©Ogasawara Village Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
White sand, crystal clear ocean, and palm trees swaying in the breeze – it’s the quintessential vacation image stuck in the minds of the work weary waiting to trade in their office chair for a beach towel. While there are those destinations synonymous with ‘beach getaway’, the ever-growing popularity of international travel have inspired today’s travelers to look off the beaten path for the as yet uncrowded hidden gems. With over 6,000 islands in total, it’s no wonder that Japan has plenty of ‘hidden’ beach paradise to spare. From the tropical islands of Okinawa, to the relatively unknown oasis of Tokyo – yes, you read that correctly – take a look at these must-visit destinations for finding your beach bliss in Japan.
Kondoi Beach, Taketomi Island, Okinawa
Kondoi Beach is one of those truly special beach finds that you secretly hope stays hidden forever. Located on the tiny island of Taketomi and accessible by a quick 15-minute ferry ride from neighboring Ishigaki Island, this is a perfectly clandestine beach paradise without being overly difficult to reach (Ishigaki Island is only a direct flight away from either Tokyo or Osaka). The impressively far-out coral breakwater makes for hundreds of yards of calm foot deep water in which to lie and soak up the Okinawan sun. The village itself is not to be missed either and although cars are almost entirely non-existent, you can bicycle, walk, or tour the two square mile island by water buffalo cart – the last of which being highly recommended.
For more information: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/566/.
Yurigahama Beach, Yoron Island, Kagoshima
©JNTO
©Kagoshima Prefectural Tourist Federation/©JNTO
Yurigahama Beach on the Okaneku Coastline of Yoron Island in Kagoshima is known as the Phantom Island as it is only visible during low tide. The beautiful Okaneku swim beach is joined daily by the vanishing Yurigahama Beach which pops up in different locations at different times of day but is a beloved local sunbathing spot to swim out to on sunny days. But don’t fret, low tide timetables and locals’ knowledge can be used to determine when and where to find Yurigahama. Yoron Island is accessible by plane from Kagoshima (~90 minutes) or from Okinawa’s Naha Airport (~40 minutes). Don’t miss the island’s traditional folk village or the chance to play a local drinking game called Yoron Kempo which is used to welcome visitors to the island.
For more information: http://www.yorontou.info/en/#about.
Tsutsukihama Beach, Iki Island, Nagasaki
The serene Iki Island off the coast of Nagasaki offers breathtaking beaches as well as a number of other inviting activities such as hiking, sea kayaking, beach yoga, and relaxing in the island’s natural hot springs. The island itself is easily accessible by either a short 30-minute flight from Nagasaki Airport or a roughly 70-minnute high speed ferry ride from Hakata port in Fukuoka. Be sure to enjoy plenty of fresh local seafood and the island’s signature Shochu alcohol.
For more information: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/352/.
Miyanohama Beach, Chichijima Island, Tokyo
Tokyo is certainly not the first place one would think to look for the ultimate beach destination but it is home to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Ogasawara Islands known for its gorgeous beaches and rare flora and fauna. The main island of Chichijima sports some beautiful swimming beaches such as Miyanohama as well as fun marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sea kayaking. Nearby, the uninhabited Minamijima is the Galapagos of Japan and a breeding ground for sea turtles. The island is painstakingly protected by the locals and only 100 people are allowed to visit per day – after of course sterilizing their shoes so as not to disrupt the delicate ecosystem. The only way to access the islands is by overnight ferry from Tokyo aboard the Ogasawara-Maru Ferry but the views that will greet you are well worth the trip.
For more information: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/izu-and-ogasawara-islands/chichijima-island/.
