15 Best Japanese Beaches for Perfect Sunsets and Savoring Local Cuisine

Japan is a country made up of over 6,800 islands, known for its rich culture, modern technology, and stunning natural beauty. While many people visit Japan for its cities, temples, and festivals, the country’s beaches are just as amazing. 

These beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and watching breathtaking sunsets. Plus, Japan’s coastal areas are famous for their fresh seafood and unique local dishes.

Here is a list of the 15 best Japanese beaches where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and tasty local dishes. 

1. Yonaha Maehama Beach (Okinawa)

Scenery of Yonaha Maehama Beach in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture

Yonaha Maehama Beach is on Miyako Island, famous for its soft white sand and clear blue water. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan. As the sun sets, the sky turns into warm shades of orange and pink, making the view truly magical.

Yonaha Maehama Beach is also great for swimming and water sports. The waves are calm, making it safe for all visitors. You can take a walk along the shore, feel the soft sand under your feet, or even try paddleboarding.

After watching the sunset, you can visit a local restaurant to try Yaeyama soba. This dish has thick noodles in a tasty broth made from pork and bonito fish. It is often served with sliced pork, green onions, and pickled ginger.

2. Sunset Beach (Okinawa)

Sunset Beach is in Chatan, Okinawa, and is loved by both locals and tourists. The beach gets its name from its gorgeous sunsets, where the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple. The calm sea reflects these colors, creating a peaceful and stunning view. The soft sand and gentle waves make it a great place for walking or swimming.

Visitors can also enjoy fun activities like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. If you just want to relax, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can sit and watch the sunset while sipping a cold drink.

After the sun goes down, don't miss trying taco rice, a popular Okinawan dish. It is a tasty mix of seasoned taco meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa served on rice. This unique dish combines Japanese and Mexican flavors, making it a must-try when visiting Okinawa.

3. Zushi Beach (Kanagawa)

Sunset from Zushi Beach, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Zushi Beach is close to Tokyo, making it a great spot for a short trip. The best part of this beach is the amazing view of Mt. Fuji, especially at sunset. As the sun goes down behind the mountain, the sky turns into a mix of gold, pink, and orange, creating a stunning scene.

This beach has gentle waves and shallow water, making it safe for families and beginner swimmers. You can also enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, or just take a relaxing walk along the sandy shore.

After watching the sunset, be sure to try shirasu-don, a delicious rice bowl with fresh whitebait. This dish is a specialty in Kanagawa Prefecture and is best eaten with a little soy sauce and a bowl of miso soup. 

4. Shirahama Beach (Wakayama)

Shirahama Beach in Japan

Shirahama Beach in Wakayama Prefecture is one of the most famous beaches in Japan. It is known for its soft white sand and clear blue water, which make it a perfect place to relax and swim. The beach has a tropical feel and is great for both families and solo travelers.

One of the best sights near the beach is Engetsu Island, a small rocky island with a hole in the middle. During sunset, the sun lines up perfectly with the hole, creating an amazing view. Many visitors come here just to take photos of this beautiful natural scene.

After spending time at the beach, be sure to try Wakayama ramen, a local specialty. This ramen has a rich, flavorful broth made from pork bone (tonkotsu) and soy sauce (shoyu). It is served with tender slices of pork, green onions, and a boiled egg, making it a tasty and filling meal.

5. Kujukuri Beach (Chiba)

Sunrise at Kujukuri Beach, Chiba, Japan

Kujukuri Beach is one of the longest beaches in Japan, stretching 60 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean. It is a great place for surfing, walking, and relaxing. The waves here are steady, making it a popular spot for surfers.

One of the best things about this beach is the amazing sunset. As the sun sets, the sky turns shades of red, orange, and purple, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene. Many people visit just to watch this stunning view.

Another highlight of the area is Ise-ebi, a Japanese spiny lobster. This seafood is known for its sweet and rich flavor and is often served as sashimi, grilled, or in miso soup. Many local restaurants near the beach offer fresh Ise-ebi dishes, making it a great place to enjoy delicious seafood after a relaxing day by the ocean.

6. Nagata Inakahama Beach (Yakushima)

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Nagata Inakahama Beach is on Yakushima Island and is known for its soft golden sand and clear waters. It is also an important nesting site for sea turtles. From May to July, visitors may see sea turtles laying eggs on the shore.

The sunsets here are stunning, with the sky turning shades of orange, pink, and purple. The area is quiet and untouched, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

A local specialty to try is flying fish sashimi. This dish features fresh, light fish served raw with soy sauce and wasabi. It is often enjoyed with local sake, giving visitors a true taste of Yakushima.

7. Jodogahama Beach (Iwate)

Iwate Sanriku, a view of Jodogahama beach

Jodogahama Beach, meaning “Pure Land Beach”, is famous for its white limestone cliffs, clear water, and smooth pebbles. It is located on the Sanriku Coast in Iwate Prefecture. The calm waters make it a good place for swimming, boat tours, and kayaking.

At sunset, the golden light reflects on the rock formations, making the sea look like a mirror. This creates a stunning and peaceful view.

After enjoying the sunset, try Iwate seafood hotpot. This dish has fresh crab, scallops, and clams cooked in a rich broth with vegetables and tofu. It is a warm and tasty meal, perfect after a relaxing day at the beach.

8. Nishihama Beach (Okinawa)

beautiful nishihama beach in hateruma island

Nishihama Beach is on Hateruma Island, Japan’s southernmost inhabited island. It is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa. The quiet and remote location makes it perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.

