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Escape the Concrete Jungle! 5 Gorgeous Beaches Near Tokyo Perfect for Summer

Escape the Concrete Jungle! 5 Gorgeous Beaches Near Tokyo Perfect for Summer

Last updated: 21 June 2024

While Okinawa's beaches are often celebrated, Tokyo boasts stunning coastal gems with clear waters, lush nature, and excellent transport links. Within two hours from Tokyo's major stations, these beaches rival the world's best.

This article highlights Tokyo's top beaches, renowned for their beauty and highest water purity (AA) rating* by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. Each offers exciting attractions, making them ideal for a quick, budget-friendly escape. Discover why these Tokyo paradises stand out as some of Japan's best beach experiences!

(*Per the "Water Quality Survey Results for Swimming Areas (Pre-Opening)" published in June 2023. For opening dates and operating periods of the swimming areas, please check the respective municipality websites.)
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Main image: PIXTA

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Isshiki Beach (Kanagawa): Ranked among the world's top 100 beaches - just an hour from Tokyo!
  2. 2. Yugawara Beach (Kanagawa): Enjoy the ocean, hot springs, and local cuisine - just an hour from Tokyo!
  3. 3. Araihama Beach (Kanagawa): Top-class beach on the Miura Peninsula with a private feel
  4. 4. Moriya Beach (Chiba): Stunning red torii gates and beautiful sea views—perfect for a cool summer day!
  5. 5. Maehama Beach (Kozushima Island) in the Izu Islands - Top Water Quality in Tokyo!
  6. Experience the beauty of the sea and rejuvenate your body and mind!

1. Isshiki Beach (Kanagawa): Ranked among the world's top 100 beaches - just an hour from Tokyo!

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Located about an hour from Tokyo, Isshiki Beach in Zushi City, Kanagawa, is the closest pristine beach to Tokyo that we're introducing.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

In 2013, Isshiki Beach was ranked 65th in CNN's "100 Best Beaches in the World." The only Japanese beaches on this list were Nishibama Beach on Aka Island in Okinawa's Zamami Village and Isshiki Beach in Kanagawa.

Additionally, Isshiki Beach has been selected as one of Japan's "88 Best Swimming Beaches," meeting criteria for water quality, scenery, safety, and convenience.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Isshiki Beach is a popular spot visited by many families and couples each year. Despite its popularity, it maintains a serene atmosphere that feels like a private beach.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

The water quality at Isshiki Beach is impeccable. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Nearby, you'll find the Hayama Imperial Villa, a retreat for the Emperor and Empress, as well as other members of the Imperial Family. The stunning mountain scenery adds to Isshiki Beach's charm, offering beautiful views of both the sea and the mountains.

Recommended accommodations in this area

Hayama Umino Hotel
This hotel in the Shonan area offers some of the best ocean-view rooms. You can choose from compact cabin-style dormitories to standard rooms, catering to various needs and preferences.

  • Hayama Umino Hotel
    • Address 251-1 Horiuchi, Hayama-machi, Miura-gun, Kanagawa, 240-0112
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Zushi・Hayama Station (Keikyu Zushi Line)
      31 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Hayama Hotel Otowa no Mori
This four-star resort hotel offers a luxurious experience with breathtaking ocean views through its large windows.

Sanpo: Private Villa Limited to One Group Per Day
Enjoy exclusive access to an entire villa, offering stunning views of the sea and Mount Fuji from indoors for a truly luxurious experience.

Shonan OVA
This affordable hotel features a tropical style and includes a restaurant focusing on local ingredients, as well as a resort-like pool.

  • Shonan OVA
    • Address 1-2-6 Shonan Kokusaimura, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa, 240-0107
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Higashi-Zushi Station (JR Yokosuka Line)

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Featured Beach Details

  • Isshiki Beach
    一色海岸
    • Address Isshiki, Hayama-cho, Miura-gun, Kanagawa, 240-0111
    • Nearest Station From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yokosuka Line to Zushi Station (approximately 70 minutes). From the station, take a bus marked "Coastal Route" (approximately 16 minutes) and get off at Isshiki Kaigan bus stop.
      Alternatively, from Shinagawa Station, take the Keikyu Line to Zushi-Hayama Station (approximately 60 minutes). From the station, take a bus towards Hayama and get off at Isshiki Kaigan bus stop.

2. Yugawara Beach (Kanagawa): Enjoy the ocean, hot springs, and local cuisine - just an hour from Tokyo!

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Yugawara Beach in Yugawara City, Kanagawa, is a well-known hot spring destination, similar to Hakone. Besides its famous hot springs, the beach is perfect for summer swimming with its beautiful, clean waters.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

While Shonan and Enoshima are famous for Kanagawa's beaches, Yugawara Beach is a hidden gem with top-ranked water quality. It's less crowded, spacious, and ideal for a relaxing visit. The shallow waters make it safe for small children to play, and pets are also welcome. It's a perfect spot for families of all ages to enjoy together.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

During the swimming season, beach huts are set up at Yugawara Beach, providing showers and convenient dining options. Visitors can enjoy local specialty dishes and delicious seafood unique to the area.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Yugawara is renowned for its abundant hot springs. After a fun-filled day at the beach, soak in the hot springs at night and savor the local cuisine. This "beach and hot spring trip" is a highlight of summer. It's easily accessible from Tokyo, taking just about an hour by Shinkansen or 1 hour and 35 minutes by express train, making it a convenient and spontaneous getaway.

