Discover 5 of Japan’s most beautiful beaches

Yurigihama Beach, Yoron Island.
Yurigihama Beach, Yoron Island.
Azure oceans, colourful corals and powdery white sands - Japan is an undercover beach lover's paradise.

When you plan a trip to Japan, you might not think of sunning yourself on the sand or swimming in clear blue waters.

But Japan is home to many stunning coastal areas. Here are some of the highlights of Japan’s beach destinations.

Yurigihama Beach, Yoron Island

Plan your trip to this one carefully – it only appears during low tide from April to October. Yurigihama Beach is formed by a curved sandbar located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the shore of Yoron Island.

Accessible by boat, Yurigihama Beach is perfect for a day trip. You’ll be amazed by the coral reef and vibrant colour of the water from which the beach emerges.

Yonaha Maehama Beach, Miyako Island 

Yonaha Maehama Beach is 7km of paradise. Its powdery white sands, turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets make for spectacular sight-seeing.

But it’s also the ideal destination for water activities – its calm shallow waters provide perfect conditions to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak and swim.

Nishihama Beach, Hateruma Island

On Hateruma Island, part of Okinawa’s Yaeyama chain of islands, is one of Japan’s most picturesque beaches. Boasting sweeping views of surrounding natural landscape, this is a great spot to visit if you’re a photography enthusiast.

Star-gazers should also head here. The beach’s lack of light pollution makes it one of Japan’s best spots to see the Southern Cross constellation after dark.

Aharen Beach, Tokashiki Island

Take a one-hour boat ride from Okinawa’s main city of Naha and you’ll find Aharen Beach, on the west coast of Tokashiki Island. Here you’ll discover a tropical island paradise, with a horseshoe-shaped white sandy bay is backed by rolling hills blanketed with lush tropical greenery.

With waters teeming with bright corals and tropical marine life, Aharen Beach is a top destination for snorkelling and diving.

Yonehara Beach, Ishigaki Island

Water-based activities are also a plenty at Yonehara Beach. With scores of tropical fish, turtles and colourful corals, this is the ideal destination for snorkelling and diving.

Meanwhile, the white sand beach flanked by elegant palm trees offers a perfect sanctuary for relaxation between activities.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login