As the summer heat rises it’s tempting to retire to your air conditioned room with your neck tie fan on full blast. However, with Japan being as island nation we are completely surrounded by the sea, and thus, beaches. So get out from that darkened room and head for the coast.
Beaches in Tokyo Japan
Beaches in Japan may seem like something of an alien experience on first encounter. For a start, very few people actually make it into the water, not matter how inviting it is. The water is predominantly reserved for children and flirting students. Those who do make it into the water generally find it shallow – particularly at the manmade beaches – which makes preponderance of floating devices rather confusing.
The majority of people prefer to stay on the shore under parasols or tents that are rented or brought from home (sunbathing is unusual) while for the more energetic there are often rigorous games such as volleyball. Most beaches have small restaurants or huts selling foods, snacks and drinks (it is usually accepted to drink alcohol on Japanese beaches), and some places even have barbecue sections where you can grill your food. There is usually a lifeguard on duty and a beach house (umi no ie) at which you can shower and change. Some even have lockers in which you can leave your valuables.
Enoshima and Kamakura beaches
The beaches of Kamakura are extremely popular in the summer months for visitors from both Tokyo and Yokohama. As we as the sea and sand, the 4km island of Enoshima, a short train journey west (or even a beautiful coastal bike ride should you wish to rent bicycles) is a pleasantly touristy distraction with Enoshima Shrine, caves and a nearby aquarium. Try the local shirasu fish delicacy.
Getting there : From Tokyo take the JR Tokaido line to Ofuna and change to the JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura in under an hour.
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Hayama-Isshiki beach
A holiday destination for Japan’s Imperial family since 1984, Hayama-Isshiki beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Japan thanks to its high quality sand and the fact that it is less crowded than some of the other popular beaches. If you aren’t a fan of sand there are lawns on which to loll, and if you want to get a bit sporty then body boarding, windsurfing and jet skiing are all allowed.
Getting there: JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Zushi station and change onto a Keikyu Bus number 12 (located to the left outside the ticket gates) bound for Hayama. Alight at Isshiki Kaigan. One hour 30 minutes.
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Onjuku beach
The white semi-circle flat sandy beach of Onjuku on the Boso peninsula is considered so beautiful that it has inspired a children’s song, a fact represented by statues of camels carrying a prince and princess on their backs. Partially due to its fame Onjuku is a particularly popular beach, especially amongst young adults who come to meet, surf, ride banana boats and party with each other throughout the summer.
Getting there: Take the Wakashio Line from Tokyo JR station towards Awakamogawa and it is less than 90 minutes on a direct line to Onjuku.
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To continue reading a full story, please click Beaches Around Tokyo.
*This article is brought to you by Mark Guthrie from Japn Info Swap.
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