12 Award-Winning Japanese Beaches That Deserve a Spot on Your Travel Itinerary

Table of Contents

• 12 Locations Awarded Special Selection Status on Japan's 100 Best Beaches List
• 1. Jodogahama Beach, Miyako, Iwate Prefecture
• 2. Oda-no-Hama Beach, Kesennuma Oshima Island, Miyagi Prefecture
• 3. Makino Sunny Beach, Takashima, Shiga Prefecture
• 4. Keino Matsubara Beach, Minamiawaji, Hyogo Prefecture
• 5. Nachi Beach, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture
• 6. Kataonami Beach, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
• 7. Ozuna Beach, Kaiyo, Tokushima Prefecture
• 8. Tomari Beach, Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture
• 9. Shimoaso Beach, Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture
• 10. Manza Beach, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
• 11. Rizanshi Park Beach, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
• 12. Renaissance Beach, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
• Choosing the Right Beach for You
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Here's what we'll cover in this article:

• All 12 beaches featured in this guide were selected as "Special Selection" beaches within Japan's Ministry of the Environment "Best Beach 100" programme.
• The official selection criteria emphasise water quality, cleanliness, safety, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and overall visitor experience.
• Families will find a variety of child-friendly options, including calm swimming areas, lifeguards during the summer, and convenient facilities.
• Several beaches combine naturally with nearby attractions, including hot springs, pilgrimage sites, coastal hiking routes, island cycling, and marine activities.
• Most beaches operate their full facilities during the official summer swimming season, typically from July to August.

12 Locations Awarded Special Selection Status on Japan's 100 Best Beaches List

This guide brings together all 12 beaches awarded the highest Special Selection (特選) distinction in the Ministry of the Environment's prestigious Best Beach 100 programme (快水浴場百選), recognising destinations that excel in scenery, water quality, safety, accessibility, and environmental conservation.

Whether you're planning a family holiday, a scenic road trip, or simply looking to experience a different side of Japan, these award-winning beaches combine outstanding natural beauty with practical facilities and unforgettable coastal experiences. Along the way, you'll also find local insights, seasonal tips, and insider advice to help you choose the beach that's right for you and make the most of your visit.

1. Jodogahama Beach, Miyako, Iwate Prefecture

Located within Sanriku Fukko National Park, Jodogahama Beach is famous for its striking white rhyolite rock formations, which create one of Japan's most distinctive coastal landscapes. Easily reached by bus from Miyako Station in around 20 minutes, the beach offers summer facilities including showers, changing rooms, toilets, and lifeguard supervision. However, Jodogahama is best approached as a scenic coastal destination rather than a traditional beach resort.

One common misconception is that summer conditions resemble those of southern Japan. In reality, northern waters here remain noticeably cooler, even in August, so we recommend bringing along extra covering, such as rash guards or light wetsuits.

Travellers seeking a beachside respite may find a few hours sufficient, but those exploring the Sanriku Coast will discover that Jodogahama's real appeal lies in its dramatic scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Location details:

Japanese name: 浄土ヶ浜海水浴場

Address: Jodogahama Beach, Hitachihamacho, Iwate 027-0001

Jodogahama Beach on Google Maps

2. Oda-no-Hama Beach, Kesennuma Oshima Island, Miyagi Prefecture

Located on Kesennuma Oshima Island, the largest inhabited island in Tohoku, Oda-no-Hama Beach became significantly more accessible following the opening of the Kesennuma Oshima Bridge in 2019.

Its sheltered crescent-shaped bay provides calm swimming conditions, making it particularly popular with families, while summer facilities include showers, toilets, changing rooms, and seasonal lifeguard supervision.

What sets Oda-no-Hama apart is how uncrowded it remains compared with many better-known beaches, even during peak season. The biggest mistake visitors make is treating Oshima as simply a beach destination, as the entire island rewards slow, outdoor travel, combining a few hours at the beach with cycling, coastal walks, or a seafood lunch instead of arriving to swim and leaving directly afterwards.

Like many of the locations listed, arriving before lunch means easier parking and a noticeably quieter beach. We also recommend bringing along fishing equipment for those who enjoy fishing, as there are multiple nearby locations that offer prime fishing conditions, including Nagasaki Fishing Port and neighbouring Rikuzen Nagasaki Breakwater.

Location details:

Japanese name: 小田の浜海水浴場

Address: Nakayama, Kesennuma, Miyagi 988-0621

Oda-no-Hama Beach on Google Maps

3. Makino Sunny Beach, Takashima, Shiga Prefecture

Enjoying a beachy getaway in landlocked Shiga Prefecture may sound far-fetched, but Makino Sunny Beach offers one of Japan's most distinctive family-friendly waterfront experiences.

