9 of the very best seashores for a coastal break in Japan

Think ‘Japan’ and plenty of evocative photographs spring to thoughts. One that most likely doesn’t is a good looking seashore. Yet between the coastlines of Hokkaido island within the north and the tropical Okinawa archipelago within the south, there are a lot of engaging stretches of sand for travellers to retreat to between journeys to see Japan’s large sights.

1. Shirahama, Wakayama

This buzzy getaway south of Osaka has the texture of a correct seashore resort, with onsens, amusement grounds and nightlife — all packed into an space stretching for lower than half a mile. The white sands are lined with family-friendly accommodations serving up extras like swimming pools, karaoke rooms and formal kaiseki (multi-course) meals. Firework shows are hosted alongside the beachfront throughout the summer season months.

Where to remain: Shiraraso Grand Hotel has sea views and Japanese kaiseki banquet menus. From ¥12,802 (£63).

2. Chigasaki, Kanagawa

Escape the Tokyo crowds on the birthplace of Japanese browsing, simply 90 minutes from the capital by rail. Chigasaki is thought for its dependable waves and, on clear days, views to Mount Fuji. Travellers can lease boards right here or take a lesson at one of many surf colleges. Make a day of it by wandering alongside the coast in direction of Enoshima island, the place seashore bars litter the sands and native shrines await discovery.

Where to remain: With a terrace and a few rooms overlooking the ocean, Marsol CS Beach Hotel prices from ¥28,500 (£140).

3. Jodogahama Beach, Iwate

With its calm, sheltered waters and forested rock formations that rise from the offshore depths, it’s little marvel ‘Paradise Beach’, as ‘Jodogahama’ interprets to, is commonly cited as one of many nation’s most lovely. Here in Iwate, on the unexplored northern finish of Honshu, you’re removed from vacationer crowds and might enjoy spectacular temples like Chusonji and Motsuji with out the Kyoto-like crush.

Where to remain: Just 600 metres from the sands, The Park Hotel Jodogahama has prime water views. From ¥13,200 (£65), B&B.

4. Hoshizuna no Hama, Iriomote

It must be seen to be believed: a wild, distant Okinawan seashore the place the sand grains are formed like stars (clarification: they’re the exoskeletons of microscopic organisms). Hoshizuna no Hama is only one of the various wonders on UNESCO-listed Iriomote island in Japan’s deep south, which additionally embrace indigenous wildcats, waterfalls and mangrove forests.

Where to remain: Luana Mele Iriomote provides a pool and in-house therapeutic massage. From ¥10,800 (£53).

5. Shirahama Beach, Izu

Translating merely as ‘White Beach’, Shirahama is a broad swathe of pale sand, backdropped by mountains and punctuated with a rocky mass topped by a purple torii gate. It’s well-liked with holidaying Tokyoite households, significantly given Mount Fuji, the Atami Onsen resort and the Yamanashi wine area are all inside placing distance.

Where to remain: For a correct on-the-sands seashore resort, attempt Shimoda Prince Hotel. From ¥24,111 (£119), together with breakfast and dinner.

6. Kami Kamagari, Hiroshima

Fringing the Seto Inland Sea, this pretty island south east of Hiroshima has a buzzy really feel, providing native sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, stargazing in an observatory and a well-liked sports activities floor with tennis on faucet – all at its principal seashore on the island’s south finish.

Where to remain: Beachside cottages in Kami Kamagari can be found by Vacation Cottage, from ¥17,000 (£85).

7. Megijima Beach, Kagawa

Just a 20-minute ferry experience from town of Takamatsu on Shikoku island, little Megijima island is barely one sq. mile and famed in folklore; it’s mentioned to be the house of ogres. But don’t let that put you off, otherwise you’ll miss this golden, Grecian-like shore of frothy azure. When the Setouchi Triennale pageant is on (subsequent in 2028), the mountainous isle is flooded with artwork items, and additional guests.

Where to remain: With its personal small cafe serving Japanese curry and pizza, relaxed Megijima Island Guesthouse has doubles from ¥14,000 (£70).

8. Shimamui Coast, Hokkaido

It’s much less the sands and extra the colourful cobalt blue of the water that pulls guests to this scenic spot at Hokkaido’s Cape Shakotan, a two-hour drive north west of the island capital Sapporo. Framed by cliffs carpeted in mountain climbing routes, the realm feels wild and untouched, an ideal foil to city explorations within the prefecture capital.

Wright here to remain: Although the rooms are fundamental, at Sirara Hime-no-Yu, you get on-site sizzling springs and unbridled coastal views. From ¥7,800 (£38).

9. Ohama Seaside Park, Amami Oshima

West-facing Ohama on the UNESCO-listed island of Amami Oshima – which sits just a bit above subtropical Okinawa – is understandably well-liked come sundown hour: blazes of cocktail-hued color fill the sky over the crushed coral seashore. At different occasions you possibly can discover the island’s mangrove forest and frolic in island waterfalls, or else look ahead to the turtles who lay eggs on the seashore throughout the summer season months.

Where to remain: Denpaku The Beachfront Mijora is a sequence of minimalist, modernist and intentionally low-tech villas on the island’s northwest coast, from ¥41,000 (£200).