Best beaches near Tokyo

Do you know what are the best beaches near Tokyo? Tokyo is close to scenic beaches which cater to young and adults equally. During summer season these beaches would be bustling with people enjoying the scenic views, water sports and beach parties.

Not into reading? Watch this video on my channel wanderthirst.

Tokyo has beautiful beaches within an hour or hour and half of travel. These beaches allow for swimming, sunbathing and many are also good for water sports like surfing and windsurfing kayaking etc. During summer season (July and August) most beaches are equipped with public toilets, showers and changing rooms, beach huts with delicious food, drinks and rental shops which provide all the gear you need. In some beaches these amenities are free and in some they come at some cost. Also lifeguards are present during the summer season. 

Even though there are couple of beaches within few minutes from Tokyo, those are not suitable for swimming due to its water quality and volcanic black sand. Will list those at the end below.

Top of the list is the most beautiful white sand beach in Shizuoka.

1. Shirahama Beach, Shizuoka prefecture

It is about 90mins from Tokyo, relatively farthest, but it's worth the travel.

Shizuoka prefecture(Izu penensula) is a home to a number of beautiful beaches. Most of them can be found in the east area. Shirahama beach is recognized as one of the most popular beaches especially among young people and surfers. It boasts a white sandy beach.

Shirahama means white sand, and the beach is aptly named. This is easily the most beautiful beach within a day’s travel. Sunset here is a feast to the eyes.

 

Izu has many such beautiful beaches and lot of places to see. This itself would take couple of days to cover most of the attractions. Would cover those activities in a separate video.

How to reach: 

Most convenient way to travel to Shizuoka is to 

Take the JR special express called “Odoriko” which directly takes you to Izukyu Shimoda station. Take the bus leaving from bus stop 9 and it is about a 10 to 15-minute ride.

Next on the list is 

2. Zushi beach, Kanagawa prefecture

Zushi is the most popular beach just under an hour away from Tokyo, which makes it perfect for a day trip. During the peak summer season, this beach can get very crowded though!

The waves here are subtle and the sea is usually calm but it gets a lot of breeze. Due to this,

especially during weekends, you would see lot of people enjoying water sports like wind surfing and kayaking.

It is the most lively beach with lot of beach parties happening frequently.

Though, This beach has strict rules regarding Tattoos, alcohol from outside, and loud music sound systems are all banned. But don't worry, It has lot of beach huts which serve tasty food, drinks and lively music.

How to reach: 

15 minutes from the east exit of Zushi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line or the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line

Next one is my favorite, and kind of hidden gem.

3. Isshiki beach, Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture

Just 15-minute bus ride away from busy Zushi lies this pretty Isshiki beach. It was once voted by CNN as one of the world’s best beaches. It is a calm, scenic beach with crystal-clear waters. If you want to relax and soak in nature this is the one for you.

Adding to the beauty, one side of this beach is rocky and lawn area making it a picture perfect location. INTA kind of location.

It also has lot of beach huts and can get fairly lively in the evening during the swimming season. Hayama is a home to Imperial Villas as well as home to Japan’s rich and famous. This beach is located right next to Imperial villa.

How to reach: 

From Zushi, Take bus #12 at bus stop “3” bound for “Hayama and get off at Isshiki kaigan

4. Yuigahama beach, Kamakura 

Probably this is the nearest beach from Tokyo and is one of the most popular beaches in Kanagawa prefecture. It is also popular among surfers.

This beach is shallow, and the waves are relatively calm during the swimming season, so children can also enjoy swimming safely.

How to reach: 

20 min walk from Kamakura Station or 5 min walk from Yuigahama Station

5. Onjuku Beach, Chiba prefecture

It has everything you need to escape from city life - breath taking views, tasty local food and water sports. Considered one of the best surfing beaches on the Chiba coast. 

This beach is located 10-minute walk from Onjuku station.

How to reach: 

- Wakashio limited express from Keiyo Line platform of Tokyo Station. But it is costly option as extra limited express faair has to be paid.

- Keiyo Line of Tokyo Station to Chiba Station and then switch to the Sotobō Line for Onjuku.

As I said in the beginning, beaches within Tokyo which are good for a leisure walk but not so suitable for swimming are: 

Kasai Rinkai park beach

If u wanna take a stroll and enjoy the cool breeze by the sea this beach is recommended. Also sunsets here are very pleasant and colorful. Rinkai park has lot of other attractions like Tokyo Sealife park and Ferry wheel etc.

Odaiba beach

If u simply want to have fun with kids and enjoy time by the beach, you can visit this beach. Odaiba which is a man made island has lot of other attractions though, which makes it a perfect day trip from Tokyo.