A coastline that follows a bow-shaped sandy beach and pine forest stretching around six kilometers from Keya no Oto to Nogita beach. In the summer its calm waters are popular as a swimming area, and it has been named as one of Japan’s top 100 white sand and green pine beaches. The sight of a blue sea bathed in orange from the setting sun is exceptional.
During the Bakumatsu period, when the country was closed to outsiders, John Manjiro came back from America and landed at this beach, thus leading it to sometimes be referred to as “John Man beach.” The water is crystal clear, and coral reefs can be seen during low tide. Snorkeling and diving are recommended as well. The beach is also known as a spot that sea turtles often visit in summer to lay their eggs.
Managed by Okuma Private Beach & Resort, Okuma Beach is beautiful beach with a one kilometer-long stretch of fine-grained white sand. The emerald-green sea is ideal for paddling, swimming and water sports. The glass-walled beach café offers terrace seats where visitors can enjoy light meals, alcoholic beverages etc. in a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
The Hashirimizu Coast was a popular sea bathing spot in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. The swimming beach has been closed since 2017, but it is still one of the few spots on the Miura Peninsula where it is possible to dig for shellfish, so it is popular with families. Furthermore, this stretch of the coast offers a panoramic view that includes Sarushima Island, the Boso Peninsula, and Tokyo Bay, including close-up views of the large ships that pass in and out of the bay.
Nanaura Beach is a rugged rocky coastline stretching for about 10 kilometers from Futami to Kabuse in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. The contrast between the sunset-lit ocean and the black shadows of the rocks is beautiful and it is no surprise that it has been chosen for the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan. Among these, the scenery of the setting sun at Cape Nagate in Tachibana and that at Kasugazaki are simply sublime. The two large rocks called meoto-iwa (husband-and-wife rocks), which according to the Kojiki (the oldest extant chronicle in Japan) is where the nation came into being, is also a must-see.
Tsukumo Bay is located in Noto Town, Hosu County. Although the total area is only around 1 kilometer from east to west and 1.5 kilometers from north to south, because of the complex rias-type (sawtooth) coastline, the total length of coastline is around 13 kilometers. The name “Tsukumo” (meaning “ninety-nine”) derives from the large number of inlets along the coast. The area is renowned for its spectacular scenery, which is enhanced by the islands—such as Horajima—that seem to float in the bay. The region has been designated as the Noto Hanto Quasi-National Park and as a Marine Park. Visitors can enjoy superb views from the tourist boats that visit the Bay, and from Hiyoriyama Park on the western side of the Bay.
Located in Koiji, Noto Town in Hosu County, the Koiji Coast looks out onto Iida Bay. The name “Koiji” (“Love Road”) derives from the tragic legend of Nabeno and Sukesaburo, who met their deaths in the sea here. There are various monuments commemorating the two lovers, including a “Bell of Happiness,” and the “Love Road” is famous as a place for developing or strengthening ties of love.
This coast is in the southeast section of Kuji Bay, and is made up of eroded cliffs and unusual stone formations, along with brown reefs. The amazing spectacle of the ocean with Fishhook Cave, Helmet Rock and more make it one of Iwate Prefecture’s most famous sightseeing spots. The Kosode Ama Center is also here, and every summer they hold seven exhibition dives. You can also try skin diving yourself (reservations required). This spot is also popular with surf fishers.
This coastline is part of Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park, and is one of Japan’s most famous sights. The beautiful coastline and unusual rock and reef formations create a spectacle well worth seeing. There are many well-maintained trails, including the Kaigan Tansho Hodo, one of Japan’s 100 foremost trails. These offer a full taste of the natural beauty of the area through all four seasons. There is also a popular campground open April to October every year.
Senjojiki is a coast just outside of Senjojiki Station on the JR Gono line. The bulging rocks appeared in the 1792 earthquake, The name of “senjojiki” is originated from a banquet held by a lord of the Tsugaru Domain who carpeted thousand tatami mats on the rocks. The area is filled with unusual rock formations with evocative names such as Buddha Rock or Helmet Rock. The scenery has led to the area being named one of Japan’s top 55 beaches and top 100 sunsets, and the beaches and campground get crowded with tourists in season.
