While many of Japan’s most famous beaches lie on the remote islands of Okinawa, metropolises like Tokyo are also surrounded by gorgeous beaches with clear waters, abundant nature, and super-convenient transport facilities. Many of these stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world’s best, and you can reach them all in less than two hours from any of Tokyo’s major stations!
This article will present a selection of beaches that are not only beautiful, but have also been ranked the highest level of AA for water purity* by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. Each is also chock full of exciting spots worth checking out, so you can beat the heat, enjoy the views, and save time and money on transport at any of these Tokyo paradises!
*As per the “Sea Bathing Area (Before Opening) Water Quality Examination” released in July 2019.
*Due to COVID-19, a number of beaches have been closed, including some that were initially scheduled to open. Confirm details at the relevant municipality’s homepage.
1. Isshiki Beach: One of the World’s Top 100 Beaches! (Kanagawa)
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Being just one hour away from Tokyo, Isshiki Beach in Zushi, Kanagawa, is the closest beach to the big city on this list.
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Alongside Nishibama Beach on Aka Island, Okinawa, Isshiki Beach was one of two Japanese beaches selected for CNN’s 100 Best Beaches Around the World (ranked 65). In addition, due to its exceptional water quality, scenery, safety, and convenience, it was also chosen as one of Japan’s Top 88 Swimming Beaches.
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Despite being frequented by crowds of families and couples, Isshiki Beach remains spacious enough to enjoy a touch of privacy.
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The water quality is the epitome of purity. Best of all, on clear days, you can even spot Mt. Fuji in the background!
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In addition to the incredible mountainous scenery, the Hayama Imperial Villa, the vacation home of the Japanese Imperial Family, is also nearby. Witnessing the mountains and ocean surrounded by peace and history is undoubtedly a charm unique to Isshiki Beach.
Isshiki Beach
Isshiki, Hayama, Miura District, Kanagawa 240-0111
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yokosuka Line until Zushi Station (approx. 70 mins). From the front of the station, board the bus labeled “Kaigan Mawari” and get off at “Isshiki Kaigan” (approx. 16 mins).
Alternatively, take the Keikyu Line from Shinagawa Station and get off at Zushi･Hayama Station (approx. 60 mins). From in front of the station, take the bus heading to “Hayama” and disembark at “Isshiki Kaigan.”
*From March 2020, Shinzushi Station was renamed Zushi･Hayama Station
Recommended vacation rentals nearby
GLOCE 葉山 ゲストハウス l HAYAMA Guest House with PET Allowed
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Zushi･HayamaMinato-no Akari
Hayama cho Horiuchi 1067, Hayama, Kanagawa
Zushi･Hayama
2. Sarushima: The Only Uninhabited Island in Tokyo Bay! (Kanagawa)
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A part of Yokosuka City, Sarushima is the largest natural island in Tokyo Bay. Boasting an abundance of untouched nature, the island has its own unique ecosystem of rare plants and animals, making it a precious gem sheltered from the surrounding urbanization. It is also encompassed by magnificent transparent water, making it a swimmer’s paradise!
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As Sarushima was formerly employed as a battle fort, the remnants of ammunition dumps, artillery batteries, and brick tunnels have become a significant historical landmark d…