Recommended accommodations in this area

Yugawara Retreat Goen no Mori
This retreat-themed inn offers a healing space with hot springs, focusing on restoring both mind and body. It is a unique ryokan that provides vegan meals.

New Wel City Yugawara
Experience a hotel-like stay at this ryokan, complete with open-air hot springs and a sauna.

Yugawara Vacation House
Enjoy stunning ocean views at this exclusive rental villa, offering a private and secluded experience for just one group at a time.

Hotel Toyoko
This hot spring ryokan features its own natural spring source, offering a large open-air bath and private open-air baths for a relaxing soak.

Featured Beach Details

3. Araihama Beach (Kanagawa): Top-class beach on the Miura Peninsula with a private feel

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Araihama Beach Beach on the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa boasts top-class water transparency. Like Isshiki Beach, it has been selected as one of Japan's top 88 swimming beaches.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Despite its small size, Araihama Beach Beach is known for its calm waves and clean waters, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for small children. Snorkeling is recommended for those who want to observe marine life, but even wading in the shallow waters lets you fully appreciate the beach's impressive transparency.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

At only about 150 meters long, Araihama Beach Beach may seem like a hidden spot known only to locals. It's perfect for those who want to relax, quietly gaze at the sea, or reflect in solitude, offering a true sense of privacy.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

The sunset over Sagami Bay and the slow-paced, local atmosphere are highlights we recommend to international visitors. Additionally, you can catch a view of Mt. Fuji from the nearby coastline, so be sure to seek out these scenic spots.

Recommended accommodations in this area

ABURATSUBO Bekkan
This rental villa features a terrace and balcony with ocean views. It's perfect for large groups of family or friends, offering outdoor BBQ facilities.

ABURATSUBO BEKKAN - Vacation STAY 13014
This vacation home offers an entire house for rent, fully furnished with all necessary amenities, allowing guests to enjoy a stay that feels just like home.

Maholova Minds Miura
Located a 6-minute walk from Miura Kaigan Station, just one stop from Misakiguchi Station, this hotel offers great views, an indoor pool, a spa, and hot springs.

SEASIDE NAHAMA/The Galaxy Express Nahama
This beachside glamping site is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring outdoor baths, a sauna car, and BBQ grills.

Featured Beach Details

  • Araihama Beach
    荒井浜海水浴場
    • Address 1036 Koamishiro, Misaki-cho, Miura-shi, Kanagawa 238-0225
    • Nearest Station From Shinagawa Station, take the Keikyu Line to Misakiguchi Station (approximately 75 minutes). From the station, take a bus bound for Aburatsubo (approximately 15 to 30 minutes) and get off at Aburatsubo bus stop, then walk 10 minutes.

4. Moriya Beach (Chiba): Stunning red torii gates and beautiful sea views—perfect for a cool summer day!

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Located in Katsuura City, Chiba, Moriya Beach features a beautiful sea with a red torii gate at its edge, offering a distinctly Japanese landscape. It has been selected for the "100 Best Beaches of Japan," "100 Best Swimming Beaches," and "Japan's Top 88 Swimming Beaches" due to its excellent water quality, beauty, comfort, convenience, and safety, making it a popular swimming destination.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

The small island with the red torii gate, called Watashima, is located about 150 meters from the shore. About 20 times a year, during low tide, the island connects to the beach via a sandbar. This "torii gate plus sea" scene offers a uniquely Japanese landscape.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Katsuura City, home to Moriya Beach, is known as a "cool town with no scorching hot days in over 100 years." Recently, it has become a popular summer retreat and relocation destination for people from the Kanto region. While mountains and highlands are typical summer retreats, Katsuura offers a rare seaside escape from the heat. It's an ideal destination for a beachside getaway during Japan's record-breaking hot summers.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo by transferring between express and local trains. Moriya Beach is an easy 8-minute walk from the nearest station, Kazusa-Okitsu, making it a convenient destination even without a car.

Recommended accommodations in this area

Mikazuki Sea-Park Hotel Katsuura
This 4-star ryokan offers stunning oceanfront views, indoor and outdoor spas, hot springs, and a gourmet buffet featuring Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine.