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, the beach is known for its clean freshwater swimming areas, spacious lawns, and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Unlike ocean beaches, there are no tides, jellyfish, or strong currents to worry about, making it especially appealing for families with young children.

Summer facilities include changing rooms, showers, camping areas, barbecue facilities, and seasonal beach services, while convenient rail connections from Kyoto and Osaka make it an easy day trip from Kansai, with Makino Station located within walking distance of portions of the beach (while drivers will benefit from the area's spacious parking facilities).

Given that Makino Sunny Beach is not a coastline beach, this destination is best approached as a lakeside recreation destination rather than a tropical beach substitute, and outdoor enthusiasts will likely find it far more rewarding than dedicated beach-seekers.

Location details:

Japanese name: マキノサニービーチ

Address: Makino Sunny Beach Takashima, Shiga 520-1814

Makino Sunny Beach on Google Maps

4. Keino Matsubara Beach, Minamiawaji, Hyogo Prefecture

Stretching 2.5 kilometres along Awaji Island's western coast, Keino Matsubara Beach combines a broad sandy shoreline with the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea and one of Japan's best-known coastal pine groves.

Easily reached via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe, it's an easy addition to any Awaji Island itinerary. While many visitors view Keino Matsubara as simply another swimming beach, its real appeal lies in the way its landscape changes throughout the day. Because the beach faces west, locals often arrive in the late afternoon rather than the morning, lingering until sunset when the low sun lights up both the sea and the pine forest.

The sheltered waters of the Seto Inland Sea also mean the coastline is usually calmer than Japan's Pacific beaches, creating conditions that suit families, casual swimmers, and anyone looking to relax rather than chase waves.

Location details:

Japanese name: 慶野松原海水浴場

Address: Matsuhokeino, Minamiawaji, Hyogo 656-0304

Keino Matsubara Beach on Google Maps

5. Nachi Beach, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture

Known locally as Blue Beach Nachi, Nachi Beach offers one of Japan's most quintessential combinations of seaside recreation and cultural sightseeing.

Located beside JR Nachi Station, just one stop from Kii-Katsuura, it is one of the Kii Peninsula's few beaches that can be reached conveniently by train, making it especially appealing for travellers exploring Wakayama without a car.

What makes Nachi Beach stand out most, however, is not necessarily the beach itself but its prime location along Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of sacred pilgrimage trails that line the Kii Peninsula. This destination presents a two-bird-with-one-stone appeal, as travellers can spend the morning visiting iconic sites, including Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls, before cooling off by the sea in the afternoon.

This combination works far better than treating the beach as a standalone destination, as visitors can experience both mountain and ocean scenery within the same day and without any detours.

Location details:

Japanese name: 那智海水浴場

Address: Hamanomiya, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro, Wakayama 649-5314

Nachi Beach on Google Maps

6. Kataonami Beach, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

Kataonami Beach is one of the most well-known urban beaches in the Kansai region, yet it remains surprisingly underrepresented in many international travel itineraries. Located just south of central Wakayama City, the beach stretches along a sweeping arc of sand bordered by the calm waters of Wakaura Bay.

Access is a straightforward 30-to-40-minute bus ride from JR Wakayama Station to Furobashi (不老橋) bus stop and a 10-minute walk to the shoreline. Drivers can also reach the beach within 20 minutes of the city centre.

This destination's greatest strength is convenience, as travellers staying in Osaka or in and around Kansai International Airport can reach Kataonami Beach far more easily than many of the region's better-known resort beaches.

However, it should be approached as a classic Japanese seaside destination rather than an Okinawan-style beach escape. Its appeal lies in its atmosphere, accessibility, and local character.

Visitors, particularly those with young children, seeking a relaxing summer day trip will appreciate the beach's broad shoreline and generally gentle swimming conditions. Sunset is also often the most rewarding time to visit, with sweeping views extending across Wakaura Bay and the surrounding rolling coastal hills.

Location details:

Japanese name: 片男波海水浴場

Address: 3-1740 Wakauraminami, Wakayama, 641-0022

Kataonami Beach on Google Maps

7. Ozuna Beach, Kaiyo, Tokushima Prefecture

Hidden along the rugged southeastern coastline of Tokushima Prefecture, Ozuna Beach feels refreshingly untouched compared with many of Japan's more developed summer destinations.

This beach forms part of the scenic Yasaka-Yahama coastline, an area celebrated for its dramatic natural beauty, and is best accessed by car, taking approximately two hours from Tokushima City via National Route 55, or by train and local transport from nearby Sabase Station.

One feature that distinguishes Ozuna Beach from many other Japanese beaches is its emphasis on preserving the natural environment. Activities such as jet skiing, surfing, fireworks, and barbecues are restricted during the swimming season, helping maintain the area's peaceful atmosphere and water quality.