This coast stretches south of the junction of the Kitakami River and Sarugaishi River, on the west bank of the Kitakami River. Author Miyazawa Kenji named this the English Coast because the exposed mudstone rocks reminded him of England’s Strait of Dover. It also serves as the setting for his novella “English Coast,” and is one of the Scenic Areas of Ihatov.
The Kuniga Coast was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1938, and has also been designated a National Natural Monument. As a result of erosion by the fierce waves of the Sea of Japan, there is a seven kilometer stretch of coast running from east to west with more or less continuous cliffs, precipices and sea-caves, creating what has been described as the most beautiful scenery in the Oki region. There are cliffs more than 100 meters in height at various points along the coast, including one 257-meter-high cliff that looks as though it had been carved out with a giant knife, and which is the highest sea-cliff in Japan.
The Akiya Coast is famous for its beautiful scenery. The brown rocks of Byobu-iwa and the other rocks protruding out of the sea make a gorgeous contrast with the emerald green ocean. The name “Akiya” derives from a legend that says that a goddess gave birth here. There is a municipal campsite and a sea-bathing area, so the Akiya Coast attracts a lot of visitors, especially in summer. Byobu-iwa is especially popular with couples, because it has a heart-shaped hole in it, and is said to have magical powers for strengthening romantic ties.
Tottori Pref. Yonagoshi Kaikeonsen Sakaiminato City
The Yumigahama Coast is a stretch of coastline that curves in the shape of a bow along the east side of the Yumigahama Peninsula. Its beautiful scenery has led to it being included in both the list of “Japan’s 100 Best Beaches” and the list of “Japan’s 100 Best Beaches with White Sand and Verdant Pine Trees.” The Yumigahama Coast is famous as a great place for water-sports such as surfing, yachting and parasailing, and attracts large numbers of tourists, particular in the summer.
Shirashima Coast is a collective term for Cape Shirashima, which juts out into the ocean at the northernmost end of Dogo Island (the largest island in Oki Islands), Okinoshima Island, Matsushima Island and the neighboring small islands. This area has spectacular scenery, with white cliffs “floating” above azure seas; the Shirashima Coast has been designated as a National Natural Monument. The observation platform at the Cape offers impressive views.
This is a spot of picturesque scenery of strange rocks of various sizes eroded by the sea and wind. It is said that the origin of the name comes from the words of the high priest Kobo Daishi (Kukai) when he once trained in Shikoku. Due to the rugged landscape he missed seeing the sight, “Minokoshita” in Japanese. There are walkways in the surrounding area, and visitors can see strange rocks including Mermaid Palace and Love Rock up close.
This beach is along National Route 112 in Yunohama Onsen, Tsuruoka City. Featuring the prefecture's largest seaside resort, shallow water, and a beautiful beach, it's a great place to watch the sun set into the Sea of Japan and night views of fishing lights on the water. There's also a beach volleyball court and plenty of opportunities for marine sports. Accommodation facilities line the coast, providing easy access.
Nigata Pref. Kashiwazakishi Kujiranami Qinghai River
Just a one-minute walk from JR Kujiranami Station, these beaches represent Niigata in the list of Japan's top 100 beaches. With their easy access from JR Kujiranami Station they draw numerous visitors from all over the country. The road from the station to the beach is lined with shops and during beach season is packed with people. And with the lifeguards on duty coming from the Air-sea rescue team you can bring your children for a dip in the sea without worry. The shore is a reef area scattered with rocks making the beach from Kujiranami to the mouth of the Oumi River a picturesque view, and the beach is known as a wonderful spot to view the setting sun.
Facing Tsuruga Bay, this beach is famous for its crystal-clear water quality and beautiful white sand. It is also known that Matsuo Basho composed a haiku in praise of the scenery. As a swimming beach, it is popular as well.