The sunset here is stunning, with the sky turning shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun disappears into the horizon. With no crowds or tall buildings, visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the ocean and sky.

A popular local dish to try is goya champuru, a stir-fry made with bitter melon, tofu, egg, and pork. It is a well-known Okinawan dish with a slightly bitter but delicious flavor. Many restaurants on the island serve this dish, often paired with a bowl of rice and miso soup for a complete meal.

9. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Ishikawa)

chirihama nagisa driveway - hakui - ishikawa

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a rare beach where you can drive right on the sand. The packed shoreline makes it possible to cruise along the coast, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and open views of the ocean. This makes it a great place to watch the sunset while driving or parked by the shore. The view of the sun setting over the water is breathtaking and peaceful.

After taking in the scenery, try nodoguro, a delicious fish from the Sea of Japan. It is often grilled or served as sashimi, known for its rich, fatty flavor. Many seafood restaurants near the beach prepare it fresh, making it a must-try dish when visiting the area.

10. Kashiwajima Beach (Kochi)

This place is Kashiwajima Island.Otsuki,Kochi,Japan

Kashiwajima Beach in Kochi Prefecture is known for its clear blue waters and great snorkeling spots. The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and coral reefs, making it perfect for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. The calm and clean water lets visitors see many colorful fish and other marine life.

At sunset, the sky turns orange, pink, and purple, reflecting on the ocean and creating a peaceful scene. The quiet surroundings make it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

A popular local dish is katsuo tataki, a special way of preparing bonito fish. The fish is lightly grilled on the outside but raw on the inside, giving it a fresh taste. It is served with ponzu sauce, garlic, and green onions. Many visitors enjoy this dish with local sake for a complete meal.

11. Kume Island Beaches (Okinawa)

Aerial view of the deserted beach on the tropical island with vast coral reef and clear blue sea, Kume Island, Okinawa, Japan

Kume Island has peaceful beaches with soft white sand and blue waters. One of the most famous spots is Hatenohama Beach, a long sandbar surrounded by a clear turquoise ocean. The area is great for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The sunset here is stunning, with the sky turning shades of orange and pink over the water.

A must-try dish on Kume Island is Kume soba, a special type of noodle soup. The noodles are firm and chewy, made from wheat instead of buckwheat. The broth is light but full of flavor, often served with pork slices, green onions, and fish cake. This simple but tasty dish is a favorite among visitors.

12. Aoshima Beach (Miyazaki)

Aoshima island shrine Miyazaki Japan

Aoshima Beach is known for its “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations, which are long, flat ridges shaped by the waves. These natural patterns make the beach a unique and beautiful place to visit. The calm, shallow waters are great for swimming and walking along the shore.

At sunset, the sky turns bright orange, pink, and purple, creating a breathtaking view. The sunlight reflects off the rock formations, making the scenery even more special.

A popular local dish to try is Chicken Nanban, a Miyazaki specialty. It is fried chicken covered in a sweet and sour sauce, then topped with tartar sauce. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

13. Sakurai Futamigaura Beach (Fukuoka)

Itoshima Beach of Fukuoka famous for its white Shinto torii gate in front of the Couple Rocks called Sakurai Futamigaura's Meoto Iwa

Sakurai Futamigaura Beach in Fukuoka is famous for its Meoto Iwa (wedded rocks), two large stones connected by a sacred rope, symbolizing marriage and unity. Near the rocks, a red torii gate stands, creating a stunning view where the sun sets between the rocks and the gate. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a popular spot for both tourists and photographers.

This beach is also a great place for walking along the shore, enjoying the ocean breeze, and taking in the relaxing coastal views. The calm waves and clear waters add to its charm, making it a perfect place to watch the sunset.

After visiting the beach, try Hakata ramen, a famous dish from Fukuoka. This ramen has a rich and creamy pork bone broth, served with thin noodles, slices of tender pork, green onions, and pickled ginger. It’s a must-try dish for anyone visiting the area.

14. Tomari Beach (Tokunoshima)

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Tomari Beach is on Tokunoshima Island, known for its soft sand, clear water, and peaceful surroundings. It is a great place to take a walk, swim, or just relax by the shore. There are no big crowds, making it a quiet escape.

The sunset at Tomari Beach is stunning. The sky changes to soft orange, pink, and purple colors over the calm sea. The peaceful setting makes it a great place to enjoy nature.

A popular local dish is Amami-style chicken rice. This meal includes shredded chicken, egg, seaweed, and pickles over rice, with hot broth poured on top. It is a simple yet tasty dish that represents the flavors of the Amami region.

15. Kujira Beach (Shimane)

Kujira Beach in Shimane Prefecture is known for its rocky cliffs and powerful ocean waves. The high cliffs and rough waters make it a dramatic and unique place to watch the sunset over the sea. The strong waves crashing against the rocks create a wild and untouched landscape.

This beach is great for taking photos, enjoying quiet walks, and experiencing nature. Since it is in a remote area, it is peaceful and never too crowded, making it a perfect escape from busy cities.

A must-try local dish is Izumo soba, a special type of buckwheat noodle from Shimane. Unlike regular soba, Izumo soba is darker in color and has a stronger, nuttier taste. It is served in a flavorful dipping sauce with green onions, grated daikon radish, and dried seaweed, giving it a rich and delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

Japan’s beaches are a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and delicious food. From the white sands of Shirahama Beach to the unique Tottori Sand Dunes, each beach offers something special. Whether you’re watching a stunning sunset or enjoying fresh seafood, these beaches are ideal for relaxation and adventure.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the 15 best Japanese beaches for perfect sunsets and savor local cuisine.