The Ozuna Beach area also rewards travellers who stay overnight rather than visiting as a quick stop, as the surrounding coastline offers excellent scenery, small local guesthouses, and a much slower pace than many better-known beach destinations.

Location details:

Japanese name: 大砂海水浴場

Address: Ozuna Asakawa, Kaiyō, Kaifu District, Tokushima 775-0101

Ozuna Beach on Google Maps

8. Tomari Beach, Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture

Located on Honjima, one of the islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, Tomari Beach offers the kind of coastal experience that many international visitors don't realise exists in Japan.

Reaching the beach requires a ferry journey from Marugame Port, which immediately filters out large crowds and helps preserve the island's relaxed atmosphere. The beach itself is known for its calm shore and sheltered waters, making it particularly suitable for young families. It also has a scenic view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which connects Shikoku with Honshu over the inland sea.

Facilities are relatively simple compared with mainland resort beaches, but visitors can typically find toilets, seasonal services, and basic amenities during the swimming season. The island's real appeal extends beyond its picturesque beachscapes. Honjima played an important role during the Edo period as a maritime centre, and traces of this history can still be explored throughout the island's traditional streets and port areas.

Before setting out, be sure to carefully check ferry timetables, as transport services operate on a semi-frequent basis throughout the day. Arriving on the first ferry of the day provides the best opportunity to enjoy the beach before day visitors arrive, allowing plenty of time to explore the island by bicycle.

Location details:

Japanese name: 泊海水浴場

Address: Honjimacho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0223

Tomari Beach on Google Maps

9. Shimoaso Beach, Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture

Shimoaso Beach is one of Kyushu's most underrated coastal destinations and consistently earns praise from domestic travellers for its exceptional scenery and water quality.

Located within the Nippo Coast Quasi-National Park, approximately 30 minutes from central Nobeoka, the beach combines clear water, white sand, and a picturesque backdrop of small islands scattered across the bay.

Locals sometimes refer to the area as "Hyuga Matsushima" because the landscape is considered comparable in beauty to the famous islands of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture. The beach has repeatedly received national recognition for its stunning natural landscapes. Yet despite this, this beach feels far less crowded compared with better-known destinations in southern Kyushu.

Compared to many of the other locations listed, travellers relying exclusively on public transportation may find access more challenging. We recommend combining your visit with exploring the surrounding coastline via scenic drives and viewpoints, as this area is particularly well-suited to road-trippers thanks to its many coastal roads.

Visiting during the early morning and late afternoon when the islands scattered offshore create layered silhouettes across the water is particularly beautiful, and is why this location is regarded as one of Kyushu's hidden gems.

Location details:

Japanese name: 下阿蘇ビーチ

Address: 3337-1 Kitauramachi Furue, Nobeoka, Miyazaki 889-0301

Shimoaso Beach on Google Maps

10. Manza Beach, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture

Located within the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort in Onna Village, Manza Beach is one of Okinawa's most iconic resort beaches and one that consistently lives up to the postcard image many international visitors have before arriving in Japan.

The beach sits on a protected stretch of coastline overlooking the East China Sea, with soft white sand, crystalline water, and views of the nearby dramatic limestone cliffs of Cape Manzamo.

Access is straightforward from Naha Airport, with the drive typically taking around one hour via the Okinawa Expressway, while airport limousine buses also connect the resort area with many major hotels and nearby accommodation.

As a resort-managed beach, facilities are extensive and include changing rooms, showers, equipment rental, monitored swimming zones, pools, restaurants, and a wide range of marine activities, including snorkelling and paddle boarding; the best period to swim here is typically late May to October, during which visitors can enjoy warmer waters and on-site rental gear.

Many travellers assume Manza Beach functions like a public beach when it actually operates more like a resort amenity. Day visitors are generally welcome, but the experience is noticeably more convenient for hotel guests. Manza Beach excels for visitors looking for easily accessible facilities and integrated activities for all ages, which is what elevates it from just a beautiful beach to an enduringly popular family destination.

Location details:

Japanese name: 万座ビーチ

Address: 2260 Serakaki, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0404

Manza Beach on Google Maps

11. Rizanshi Park Beach, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture

Stretching along the shoreline directly in front of the Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel Tancha Bay, Rizanshi Park Beach offers one of the longest resort-managed beachfronts in central Okinawa. Located in the heart of Onna Village's resort corridor, it combines the convenience of a major hotel complex with the natural beauty of Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, a designated protected coastline spanning just over 103 square kilometres.

Access is relatively easy from Naha Airport, taking approximately one hour by car or airport limousine bus. What many first-time visitors might not realise is that Rizanshi Park Beach is often one of the best-value resort beach experiences in Okinawa.

Travellers looking for exclusivity or a boutique resort feel may find the scale of the hotel somewhat busy during peak summer periods. This beach is best suited to families, multi-generational groups, and travellers who prioritise convenience over seclusion.