  • Mikazuki Sea-Park Hotel Katsuura
    三日月シーパークホテル勝浦
    • Address 820 Sumina, Katsuura, Chiba
    • Phone Number 0470-73-1111
    • ・Reservation Center TEL 0470-73-1115 (Open 8 AM - 7 PM)

Katsuura Hilltop Hotel & Residence
This condominium hotel uses part of a 14-story resort building for guest rooms. It's perfect for a casual resort stay and is just over a 10-minute drive from Moriya Beach.

Uminokaori
This rental villa is fully equipped with essential furniture, appliances, and cooking utensils. Located just a 1-minute walk from Matsube Fishing Port, it is ideal for families and fishing enthusiasts.

Doublerainbow Resort Katsuura
This exclusive rental villa is perfect for beach activities and conveniently located for enjoying Katsuura's morning market and local specialty cuisine.

Featured Beach Details

  • Moriya Beach
    守谷海水浴場
    • Address Katsuura, Chiba 299-5244
    • Nearest Station From Tokyo Station, take the Limited Express Wakashio on the JR Sotobo Line to Katsuura Station (approximately 80 minutes). From there, it's an 8-minute walk.
    • ・Website: https://www.city.katsuura.lg.jp/page/1611.html

5. Maehama Beach (Kozushima Island) in the Izu Islands - Top Water Quality in Tokyo!

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

In Tokyo, the waters of the Izu Islands boast the highest water quality, with Kozushima's Maehama Beach being a particularly recommended spot. Located south of Kozushima Port, this beach features approximately 800 meters of white sandy shoreline and attracts many beachgoers during the summer months.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

The beauty of the sea and beaches is so stunning that you wouldn't believe it's part of Tokyo. It's perfect for snorkeling and other water activities, offering ample opportunities for enjoyment.

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

The Izu Islands, which are islands of Tokyo, consist of nine islands in total. Among these islands, Kozushima stands out as particularly rich in natural beauty and blessed with abundant water resources. Kozushima is known as the "Island where gods gather," as it was believed that gods gathered here to discuss the creation of the Izu Islands. In ancient times, it was written as "神集島," which means "Island of gathering gods."

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

To reach Kozushima from Tokyo, you can take a high-speed jet ferry from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo, which takes as little as 3 hours and 5 minutes, or a large overnight ferry that takes a minimum of 9 hours and 55 minutes. For those thinking, "Isn't there a quicker way to a seaside spot within two hours from Tokyo?"—yes, there is!

In fact, from Chofu Airport in western Tokyo, New Central Airservice operated small propeller planes, reducing the travel time to just 45 minutes! These flights operate 2 to 3 times daily, and from the airport to the beach, it's just a 10-minute taxi ride. For more information about flights, please visit the website of Shin Chuo Kotsu Airlines.

Going to remote islands in Okinawa from Tokyo can be costly and time-consuming, making it a challenge for travelers with limited time. However, with Kozushima being part of Tokyo, it's easier to schedule a visit to a beach resort on a remote island alongside other plans, which is quite convenient and enjoyable.

Recommended accommodations in this area

Vacation House Familia
It's a B&B that distinguishes itself from traditional inns and hotels by offering guests the opportunity to communicate with the owner, enjoy leisurely moments, and experience a uniquely cozy and comfortable stay typical of island life.

Kikunoya
Located at the base of Mt. Tenjo on Kozushima, this guesthouse is convenient for both beach activities and hiking. It is well-known for its meals, which feature local ingredients.

Featured Beach Details

  • Maehama Beach
    前浜海岸
    • Address Maehama, Kozushima-mura, Tokyo 100-0601
    • Nearest Station From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Chofu Station (approx. 18 minutes), board an Odakyu bus on the "Chofu Airfield Route" from the North Exit.
      (about 15 minutes) Get off at the "Chofu Airfield" bus stop. From Chofu Airfield, take a small propeller plane to Kozushima Airport (about 45 minutes). 10 minutes by car from the airport

Experience the beauty of the sea and rejuvenate your body and mind!

The sea is a place where you can find peace and enjoyment simply by looking at it, listening to the waves, or taking a walk along the shore. The natural surroundings cleanse your mind and soothe your soul, while also providing the strength to face the days ahead. This is the gift of nature at its best.

In summer, take the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the sea—swim, touch, and enjoy it to the fullest! Spend some time in Japan's pristine waters and unique landscapes for a truly healing experience.

For more details, refer to the "Water Quality Survey Results for Swimming Areas (Pre-opening)" published in June 2023.

Written by:

Miyu Shimada

Miyu Shimada

Miyu is a travel writer and tour conductor with over a decade of experience in developing educational content for working individuals. She has a passion for exploring new cultures and has visited more than 150 cities in around 50 countries. Her goal is to sample great food, experience nature, enjoy historical sites, and bathe in hot springs around the world. Miyu left her corporate job to pursue her passion for travel and now spends over 100 days a year abroad while working as a writer. She promotes the joy of travel, the beauty of Japan, and the diverse cultures of the world by traveling to different parts of Japan and collaborating with inbound tour operators and fellow travel writers. On X/Twitter: @myuu_works.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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