Beaches near Tokyo

Ultramodern Tokyo is one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. And as fun as the Japanese capital is to explore, spending time here can be tiring – in the best possible way. Sometimes, you need to take a break in nature to recharge your batteries. Luckily, in this island nation, the nearest beach is never too far away.

You may not think of Tokyo as a beach destination, but thanks to Japan's long coastline and excellent public transportation infrastructure that uses Tokyo as a hub, it's easy to get to many gorgeous beaches without straying too far from the city. The beaches near Tokyo offer a variety of different experiences, from popular tourist destinations complete with a full range of amenities like Oarai Sun Beach and Atami Sun Beach to more secluded coves where you can get a better sense of Japanese ecology and cultural traditions.

Tokyo has a temperate climate which means hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters. The best time for a beach day is in mid-summer, around July and August.

One last thing you should be aware of before we look at the best beaches near Tokyo is Japan's attitude to tattoos. There is still a very strong cultural taboo against tattoos in Japan, with the result that some swimming pools, hot springs, and beaches will not allow you to swim without covering up any tattoos you may have. This varies from beach to beach, but it's a good idea to bring a rash guard or other clothes you can swim in to cover any tattoos you may have.

Our top picks for the best beaches near Tokyo

Variety is the key to making the most of the beaches near Tokyo. Whether you want somewhere quiet for a relaxing swim or somewhere more lively with restaurants, beach huts, and nightclubs to explore, Tokyo provides you with a range of incredible waterside locations.

Odaiba Beach, Tokyo

Odaiba Beach is an artificial beach set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s modern skyline, offering a unique combination of nature and urban views. Although swimming is not allowed, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day out, whether you want to lounge on the sand, enjoy a picnic, or watch the boats sail by in Tokyo Bay. One of the beach's standout features is the panoramic view of the iconic Rainbow Bridge, especially beautiful at sunset when the bridge is illuminated. Odaiba’s urban beach vibe, with its clean sands and peaceful waters, provides a serene escape without leaving the city.

Odaiba Beach is conveniently located within Tokyo, making it one of the easiest beaches to access from the city. You can take the Yurikamome Line or the Rinkai Line, both of which will get you there in about 20-30 minutes from central Tokyo. The Yurikamome Line offers a scenic route with views of Tokyo Bay and the futuristic Odaiba district. Once you arrive at Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station, it's just a short walk to the beach.

Odaiba Beach is surrounded by a variety of attractions, so you’ll have plenty to do even beyond the beach. You can take a leisurely walk through Odaiba Seaside Park or explore nearby landmarks like the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue. If you’re interested in art and technology, the famous TeamLab Borderless digital art museum is just a short distance away. Shopping and dining options are everywhere too, with several large malls offering everything from high-end brands to quirky Japanese souvenirs. For a different perspective, you can even take a boat cruise around Tokyo Bay to see the city from the water.

Enjoying the view of gentle waves at this popular beach will be a lot easier if you are carrying heavy bags with you. If you want to bring a beach towel, umbrella, cooler, or other items, it's a good idea to leave the heavy suitcases behind. That's why Bounce partners with local businesses to make sure you can leave your bags in Tokyo and pick them up when you're ready.

Shirahama Beach

Shirahama Beach is located on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, about 2-2.5 hours from Tokyo. The easiest way to get here is by taking a train from Tokyo Station to Tateyama Station, which takes about 90 minutes. From Tateyama, you can catch a local bus or taxi, and the ride to Shirahama Beach will take another 20-30 minutes. Driving from Tokyo is also doable, with scenic coastal routes making for a pleasant road trip.

Shirahama Beach is famous for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches near Tokyo. Unlike the city beaches, Shirahama offers a more tranquil, natural beach experience. The beach stretches out for a considerable distance, providing plenty of space for sunbathing, sports like beach volleyball and stand-up paddle boarding, or just relaxing by the water. The waves here are gentle, making it great for swimming or beginner surfers. The beach’s location on the Pacific Ocean also makes it ideal for catching stunning sunrises, and its wide-open space gives a sense of escape from the city.

