Beaches near Tokyo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See more beaches on the Izu Peninsula...

Boso Peninsula

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.

See more beaches on the Boso Peninsula...

Ibaraki

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.

See more beaches in Ibaraki...