Top 10 beaches around Tokyo

Are there beaches near Tokyo?

Okinawa isn't the only place to enjoy the water. While the capital doesn't have any beaches to speak of, the Greater Tokyo area offers access to the sea in less than two hours.

Unlike Europeans, who seek the freshness of the waves, the Japanese prefer to soak up the sun on warm sand (without tanning!). From beach activities to restaurants and group games, enjoy a day at the beach near Tokyo with our selection.

Kamakura (Kanagawa)

Whether you're a surf enthusiast or just here to splash around, Kamakura is a destination of choice. Just 1h30 from Tokyo, the former capital boasts several attractive beaches: Yuigahama, Shichirigahama and Inamuragasaki.

While the hustle and bustle of Yuigahama will appeal above all to water sports enthusiasts, its sister beaches will delight romantics in search of sunsets. Beware: Kamakura remains a popular destination for Tokyoites in summer, so it's crowded at weekends and on public holidays.

Enoshima Island (Kanagawa)

Not far from Kamakura, Enoshima Island offers visitors a multitude of attractions. Spas, sanctuaries, gardens, aquariums... people come here all year round to enjoy the seaside. In summer, visitors are especially drawn to the Higashihama and Nishihama beaches.

Popular with families, Higashihama stands out for its calmer waters. Nishihama, on the other hand, will delight water sports enthusiasts.

In July and August, umi no ie (beach houses) even offer food and equipment for a few yen.

Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa)

Off the coast of Greater Tokyo, the Miura Peninsula is a family's delight. Boasting several beaches, it was Miura Kaigan, the largest on the peninsula, that caught the eye of Japan Experience.

Renowned for its stretches of sand and gentle current, in summer it is home to a variety of facilities (cafés, restaurants) as well as a lifeguard center .

For a more confidential getaway, opt for Isshiki beach. Located near the village of Hayama, it offers a bucolic setting between rocks and vegetation.

Zushi (Kanagawa)

Ideally located between Yokohama and Tokyo, the seaside resort of Zushi is renowned for its water sports, particularly sailing and kayaking. Unlike other Japanese beaches, Zushi beach allows tattoos. From late June to late August, it also hosts an ephemeral water park with slides.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: 2-chōme-3 Shinjuku, Zushi, Kanagawa 249-0007

Access: 15 mins walk from Zushi station (Yokosuka line)

Onjuku (Chiba)

In Chiba prefecture, 1h30 from Tokyo, the town of Onjuku is popular in summer for its white-sand beach. Surfing fans, grab your board: the waves will delight beginners and experienced sportsmen alike. Thanks to its facilities, Onjuku also offers a safe environment for families with young children.

Weather permitting, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. In addition to its shrines, the town is famous for its links with Spain and Mexico, dating back to the rescue of a galleon that ran aground on its shores in 1609.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Address: 2208-16 Suka, Onjuku, Isumi District, Chiba 299-5106

Access: 12 mins walk from Onjuku station (Sotobo line)

Bonus: Odaiba's artificial beach (Tokyo)

While the artificial island ofOdaiba is famous for its modern buildings - including the TeamLab Planets museum - it also boasts a beach with the Rainbow Bridge as a backdrop.

Although swimming is not recommended, Odaiba beach is a great place for sunbathing on the warm sand.

Not far away, in the Toyosu district, the artificial Magic Beach welcomes visitors in a "seaside resort" atmosphere.

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