Shirahama Beach is perfect for those who want a peaceful day by the ocean, but there’s more to explore if you’re up for adventure. Nearby, you can explore the dramatic cliffs and caves of Nojimazaki Cape, home to a historic lighthouse. There are also local seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from the Pacific, giving you the chance to try some of the best sushi and seafood dishes in the area.

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Onjuku Beach

Onjuku Beach is located on the eastern coast of Chiba Prefecture, about 90 minutes to 2 hours from central Tokyo. The best way to get here is by taking the JR Wakashio limited express train from Tokyo Station to Onjuku Station, which takes around 80 minutes. From the station, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the beach, making it a convenient getaway from the city. For drivers, the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with parking available nearby.

Onjuku Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach known for its soft white sand and clear, blue waters. The beach is perfect for families and casual beachgoers, as the waves are relatively calm, so it's great for swimming and wading. One of the beach’s most charming features is the iconic statue of a camel and two riders - a nod to the old Japanese folk song "Tsuki no Sabaku" (Desert Under the Moon), which adds a unique cultural touch to your visit. Onjuku Beach is also a popular spot for surfing, especially for beginners, as the waves are gentle and consistent.

Onjuku Beach offers more than just sunbathing and swimming. There are surf schools and rental shops if you want to try your hand at surfing. The beach also hosts a range of seasonal events, such as beach festivals and fireworks displays during the summer.

Nearby, you can visit the Katsuura Underwater Park, which offers a glimpse into the local marine life through its observation tunnel. For history buffs, the Mexico Memorial commemorates a shipwreck in 1609 involving a Spanish galleon and the diplomatic relationship between Japan and Mexico. After a day at the beach, you can explore the town of Onjuku, where you’ll find local seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from the Pacific, especially their famous lobster dishes.

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Kujukuri Beach

Kujukuri Beach is located along the eastern coast of Chiba Prefecture, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Tokyo by car or public transportation. The easiest way to get here is by taking a train from Tokyo Station to Mobara Station, which takes about an hour. From Mobara, you can take a local bus or taxi to the beach, which adds another 20-30 minutes to your travel time. If you're driving, Kujukuri Beach offers ample parking, and the coastal drive provides beautiful views.

Stretching for 60 kilometers, Kujukuri Beach is one of Japan’s longest and most expansive beaches. This makes it a popular destination for those looking to escape the crowded beaches closer to Tokyo. The beach is known for its flat, wide sandy shore and consistent waves, making it a prime spot for surfing and other water sports. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, Kujukuri’s waves are ideal year-round.

What really sets Kujukuri apart from other beaches is its unspoiled, natural beauty. The absence of high-rise buildings and commercial development along the shoreline offers a more relaxed, open feel where visitors can enjoy the ocean views without distraction.

Besides surfing, Kujukuri Beach is a great spot for swimming, beachcombing, and fishing. The beach is long enough that you can find quiet spots to relax or enjoy activities like beach volleyball and soccer. There are also several surf schools and rental shops for those interested in learning or improving their surfing skills.

Nearby, you can visit the Kujukuri Ocean Tower for panoramic views of the coastline or explore local seafood markets, where you can try fresh local delicacies like grilled squid or sashimi. The nearby fishing villages offer a taste of traditional Japanese coastal life, perfect for those interested in cultural experiences.

Dragging a surfboard around with you is not the ideal way to enjoy the traditional fishing villages in this part of Japan. If you've just been surfing, standup paddleboarding, or doing other water activities, you'll be glad to know that Bounce partners can store any size of items for as long as you need.

Along with these memorable beaches, there are many other great locations near Tokyo to enjoy beach day, including Isshiki Beach, Oarai Beach, Moriya Beach, and Zushi Beach. Leave the bags behind with Bounce and make the most of all these great locations.