Tokyo offers a few beaches along its coast, but the water quality in the city is rather low, although it has been improving steadily over recent decades. Many more beaches are located within a 1-2 hour train ride in nearby Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures and on the Izu Peninsula.
The beaches around Tokyo allow for sunbathing and swimming, and many are also good for surfing and windsurfing. Unlike the beaches in Okinawa, most beaches around Tokyo are not ideal for snorkeling and diving except for a few on the Izu Peninsula.
Surfers catching a break
The official swimming season at beaches around Tokyo is typically from mid July through August, during which time lifeguards are on duty. Some beaches offer permanent toilet and shower facilities, while temporary beach huts open during the swimming season, providing beachgoers with additional showers, changing rooms, shaded rest areas, food, drinks and beach paraphernalia for rent. Some beaches near urban areas prohibit alcohol consumption, exposed tattoos and noise.
Central Tokyo
There are a handful of sand beaches in the city where people can enjoy sunbathing. However these beaches have some of the country's strictest rules, and swimming is generally prohibited due to the poor water quality in the bay. At some beaches it is okay to wade into the shallow parts of the water, but fully submerging yourself or your face may be prohibited.
Odaiba Beach is an 800 meter long man-made beach located on Odaiba. Sand was brought over from the Izu Islands to create this artificial beach. Swimming in the waters is not allowed, but the beach is popular for sunbathing and beach sports events, and also offers panoramic views of metropolitan Tokyo across the bay. Public toilets and paid showers are available nearby.
Located in Kasai Rinkai Park across the river from Tokyo Disney Resort, this beach has recently started to lift the ban on swimming temporarily during the swimming season when the water quality allows. Public toilets, showers and changing rooms are available nearby. Asides from the beach, the park includes an aquarium, bird sanctuary and Ferris wheel.
Shonan Coast
The Shonan Coast stretches over a few dozen kilometers along the shoreline of Kanagawa Prefecture. Many of the beaches along the Shonan Coast are popular for sunbathing and swimming, while surfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding can also be done at some of them. Being close to the city, the rules at some of the beaches can be fairly strict. Beaches along the coast can usually be reached in 5-20 minute walks from the nearest train station.
20 min walk from Kamakura Station or 5 min walk from Yuigahama Station
Yuigahama and Zaimokuza are two popular swimming beaches that are located beside one another on the coast of Kamakura. During the summer holidays, temporary beach huts and rental shops open along the sand and provide beachgoers with shade, food and drinks. Public facilities include toilets and outdoor showers.
Five minutes on foot from Enoshima or Katase-Enoshima stations
Directly next to Enoshima are two popular swimming beaches which are patrolled by lifeguards during the season. Restaurants and shaded rest houses line the coast, play popular music and offer deck chairs and parasols for rent during the summer holidays.
Kugenuma Beach
About ten minutes on foot from Kugenuma Kaigan Station
Kugenuma Beach is one of the more popular surfing beaches along the Shonan Coast. Volleyball and tennis courts are set up on the beach with equipment laid out for anyone to play. Beach huts, rest houses and rental shops can be found on the smaller swimming side of Kugenuma beach, but not on the surfing side.
Chigasaki Beach
20 minute walk from Chigasaki Station
Chigasaki Beach is about six kilometers long and connects to the above listed Kugenuma Beach. The western end of the beach near central Chigasaki is most popular for sunbathers and swimmers as lifeguards patrol that end, and there are a number of temporary beach huts providing showers, rental equipment, food and shelter.
Miura Peninsula
The Miura Peninsula is a small peninsula south of Yokohama. The more popular beaches on the peninsula are found in the towns of Zushi and Hayama along the western coast which offer views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The rules tend to be strict, especially at Zushi Beach. Most of the beaches on the peninsula are within a short bus ride from a nearby train station.
Zushi Beach
15 minute walk from Zushi Station
Zushi Beach is a popular beach on the northwestern end of the Miura Peninsula. Stretching for about one kilometer, the beach offers swimming and sunbathing around its central and northern parts, while water sports like windsurfing are carried out around the southern end. Temporary beach huts and rental shops line the sand and offer shade, toilets, showers, food and drinks.
Morito Beach
10 minutes by bus from Zushi Station (Morito Kaigan bus stop)
The 350 meter long Morito Beach lies about two kilometers south of Zushi Beach. During the swimming season the beach is lined by temporary beach huts and rental shops, while lifeguards patrol the area. Morito Shrine is located beside the beach, and the shore in front of the shrine offers nice panoramic views.
