Japan is not exactly known for its beaches in the same way as its Asian counterparts Thailand and Bali are. This is partly due to the presence of unattractive, dark, volcanic water and sand in many of the beach areas. However, with the help of this Japan - Beaches Intro you will be able to find the best options that will suit your needs.

Shirahama Beach

If you're prepared to take the long car ride or train journey from Tokyo then this destination is truly rewarding. It is blessed with blazing white sand and crystal clear water and the enormous number of activities available there. Having said that, if you want to find a secluded spot then you can quite easily do that. Divers are advised to head here as the clarity of the water allows for some of the best diving in the country.

Kamakura Beach

This article would assert that the most popular beach for those dwelling in and around Tokyo,  is Kamakura, and it is relatively clean and garbage free. It may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing place in the world but the sand is soft and shell-ridden. Of interest in the local area are plenty of local eateries, cafes and shops as well as pleasant gardens you can stroll around. On the con side, this is an extremely busy beach which gets crowded every year. If you're looking to chill out then you'd be better off going somewhere else.

Zushi Beach

Just a tiny stretch of beach that isn't all that attractive, Zushi is nonetheless very popular with day-trippers who are allured by the activities and events available. If you don't have a lot of time on your hands and just want a quick taste of Japanese beach culture, this is the place to come.

Chiba Beach

Chiba comes after Kamakura in the popularity league, although it has the advantage over its regional competitor of not having quite the same number of visitors every year. If you're prepared to travel the extra miles then you will find comfortable white sand and clean water to swim and paddle in.

Shikinejima Island

Located near the coast of Tokyo, Shikinijema Island is not strictly a beach in its own right but features some of the best this article is aware of. It also boasts some truly gorgeous inland landscapes that are worth a photograph or two. Accessible either by a boat journey overnight or on a jet boat day-trip, the island is generally peaceful all the year round and is very rewarding to those visitors who spare the time to come.