10 Beautiful Hidden Coastal Places in Japan You Should Visit

10 Beautiful Hidden Coastal Places in Japan You Should Visit

Japan’s coastline offers a completely different side of the country from the neon streets of Tokyo and the famous temples of Kyoto.
Beyond the best-known destinations, you can find quiet fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, seaside shrines, clear blue coves, and remote islands where life still moves at a slower pace.
If you are looking for beautiful coastal scenery and a quieter side of Japan, here are 10 places worth adding to your trip.

1. Ine Fishing Village — Kyoto

Hidden along the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Ine is one of Japan’s most distinctive seaside villages.

The town is famous for its traditional funaya, wooden boathouses built directly along the waterfront.

Traditionally, boats are stored on the lower level while the upper level is used as living space.

With mountains rising behind the village and houses lining the calm bay, Ine feels far removed from the busy streets usually associated with Kyoto.

One of the best ways to appreciate the scenery is from the water, either on a sightseeing boat or a smaller sea taxi.

Best for: Traditional Japan, fishing villages, photography

Prefecture: Kyoto

Want to explore Ine and Amanohashidate in one day?
Visit both coastal destinations on a convenient day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

2. Motonosumi Shrine — Yamaguchi

Few places combine Japan’s spiritual and coastal landscapes as dramatically as Motonosumi Shrine.

Located on cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan, the shrine is famous for a long line of 123 vermilion torii gates stretching toward the rugged coastline.

On clear days, the contrast between the red gates, green landscape and deep blue sea creates one of the most striking coastal scenes in western Japan.

Japan TravelBecause public transportation to the shrine is limited, traveling by rental car or taxi is generally the easiest option.

Best for: Shrines, torii gates, ocean views

Prefecture: Yamaguchi

Want to explore Motonosumi Shrine and Akiyoshido Cave in one day?

This day tour from Fukuoka makes it easy to visit both destinations without worrying about transportation.

3. Uradome Coast — Tottori

The Uradome Coast stretches for approximately 15 kilometers along the eastern edge of Tottori Prefecture.

Instead of large resorts and crowded promenades, the landscape is characterized by small coves, sea caves, rugged rock formations and clear water.

Kayaking is an especially memorable way to explore the coastline because it allows visitors to enter smaller coves and approach rock formations that are difficult to see from land.

There are also coastal walking trails and sightseeing cruises for travelers who prefer to stay out of the water.

Best for: Clear water, kayaking, coastal nature

Prefecture: Tottori

4. Tomonoura — Hiroshima

Tomonoura is a historic port town overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

Once an important stopping point for ships and merchants, the town still retains narrow traditional streets, old buildings, small temples and a waterfront filled with fishing boats.

Its recognizable stone Joyato lighthouse has become a symbol of the town.

Unlike Japan’s major urban destinations, Tomonoura is best enjoyed slowly—walking through the old streets before reaching the harbor and watching everyday life unfold beside the sea.

Best for: Historic streets, harbor scenery, slow travel

Prefecture: Hiroshima

5. Oki Islands — Shimane

For travelers who really want to get away from Japan’s major tourist routes, the Oki Islands offer something very different.

Located off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, the islands are part of Daisen-Oki National Park and are recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Only four of the archipelago’s roughly 180 islands are inhabited.

Expect dramatic cliffs, remarkably clear water, quiet shrines and landscapes that can be explored by hiking, cycling, kayaking and snorkeling.

Best for: Remote islands, hiking, nature

Prefecture: Shimane

6. Tsunoshima — Yamaguchi

Tsunoshima offers one of the most memorable coastal drives in Japan.

The island is connected to mainland Yamaguchi by the long Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, surrounded by vivid blue water.

Once across the bridge, visitors can explore the island, visit Tsunoshima Lighthouse and enjoy views across the Sea of Japan.

It also pairs naturally with Motonosumi Shrine, making the two places a particularly attractive combination for a coastal road trip through Yamaguchi.

Best for: Road trips, ocean views, photography

Prefecture: Yamaguchi

7. Aoshima — Miyazaki

Aoshima combines a relaxed seaside atmosphere with one of the features that makes coastal Japan so distinctive: a shrine beside the ocean.

The small beach town in Miyazaki is known for clear water, sandy beaches, surfing and Aoshima Shrine.It has a warmer, more subtropical atmosphere than many of the other destinations on this list, with palm trees and a laid-back coastal environment.

Sunrise around Aoshima Shrine is particularly memorable for travelers who want to experience the area before the day gets busier.

Best for: Seaside shrines, beaches, surfing

Prefecture: Miyazaki

8. Shirahama — Wakayama

Shirahama shows another side of Japan’s coastline.

The area is known for the curved white sands of Shirarahama Beach, but what makes it particularly interesting is the combination of ocean scenery and hot-spring culture.

Shirahama Onsen has a history stretching back more than 1,300 years, and some baths overlook the Pacific Ocean.

That makes it possible to combine a beach trip with one of Japan’s most traditional travel experiences: soaking in an onsen.

Best for: Beaches, onsen, relaxing coastal trips

Prefecture: Wakayama

Want to explore Shirahama without worrying about transportation?

Visit Shirahama Beach and other coastal highlights on a convenient day trip from Osaka.

9. Amanohashidate — Kyoto

Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s celebrated scenic views, yet northern Kyoto feels very different from Kyoto City.

The approximately 3.6-kilometer sandbar is covered with thousands of pine trees and stretches across Miyazu Bay.

You can walk or cycle along the sandbar or view it from above for a completely different perspective.

Amanohashidate also works particularly well as a base for exploring Ine, making the two destinations an excellent combination for a quieter coastal trip through northern Kyoto.

Best for: Scenic views, cycling, northern Kyoto

Prefecture: Kyoto

Want to visit both Amanohashidate and Ine?

Explore both destinations on a convenient day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

10. Shirahama Beach — Shizuoka

Not to be confused with Shirahama in Wakayama, Shirahama Beach in Shimoda lies on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Its white sand extends for more than 800 meters, while the clear water and regular waves make it particularly popular during the warmer months.

The Izu Peninsula is relatively accessible from Tokyo, so this is a useful option for travelers who want beautiful coastal scenery without traveling as far as western Japan or the remote islands.

Best for: Beaches, clear water, trips from Tokyo

Prefecture: Shizuoka

Which Coastal Place Should You Visit?

Each destination offers a different side of coastal Japan.

Choose Ine or Tomonoura if you love traditional streets and fishing villages.

Choose Motonosumi Shrine or Aoshima if you want to combine ocean scenery with Japanese shrines.

Choose Uradome Coast or the Oki Islands for nature and outdoor adventures.

And if you want a relaxing combination of ocean views and Japanese hot springs, Shirahama in Wakayama is an excellent choice.

The most memorable coastal experiences in Japan are not always found in the biggest cities or most famous sightseeing districts.

Sometimes, they are waiting at the end of a quiet road beside the sea.

Continue Exploring Hidden Japan

If you enjoy discovering places beyond Japan’s usual tourist routes, continue with:

→ 10 Beautiful Hidden Villages in Japan You Should Visit

→ 10 Beautiful Hidden Shrines in Japan You Should Visit