The extensive hotel grounds also provide a safety net for families who want immediate access to restaurants, shops, indoor facilities, and shaded areas throughout the day. One insider tip we can share is to visit the beach from the early morning, before many guests have finished breakfast, and settle there for a day of sunshine and fun.

Location details:

Japanese name: リザンシーパークビーチ

Address: 1496 Tancha, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0412

Rizanshi Park Beach on Google Maps

12. Renaissance Beach, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture

Among Okinawa's resort beaches, Renaissance Beach is arguably the most family-focused.

Located within the Renaissance Okinawa Resort in Onna Village, around an hour from Naha Airport, it combines soft white sand and clear subtropical waters with one of the island's most comprehensive resort experiences. Unlike many public beaches, Renaissance Beach is managed year-round, making it an attractive option even outside the peak summer season.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, marine activities, equipment rental, and a wide range of children's programmes, while the surrounding resort features pools, restaurants, hot spring facilities, wildlife experiences, and extensive recreational amenities.

One of the resort's standout features is its emphasis on marine experiences, offering more than 50 activity options, also available throughout the year, making it easy for families to spend several days here without running out of things to do.

Families with younger children, first-time Okinawa visitors, or anyone looking for a resort where activities are integrated into the stay, Renaissance Beach is often one of the strongest choices on the island.

Location details:

Japanese name: ルネッサンスビーチ

Address: 3425-2 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416

Renaissance Beach on Google Maps

Choosing the Right Beach for You

The "best" beach in Japan ultimately depends less on finding the country's most beautiful stretch of sand and more on choosing one that matches your travel style.

Families planning a holiday in Japan, especially those with younger children may prefer the calm, sheltered waters of Oda-no-Hama or Makino Sunny Beach, while active travellers seeking dramatic scenery will likely be drawn to Jodogahama's striking rock formations or Shimoaso Beach's island-dotted coastline.

If you're after a resort holiday with every convenience close at hand, Onna Village's beaches in Okinawa offer excellent facilities, whereas destinations such as Honjima Tomari Beach reward those willing to slow down and explore beyond the shoreline.

Wherever you decide to go, one piece of advice applies almost everywhere in Japan: arrive early.

The quiet hours before mid-morning usually offer calmer water, easier parking, and a more relaxed atmosphere before the busiest part of the day begins.

And if you're looking for just the right beach for you, our travel consultants are here to support your planning through our Online Consultation service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Japan's beaches?

For swimming, the best time to visit is generally from early July to late August, when lifeguards, changing rooms, rental facilities, and seasonal beach services are fully operational. Visitors looking to avoid peak crowds may prefer early July or late August, while those prioritising warm water temperatures will generally find conditions most comfortable from mid-July to mid-August.

2. Which beach is best for a family trip with young children?

Several beaches on this list are particularly family-friendly. Makino Sunny Beach offers calm freshwater swimming with no tides or jellyfish, while Oda-no-Hama Beach, Keino Matsubara Beach, and Tomari Beach on Honjima all feature relatively gentle swimming conditions. In Okinawa, the resort-managed white sandy beaches provide some of the most comprehensive facilities and supervised swimming environments.

3. Which locations offer the most beautiful scenery?

This depends on the type of scenery you're looking for. Jodogahama Beach and other beaches on mainland Honshu are known for their dramatic white rock formations and national park setting, while Shimoaso Beach offers beautiful island-dotted coastal views. Travellers seeking tropical scenery will likely favour Okinawa's distinct white sand beaches and turquoise water.

4. Which beaches offer the easiest beach access without a rental car?

Nachi Beach and Kataonami Beach are among the easiest to access via public transportation. Nachi Beach is located near JR Nachi Station, while Kataonami Beach can be reached directly by bus from Wakayama City. Travellers visiting Kansai or the Kumano region can comfortably visit both without driving.

5. Are Japan's beaches suitable for international visitors who don't speak Japanese?

Yes. While English signage varies depending on the destination, the beaches featured in this guide are all well-established swimming destinations with clear facilities and straightforward access. Resort beaches in Okinawa typically offer the highest level of multilingual support, while travellers visiting more rural destinations may benefit from downloading maps and transport information before arrival.

6. Do I need to pay to enter these beaches?

Most public beaches in Japan are free to access. However, visitors may encounter fees for parking, equipment rental, showers, lockers, or certain marine activities. Some resort beaches also charge admission fees or offer discounted access to hotel guests. Many beaches across Okinawa are open year-round, though some resort beaches charge access or activity fees. Check official information channels before planning your trip.

7. Which beach is best for snorkelling?

The Okinawan beaches are the clear winners for snorkelling thanks to their warm water, excellent visibility, and coral reef ecosystems. Travellers specifically interested in marine life should prioritise Okinawa over mainland destinations.