Alternatives to the Beach in Japan

Whether you’re heading for the highlights of Honshu, travelling Beyond the Golden Route, or venturing further to sleepy Shikoku, scenic Kyushu, or the (relative) wilds of Hokkaido, one question often comes up - where can you enjoy a few days of beach-style relaxation in Japan?

Although it feels like there should be plenty of options (Japan is a country of islands after all, and Okinawa is a proper beach paradise in its own right!), years of experience have taught us that, for many reasons, the Japan-plus-beach equation means thinking a little creatively. So, how do you add that beach-chill energy into your Japan trip without too much actual, er, beach?

At Selective Asia we relish a challenge! Here are some of our favourite ways to get a little bit of relaxation time, Japan style.

Sub-tropical sunshine

So, firstly, as mentioned above, Japan does have some beaches: the entire sub-tropical archipelago of Okinawa, for a start! This region is a bit less well-known outside of Japan, mainly because it’s geographically closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo. However, these beautiful islands are just a short flight away, and have all the ingredients for an ideal beach stay: golden sand, azure seas, abundant marine life, and their own distinctive culture and foodie delights.

So why would anyone not go to Okinawa? It’s pretty far from the rest of the country, more than just a ‘hop’, so it means putting aside a bit more time and budget to fit it in, and there are certain times of year when the weather just isn’t suitable. There are plenty of large, comfy hotels, but fewer high-end boutique properties, and they’re not necessarily set up according to traditional sunbathing, swimming and toes-in-the-sand unwinding.

However, if you fancy experiencing Japan’s take on beach-life, or if diving is your passion, then Okinawa has a lot to offer. Spend a few relaxing days on the beach-centric island of Ishigaki, or take a ferry to the memorable shores of Miyako Island, and feel a million miles away from the city rush.

Cultural coastline

But how about Japan’s main islands? Very few areas are set up for a traditional beach holiday, but there are several options for a relaxing night or two by the coast.

A short train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura presents a great mixture of history, culture, and easy access to a handful of beaches via the retro carriages of Enoden railway. Take advantage of the quieter mornings and laid-back evenings to visit the dark-sand beaches, several of which boast views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Swim, surf, enjoy seaside snacks, and explore the town and temples.

The small town of Amanohashidate, on Honshu’s northern coast, is best known for its pine-backed, beach-fringed sandbar, spanning the mouth of Miyazu Bay. It's a lovely area to breathe in a little sea air and take everything at a slower pace. Visit the nearby fishing village of Ine, take a chairlift to the lofty viewpoint, walk or cycle along the sandbar, and take a dip in the clear waters during swimming season.

For stunning coastline with a touch of spirituality, head for the Ise-Shima peninsula in Japan’s southern Mie prefecture, home to one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines, the famous Ama pearl divers, and some of the best seafood in the country. Rest your head for a few nights on a futon in a simple ryokan, or sample the ultra-luxe serenity of the Amanemu.

Idyllic islands

Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a modern art aficionado, the island of Naoshima, set amidst the serenity of the Seto Inland Sea, is a quirky place to lose yourself for a day or so. A blend of natural beauty and contemporary creativity, this island art gallery was a vision spearheaded by the Benesse Corporation to offer a different means of art appreciation, whilst rejuvenating the island itself. Explore the cutting edge museums, quirky architecture, and many large and small scale installations at a relaxed pace.

Perhaps best known for its imposing red torii gate, which seems to float on the placid waters at high tide, the small island of Miyajima, just offshore from Hiroshima, is a location that makes it into Japan’s charts of iconic views. Known as ‘Shrine Island’, Miyajima is calm and traditional, perfect for gentle strolls along the walking trails taking in shrines, parks and forested hills. Once the day trippers from Hiroshima have departed back across the sea, an overnight stay can offer a very different, more tranquil perspective.

Yutori time…

Japan has its own take on the popular travel trend of ‘keeping it slow’ - yutori. This is the conscious act of slowing down to appreciate the world around you, enjoy nature, and create space for reflection and inner peace. You can add a little yutori to your Japan itinerary in many places, just by stepping aside from the frantic pace, and sometimes just adding an extra night somewhere, before you hop on the shinkansen again, can make all the difference.

Meditation and contemplation are par for the course when walking the Kumano Kodo, one of the ancient trails of Japan, and many such wanders bring you to Kii-Katsurura, where the pilgrimage routes meet the sea. Spend an extra day in the area to unwind and sooth tired muscles in hot springs, perhaps on Nakanoshima, a small island at the entrance to Katsuura Bay, where the forested scenery and craggy shores overlook endless Pacific horizons.

Sublime hot springs

If you want to immerse yourself (quite literally!) in relaxation, the mixture of nature, traditional culture and blissful mineral baths in Japan’s many onsen resorts might be just the ticket. Depending on your feelings about the onsen experience, relax in private baths, or dive into the local ritual of onsen-hopping, yukata-clad, between a number of public hot spring baths in a resort town.

Japan has many onsen towns, and your specialist will recommend those that fit best into your trip. A perennial favourite is Kinosaki Onsen, conveniently located close to the coastline, so it's not far to go for a few ocean views and scenic seaside strolls if you’re keen!

Bathe your eyes in beauty

Although requiring a little more time and persistence to reach than the sprawling cities, Japan has ample mountains, volcanoes, forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls to explore and pause for a day or two.

Stroll or hike through Kamikochi National Park in the Japanese Alps, where spring greenery and autumn splendor is framed by mountain backdrops and reflected in glassy streams. Drink in the ancient forested landscapes of Yakushima with the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku forest bathing, taking time to be calm and quiet amidst the trees, breathing in the forest air and soaking up the natural environment.

Consider a combination

If a bit of true-blue beach time is a priority, you can always combine Japan with other destinations for contrast and a different pace. Fly from Tokyo central Vietnam and find a scratch of soft sands, consider Indonesia’s less-known beaches on Lombok, or connect to myriad other coastal combinations. Asia is, as always, your oyster.

Get in touch with our specialists to plan your Japan trip with added relaxation time…

by Anna on 22nd January 2026