mainland, it’s most likely dramatic Jodogahama, on the pine-carpeted Sanriku Coast of the Tohoku area.
Are there swimmable seashores in Japan?
Japan has lots of of swimmable seashores, together with ones in Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures inside day-trip distance of Tokyo. Alternatively, Japan is known for having among the strongest tides on this planet, so I like to recommend that you simply at all times take note of native warning indicators.
Is it price going to a seaside in Japan?
Most often, I’d say seaside going is one thing that ought to wait till your second or third journey to Japan—different actions and points of interest are merely extra spectacular. Nonetheless, in case your travels occur to take you to Okinawa (Japan’s finest area), then it is best to completely hit the sand.
The Backside Line
On one hand, the most effective seashores in Japan are few and much between, when you think about the size of the nation’s shoreline. Most are forgettable; even most of the most objectively lovely usually are not swimmable. Alternatively, when you have the precise recommendation—specifically, mine—you may incorporate wonderful seashores into your Japan itinerary, regardless of which Japan locations your journey facilities. Whereas I’d suggest visiting Okinawa if in any respect you may, this isn’t completely essential. Need extra customized recommendation as you set collectively your Japan journey? Contemplate hiring me to plan it for you!
[ad_2]