Isshiki Beach
15 minutes by bus from Zushi Station (Isshiki Kaigan bus stop)
Another kilometer further down the peninsula's western coast is the 650 meter long Isshiki Beach. It has temporary beach huts and rental shops during the swimming season. A short walk away is Chojagasaki Beach, a smaller beach with limited facilities. Swimming at either beach is only allowed in the designated areas, and lifeguards are present during the swimming season.
Izu Peninsula
Located a little further away, the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture offers many of the best beaches near Tokyo, especially around its southern tip. Some of the beaches are even somewhat enjoyable for snorkeling. There are generally fewer rules at the beaches in Izu compared to those closer to Tokyo. Most only prohibit barbecuing and camping.
Atami Sun Beach
Ten minute walk from Atami Station
Atami Sun Beach is an approximately 400 meter long beach in the middle of the city. Rental shops, restaurants and convenience stores are found nearby. The beach can get very crowded during the summer with as many people on the shore as in the water.
Nagahama Beach
10 minute walk from Izutaga Station or 20 minutes by bus from Atami
Nagahama is a 400 meter long beach not far from Atami. Popular for swimming and sunbathing, it is also considerably less crowded compared to Atami Sun Beach. Temporary beach huts, rental shops and food stalls open for business during the swimming season.
The 800 meter long Shirahama Beach is one of the peninsula's most famous and popular beaches. Convenience stores and shops along the main road offer food, drinks and rental equipment. Public toilets can be found along the main road as well.
Kujuppama Beach
20 minutes by bus from Shimoda Station, followed by a short walk along a relatively steep slope to the beach
Kujuppama Beach is a small and slightly hidden beach southeast of Shimoda. Despite its size and location, the beach is fairly popular with swimming and sunbathing visitors. Facilities at the beach include a rental shop, food stand and toilets. Kujuppama Beach is best accessed by car, as bus service is very infrequent.
Hirizo Beach
Two minute ferry ride from Nakagi Port (2000 yen for a round trip)
Hirizo Beach is right by the southern tip of the peninsula and can be reached only by a two minute boat ride. The waters surrounding the small, rocky beach are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The beach gets very crowded during the summer holidays. There are only porta toilets at the beach, while other facilities like rental shops, scant food and drink stores can be found near the boat terminal.
Noribama Beach is located right beside the popular attraction Dogashima in western Izu. The 150 meter long, sandy beach is bordered by Dogashima's dramatic stone formations, offering very scenic views. Beach huts and rental shops line the beach, and there are ample public facilities like toilets nearby.
The western and southern coasts of the Boso Peninsula face the Pacific Ocean and are lined by beaches. The most famous of all is Kujukurihama Coast, an almost 60 kilometer stretch made up of several beaches. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, surfing is very popular at many beaches. Lifeguards patrol the waters and temporary beach huts and rental shops offer additional facilities during the summer.
Katakai Beach
20 minutes by bus from Togane Station, followed by a five minute walk
Katakai Beach lies in the middle of the Kujukurihama Coast and is one of the most visited beaches in the area. Surfing is very popular here in addition to swimming and body boarding. Numerous beach huts and rental shops line the shore, and public facilities include toilets and outdoor showers. One of the food specialties at Katakai is grilled hamaguri clam which is sold at almost all beach huts.
Onjuku Beach
Seven minute walk from Onjuku Station
Onjuku Beach is a popular, crescent-shaped beach located in Onjuku. Swimming, body boarding and surfing are popular activities here. Beach huts and rental shops line the shore and public facilities include toilets and outdoor showers.
Niemonjima Beach
15 minute walk from Futomi Station, the a short ferry ride to the island (1350 yen for a round trip)
Niemonjima Island is made up of one large island and a number of smaller rock outcrops in the sea. The ferry crossing takes less than five minutes, and there is a single store on the island that serves as both a restaurant and rental shop. Swimming and snorkeling are popular in the small eddies and waters around the island. There is a walking course around the island which can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Note that there are no lifeguards on the island.
Ibaraki Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean and offers several very spacious beaches with wide and shallow shores that can easily accommodate a lot of people without feeling overcrowded. Body boarding, swimming and sunbathing are popular activities. Lifeguards patrol the waters and temporary beach huts and rental shops offer additional facilities during the summer.
Oarai Sun Beach
20 minute walk or five minute bus ride from Oarai Station
Oarai Sun Beach is one of the biggest beaches (if not the biggest) in Ibaraki Prefecture. The massive beach has shallow waters that stretch for a long distance, and there are many beach huts and rental shops offering warm showers, food and beach equipment. Free toilets and outdoor showers are also available. The beach is close to the Resort Outlets Oarai, an outlet shopping mall with restaurants.
