When the sun is out, and the mercury at an all-time high, the last place you want to be is stuck in the furnace that is the concrete streets of Tokyo. If you're looking for somewhere to cool off, there are plenty of beach towns just a short train ride from the city center. Time to pack your swimming costumes, and beach towels and embrace the Japanese summer!
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The Beaches of Enoshima
![The Beaches of Enoshima]()
The Beaches of Enoshima
If you want to experience a quick summer weekend escape like the Tokyo locals do it, then head straight to Enoshima. This laid back beach hub is just over an hour from Tokyo and about 40 minutes from Yokohama by train, making it one of the easiest places to escape to. But be warned, in peak season it’s incredibly popular. The area is home to many family-friendly and party-loving beaches, but Katase Beach, is the best for paddling, while Nishihama Beach located right nearby is the unofficial home of Enoshima watersports. If you’re looking for a little extra adventure, you can easily combine a visit to Enoshima with a morning trip to the historic town of Kamakura, which is just a 35-minute ride on the scenic coastal Enoshima Dentetsu Line.
Kotoku-in Temple & Enoshima One Day Tour from Tokyo
¥7,229
Update date：2024/04/24
173 ON THE ISLAND enoshima private villa 江の島仲見世通り徒歩3分にある1日1組限定の貸切別荘
Enoshima 1-7-3 Kamakura
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Hayama’s Isshiki and Morito Beach
![Hayama’s Isshiki and Morito Beach]()
Hayama’s Isshiki and Morito Beach
Take a 65-kilometer journey from Tokyo down the Shonan coast, and you’ll come to Hayama, a cruisy seaside town, that’s still a bit of a local’s secret. Popular in summer with Tokyoites and Yokohama folk, its off-the-well-worn-train-track location means that it doesn’t see quite as many tourists as the other beaches near Tokyo, but it is still accessible by bus. The area has two main beach sites, Isshiki Beach and Morito Beach, and a visit to each can fit into one day. We recommend starting the day exploring the rugged rock formations of Morito Beach, which are home to the weathered, but no less iconic torii gates. Then when you’re ready to relax head on over to Isshiki Beach to unwind, soak in the sun for a bit, then enjoy a drink or two under the shade of the summer-only pop-up beach huts.
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03
The Beaches Around Minami Izu
![The Beaches Around Minami Izu]()
The Beaches Around Minami Izu
A long-time popular destination for Tokyo locals and a growing tourist destination, the beaches of Izu Peninsula are worlds away from the inner-city concrete jungles. What makes this such an appealing summer destination is the sheer variety and beauty of the beaches on offer. If you’re the adventurous type, try visiting Hirizo Beach, which is accessible only by boat, or Kujuppama a mysterious bay disguised by tall rocky cliffs covered in the untamed foliage. If you’re after something a little easier, there’s always the spacious Yumigahama Beach, the most popular in the area.
- Kujuppama Beach
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- Shizuoka Pref. Shimodashi Suzaki
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- 0558221531
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- [Umibiraki] Mid-July.-Late A…
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SUP in Onjuku
![SUP in Onjuku]()
SUP in Onjuku
If you like your summer beach adventures with a little-added adrenaline, then consider making the short trip to Chiba, the beach town that’s popular with the surf-obsessed city people. Located around an hour and a half to two hours from Tokyo by train, this long, south-facing beach boasts consistent waves perfect for those trying their hand at mastering the art of the longboard. It’s a great place for first timers too and is home to Flying Sumo Surf Co. a surf school, board rental shop (including SUP), which is also a cafe.
- Onjuku Beach
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- Ogun-machi, Iizumi-gun, Chiba Prefecture
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- 0470682513
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- [Lifeguard resident hours] 8…
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Surfing in Oshima & Niijima
![Surfing in Oshima & Niijima]()
Surfing in Oshima & Niijima
Wide sandy bays, clear blue water, and larger than average waves, Niijima is arguably one of the best surfing spots in the country. Technically located within the Tokyo Metropolis, this tropical hideaway is a little further than most from the big city but well worth the journey. Another nearby option is Oshima, a stunning neighboring volcanic island that feels entire worlds away from Tokyo. Both of the sites are accessible from the city via air or boat, so they're probably best reserved for those with a little extra time up their sleeves. If you decide to take the more scenic route and travel by sea, the regular ferry will get you from Takeshiba pier in about six hours for Oshima and eight for Niijima, while high-speed ferry will get you there in two to three hours.
- Izu Oshima
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- Tokyo Oshimamachi
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- 0499222177
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