5 Less Crowded Beaches Near Tokyo

Tokyo temperatures are so hot you could literally fry an egg on your own forehead, meaning everybody’s only got one destination in mind: the beach. Avoid the crowd and keep safe with these less crowded beaches!

While there’s no shortage of sandy shores within easy reach of the city, the most popular beaches near Tokyo can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially in summer. When you’re craving a quieter seaside escape, try one of these less crowded beaches. They’re locally loved but not widely advertised, meaning you’ll likely be sharing the view with neighborhood families rather than hordes of fun-starved office workers (ahem, not us at all…).

Check out our Savvy Tips for each spot, but here’s the golden rule: rent a car or prepare to pay for a taxi. These beaches are a little more remote, and while they’re technically reachable by trains and buses, the walk from the station can be long, especially with beach gear in tow!

1. Inamuragasaki Beach (Kanagawa)

© Photo by Pixta: 舞流sky

Sandwiched between the more famous beaches of Kamakura and Enoshima, this small and secluded spot is a lovely place to relax and unwind. You’ll often find locals stretching or practicing yoga as the sun sets. The beach is also historically significant, as the site of a key battle during Japan’s feudal period, and nearby plaques detail its role in Kamakura-era history.

• Access: 5 min walk from Inamuragasaki Station on the Enoden Line (Google Map Link)
• Facilities: Basic public showers, vending machines, nearby convenience stores

Savvy Tip

Walk up to Inamuragasaki Park next door for shaded benches and panoramic ocean views. This spot is especially beautiful in the early evening. Stay until twilight for a chance to see Mt. Fuji’s silhouette emerge between Enoshima and the horizon.

2. Onjuku Iwawada Coast (Chiba)

© Photo by Pixta: まちゃー

Acapulco’s sister city, Onjuku, has a long and wide stretch of white sand that has enough room for all of the long-haired surfers who come for the waves and stay for the evening barbecues on the beach. We recommend heading down the Iwawada Coast area as it has calmer, shallow waters, making it safe for families with small children. You can explore tidepools, watch small fish and soak in the laid-back local vibe. Although there aren’t many facilities, you can find a short row of food and drink stands set up during the summer. Pick up supplies in the main town—which has a relaxed, surfer-chic vibe—and watch the pros catching the waves. You can even have a go yourself, several shops and guesthouses offer board rental and lessons.

• Access: 30 min walk from JR Onjuku Station (The central Onjuku Chuo Beach is only a 10-15 minute walk) (Google Map Link)
• Facilities: Public toilets, seasonal food stalls, nearby cafes in town, board rentals

Savvy Tip

The closest supermarket (スーパーおおたや; Super Ootaya) is about a 15-minute walk from the Iwawada Coast. If you need supplies before you get to the beach, we recommend doing some shopping there first.

3. Okinoshima Beach (Chiba)

© Photo by Pixta: 撮るねっと

Okinoshima is a secret beach on an uninhabited island off the coast of Tateyama. It’s connected to the mainland by a natural sandbar that is only accessible at low tide. The tidepools here are teeming with sea life, such as fish and starfish, making it great for snorkeling and exploring. Just don’t forget to bring your own gear. Once there, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a forest and a small sandy cove perfect for a quiet dip. If you’re up for a peaceful nature walk, follow the trail into the trees to discover Okinoshima Shrine and its quiet, moss-covered grounds.

• Access: 15 min by bus + 20 min walk from JR Tateyama Station (Google Map Link)
• Facilities: Public toilets and paid parking

Savvy Tip

Remember to check the tide times before you go—at high tide, the sandbar disappears, cutting off access. Also, pack enough water, food and sunscreen, as there are no facilities on the island!

4. Wadaura Beach (Chiba)

© Photo by Pixta: Ransoma

Wadaura Beach is calm, clean and remains off most people’s radar, even in summer. If you’re traveling with children, the gentle waves make this one of the safest swimming beaches in the area. The beach is located next to a well-stocked michi-no-eki (roadside station), where you can grab freshly grilled seafood or handmade gelato. The area is known for whale watching, and there’s a small local Whale Museum just a short walk from the beach. Here, you can learn about the area’s coastal history and pick up small local crafts or marine-themed snacks.

• Access: 10-minute walk from JR Wadaura Station (Google Map Link)
• Facilities: Public toilets, showers, paid parking, nearby roadside station for food

Savvy Tip

If you arrive very early in the morning, you’ll be able to enjoy the entire stretch of beach in near solitude.

5. Nemoto Beach (Chiba)

© Photo by Pixta: mamo

Head all the way down to the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula, and there you’ll find Nemoto Beach! This peaceful stretch of white sand and rocky reefs rarely makes it onto tourist maps. This beach is definitely tough to access by public transport, so a rental car is really the best way to go. With calm, clear waters and scenic views, it’s well worth the trip. During the summer months of July and August, you can even rent a camping space right on the beach. So, why not turn your visit into a full-on seaside getaway?

• Access: About 25 min by car or taxi from JR Tateyama Station (Google Map Link)
• Facilities: Public toilets, showers, paid parking, lifeguards, vending machines

Savvy Tip

Remember to pack all your snacks, drinks and other belongings with you. The shops are far out for this one, too, and once you park your car during the busy period, you don’t want to have to leave to get supplies again.

If you really want to find the less crowded beaches near Tokyo, just avoid the peak season, which typically ends around the last weekend of August. The beach shacks will be closed, and the lifeguards will check out, too, but the weather will still be good until the end of September.

Looking for some other options that are a bit easier to access? Here are 10 beach day trip spots near Tokyo that are only minutes away from the station.