Hasaki Beach
Ten minutes by bus from Choshi Station, followed by a five minute walk
Hasaki Beach is the southernmost beach in Ibaraki Prefecture. The large and wide beach has shallow waters that stretch for a long distance. Surfing and body boarding are popular activities in addition to swimming and sunbathing. Beach huts and rental shops offer food and beach equipment, and public facilities include toilets and outdoor showers. Parking is free at Hasaki Beach.
Located in Tokyo, near Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden, Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument and Honryuji Temple, TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa features free WiFi. Every unit features a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a TV and a fridge. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony. Popular points of interest near the apartment include Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine, Sanyabori Park and Imado Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa.
Set in the Ota Ward district in Tokyo, 5 km from Tokyo International Airport Terminal No2 Observation Deck, HISAYO'S INN features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has air conditioning and a safety deposit box. A shared kitchen comes with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Bathrooms are shared and include free toiletries, towels, hairdryer, mouthwash and toothpaste. You will find a washing machine, tumble dryer and electrical adapter. Guests can try Japanese traditional haori jacket and have their photos taken free of charge. Rental bikes are available, and the staff can assist guests try on a yukata robe for female at a fee. Free luggage storage service is offered. Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is 8 km from HISAYO'S INN, while Fuji TV Odaiba is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 3 km from HISAYO'S INN.
Featuring 2-star accommodation, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated in Tokyo, 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park and 1.5 km from Gyosen Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. ? la carte and continental breakfast options are available daily at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe. Ukita Park is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe.
Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
Featuring 2-star accommodation, Backpacker's Mini House is located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Bellesalle Kanda and 600 metres from Nikkei Hall. The 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 3.4 km from the city centre and 400 metres from Kanda Children's Park. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Tokiwa Park, Kotoku Inari Shrine and Taira no Masakado's Grave. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 19 km from Backpacker's Mini House.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, The Barn Tokyo is situated in Tokyo, 400 metres from Calligraphy Museum and 500 metres from Nippori South Park. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is set 400 metres from Shikian. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At The Barn Tokyo all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kanei-ji Temple, Kanei-ji Temple Kompon Chudo and Kemmyo-in Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from The Barn Tokyo.
Situated right in the heart of Marunouchi business district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is 5-star luxury accommodation boasting 7 restaurants, a spa and a free-access fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. It is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and an 8-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is provided in the entire area. Offering elegant and chic ambience, each spacious room comes with a large LCD TV, a blu-ray/DVD player and a safety box. A fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a small TV, a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at Tokyo Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness gym, or receive rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Evian Spa Tokyo. The concierge desk can arrange various services for guests including mobile phone rentals. Tablet rentals, copy and fax services are available for an extra charge upon request at the front desk or club lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Wadakura restaurant, Tatsumi tempura restaurant and Kanesaka sushi restaurant. Esterre offers exquisite French cuisine and the city views, while Grand Kitchen serves international dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute train ride from Akihabara electric town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market can be reached within a 10-minute taxi ride. Airport limousine buses are available to/from Narita and Haneda airports at an extra charge.
Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests staying in Heritage Wing can enjoy free access to the Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The Okura Tokyo also provides a business centre and guests can check the newspapers or use the on-site ATM machine at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located just a 5-minute train ride from Haneda Airport, 328 Hostel & Lounge offers cosy accommodation fitted with free WiFi and a shared kitchen. Anamori Inari Train Station is a 5-minute walk away. The hostel offers modern dormitory rooms with air conditioning. Shared bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Guests at the 328 Hostel can unwind at the common lounge, or prepare their own meals at the kitchen. The hotel is a 15-minute train ride from Shinagawa Train Station.
Situated a minutesf walk away from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station of the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Marunouchi Line, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho boasts free WiFi throughout the entire property. There is a sake bar, a sushi restaurant and a teppanyaki restaurant on site, as well as a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is directly linked to Nagatacho Station of the Nanboku Line. It is a 10-minute drive from Tokyo Station, and a 30-minute drive from Haneda Airport. Narita International Airport is a 100-minute drive away. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features a spa and wellness centre and a sauna facility, and the front desk offers currency exchange. Laundry services are offered at an extra cost. All rooms are air-conditioned/heated and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms come with a desk, minibar, electric kettle, a coffee machine, personal locker and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bathtub and shower. Hairdryers, free toiletries, slippers and bathrobes provided. Guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine on site, and there are several restaurants within a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
