10 Summer Beach Day Trips Near Tokyo
Escape that city heat!
Don’t suffer this summer. Get wet on a beach near Tokyo!
Like any hot-blooded Caribbean person abroad, I can’t wait for beach season in Japan. Summer in Tokyo is not for the faint-hearted. Scorching temperatures, unbearable humidity, lack of shade and crowds make for a perfect disaster. Why not check out of the daily grind and plan a summer beach day near Tokyo?
Beaches Near Tokyo On The Mainland
Even if you can’t afford tickets to Okinawa or elsewhere, there are still some fabulous shores just a hop and skip away from the capital. Many swimmable beaches are easily accessible by train, bus or car. Pack that sunscreen, beach towel, beach mat and swimsuit for a day of salt, sea and sun!
Many beaches in Japan provide umi no ie (beach huts) during beach season, so even if you forget something or need to top up on food or drinks, you’re covered. Here are our top 10 beach day trips for summer near Tokyo.
1. Ajigaura Beach (Ibaraki)
© Photo by Pixta: masayaThis beach is popular with locals, and for good reason! Located near Hitachi Seaside Park, this 1.2-kilometer-long white sand beach is perfect for strolling. The water can get deep quickly, so be careful when swimming with young kids.
- Address: Ajigauracho, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Ajigaura Station, 5-minute walk
- Amenities: Public toilets, showers, rentals, beach huts, nearby cafes, lifeguards, paid parking
2. Oarai Sun Beach (Ibaraki)
© Photo by Pixta: DREAMNIKONThe location and infrastructure game is strong at this beach. It’s close to several hotels, the Oarai Marine Tower and Oarai Seaside Station. Oarai is also one of the best beaches near Tokyo in terms of universal or barrier-free access (wheelchair-accessible). It’s also a cultural hot spot with lots of beachside events.
- Address: Minatochuo, Oarai, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Oarai Station, bus to Oarai Sun Beach
- Amenities: Public toilets, free showers, beach huts, rentals including sea wheelchairs, lifeguards, ample paid parking (free off-season)
3. Moriya Beach (Chiba)
© Photo by iStock: Dane GillettHere’s yet another naturally scenic beach near Tokyo that promises clear shallow water and lots of sandy shore. For the kids, there are many rock pools to catch crabs, small fish and other critters! Note that on windy days, it can develop big waves.
- Address: Moriya, Chiba 299-5244 (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Kazusa-Okitsu Station, bus to Moriya Kaigan or Moriya Central, or a 15-minute walk
- Amenities: Public toilets, paid showers, changing rooms, beach huts, rentals, lifeguards, paid parking
4. Okitsu Beach (Chiba)
© Photo by Pixta: TK_GarnettIf you’re looking for an even calmer and more kid-safe beach, this is it. Do note that there is sometimes seaweed in the shallower areas. Although facilities are limited, you are unlikely to find crowds here, making for a more peaceful and relaxing beach day.
- Address: Okitsuchisaki, Katsuura, Chiba (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Kazusa-Okitsu Station, 5-minute walk
- Amenities: Public toilets, free showers, changing room, rentals from one beach hut, convenience store nearby, lifeguards, free parking
5. Atami Sun Beach (Shizuoka)
© Photo by iStock: GWMBAtami, the gateway to the stunning Izu peninsula, is no shrinking violet. Long considered an escape for Tokyoites, it offers sea and onsen (hot springs)! During summer, there’s also a floating water park, fireworks and an illuminated beach at night.
- Address: Higashikaigancho, Atami, Shizuoka (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Atami Station, bus to Sun Beach, or a 15-minute walk
- Facilities: Public toilets, diaper-changing station, women-only changing rooms, locker rooms, rentals, lifeguards, kids’ area (no tattoos or alcohol), free showers, paid parking, restaurants and cafes nearby
6. Itō Orange Beach (Shizuoka)
© Photo by Pixta: DAR PicturesIf you’re after easy access, this calm beach near Tokyo is a stone’s throw away from the train station. Once you see the palm trees, you’re there! There’s also a floating water park during summer. After a sea bath, why not soak in one of the onsen in town?
- Address: 4 Yukawa, Itō, Shizuoka (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Itō Station, 5-minute walk
- Amenities: Public toilets, free showers, paid changing rooms, rentals, beach huts, restaurants, lifeguards, paid parking
7. Shirahama Ohama Beach (Shizuoka)
© Photo by Pixta: まちゃーEven though it takes about two and a half to three hours to get to this beach, it’s well worth the trek from the city. Shirahama satisfies those who seek white sands and turquoise seas without leaving the mainland. It gets pretty crowded in summer, so arrive early.
- Address: Shirahama, Shimoda, Shizuoka (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Shimoda Station, bus or taxi to Shirahama Kaigan
- Amenities: Public toilets, paid showers, changing rooms, paid parking, rentals, beach huts, nearby convenience stores, restaurants, lifeguards
8. Isshiki Beach (Kanagawa)
© Photo by Pixta: ハナアサギThe Kanagawa coast is crawling with beaches popular with urbanites—Zushi, Enoshima and Yuigahama. If you’re thinking more chill and less party, head to Isshiki Beach, which even has the Emperor’s stamp of approval (his Imperial Villa sits just behind it facing out to sea). The waves are calm and there are many tide pools to explore. It’s so picturesque that it’s often used as a setting for amateur films.
- Address: 1083 Horiuchi, Hayama, Miura District, Kanagawa (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Zushi Station or Shin Zushi Station, bus to Isshiki Kaigan
- Amenities: Public toilets, paid showers, rentals, beach huts, lifeguards, paid parking
9. Morito Beach (Kanagawa)
© Photo by iStock: y-studioMorito Beach is super family-friendly with gorgeous sunset views over Sagami Bay. Here you’ll find calm seas and space to frolic in the sand. Be sure to check out the fireworks festival during summer nights.
- Address: Horiuchi, Hayama, Miura District, Kanagawa (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Zushi Station and Zushi-Hayama Station, bus to Morito Kaigan
- Amenities: Public toilets, paid showers, rentals, beach huts, restaurants, lifeguards, paid parking
10. Southern Beach Chigasaki (Kanagawa)
© Photo by iStock: igaguri_1Did you know this Shonan coastal beach was named after the J-pop group, Southern All Stars? It’s also famous for being the first place in Japan where surf culture caught on. If you’re in for an unforgettable evening, check out the fireworks festival in August. And even if you can’t catch the fireworks, you will surely still be in awe of the view here: the silhouette of beloved Mt. Fuji.
- Address: 4 Chome-12986-5 Nakakaigan, Chigasaki, Kanagawa (Google Map Link)
- Closest Station: Chigasaki Station, Eboshi-go community bus to Southern Beach
- Amenities: Public toilets, free showers, paid changing rooms, rentals, beach huts, lifeguards, paid parking, wheelchair ramps
Note that many of these beaches offer services (beach huts, lifeguards on duty etc.) during beach season only (usually July 1 to August 31).
Be sure to bookmark this beach list and also check out these less crowded beaches near Tokyo for other slightly quieter alternatives. And, if bringing home sand isn’t your cup of tea, but you’re still up for an adventure, spend your summer at one of these water parks in and around Tokyo!










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