Respect for Others: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for others. It's essential to be mindful of the people around you, both at beaches and in hot springs. Avoid excessive noise, keep the surroundings clean, and be considerate of personal space.

Public Behavior: When visiting public beaches or hot springs, follow the established rules and guidelines. These may include restrictions on smoking, alcohol consumption, and appropriate swimwear. It's important to adhere to these rules to ensure a harmonious environment for everyone.

Onsen Etiquette: If you're visiting a hot spring or onsen, there are specific customs to observe. Before entering the baths, thoroughly wash your body at the provided showers or washing stations. Tattoos are generally not allowed in many traditional hot springs, so it's advisable to check the rules in advance.

Modesty: In Japanese culture, modesty is highly valued. When at beaches, it's customary to wear appropriate swimwear and avoid overly revealing or provocative attire. In hot springs, bathing is typically done without clothing, although some places provide small towels for modesty.

Queueing and Waiting: Japanese culture places importance on orderly conduct, including queueing and waiting in line. Follow the designated lines or waiting areas, whether it's for purchasing tickets, entering changing rooms, or accessing hot spring baths.

Cleanliness: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on cleanliness. Ensure that you leave the beach or hot spring facilities in the same condition as you found them. Dispose of garbage properly and make use of designated waste bins

Politeness and Gratitude: Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture. Use simple Japanese phrases such as "arigatou" (thank you) and "sumimasen" (excuse me) to express gratitude and seek assistance when needed. This gesture is appreciated by locals and shows respect for their culture.

Remember that customs may vary slightly depending on the specific region or establishment you visit. It's always a good idea to observe and follow the behavior of locals to ensure a positive and respectful experience in Japanese beaches and hot springs.

 

Here are 10 popular beaches and hot springs in Japan, along with details about their popularity, location, business information, and accessibility:

 

Shirahama Beach and Katsuura Onsen:

Location: Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture

Popularity: Shirahama Beach is known for its pristine white sands and clear blue waters, attracting tourists and locals alike. Katsuura Onsen is a hot spring town located nearby, offering relaxation and therapeutic bathing experiences.

Business Information: Shirahama Beach is a public beach, and Katsuura Onsen has several ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels with hot spring facilities.

Accessibility: Shirahama can be reached by train or bus from major cities like Osaka and Kyoto. Katsuura Onsen is a short drive or bus ride from Shirahama.

 

Kamakura Beach and Yuigahama Onsen:

Location: Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Popularity: Kamakura Beach is a popular destination for swimming and water sports, offering a beautiful view of the iconic Enoshima Island. Yuigahama Onsen is a hot spring town located near Kamakura, known for its healing properties.

Business Information: Kamakura Beach is a public beach, and Yuigahama Onsen has a variety of ryokans and hotels with hot spring baths.

Accessibility: Kamakura is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. Yuigahama Onsen is a short walk or bus ride from Kamakura Station.

 

Ibusuki Beach and Ibusuki Onsen:

Location: Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture

Popularity: Ibusuki Beach is famous for its unique sand baths, where visitors bury themselves in naturally heated sand for relaxation and detoxification. Ibusuki Onsen offers traditional hot spring experiences with sand baths as well.

Business Information: Ibusuki Beach is a public beach, and Ibusuki Onsen has several ryokans and hotels with hot spring facilities.

Accessibility: Ibusuki can be reached by train or bus from Kagoshima. Ibusuki Onsen is within walking distance from Ibusuki Station.

 

Ishigaki Island and Yonaha Maehama Beach:

Location: Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture

Popularity: Yonaha Maehama Beach on Ishigaki Island is known for its stunning turquoise waters and white sandy shores, often considered one of Japan's most beautiful beaches.

Business Information: Yonaha Maehama Beach is a public beach with some facilities nearby, such as restrooms and food stalls.

Accessibility: Ishigaki Island is accessible by domestic flights from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka. Yonaha Maehama Beach is a short bus or taxi ride from Ishigaki City.

 

Miyako Island and Sunayama Beach:

Location: Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture

Popularity: Sunayama Beach on Miyako Island is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, featuring a coral reef and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.

Business Information: Sunayama Beach is a public beach with limited facilities, including restrooms and parking.

Accessibility: Miyako Island can be reached by domestic flights from major cities in Japan. Sunayama Beach is located on the eastern coast of the island, accessible by car or taxi.

Beppu Beach and Beppu Onsen:

Location: Beppu, Oita Prefecture

Popularity: Beppu is famous for its hot springs, known as "Beppu Onsen," which are scattered throughout the city. Beppu Beach, though not suitable for swimming, offers picturesque views of the sea.

Business Information: Beppu Beach is a public beach, and Beppu Onsen has numerous ryokans, hotels, and public bathhouses.

Accessibility: Beppu is accessible by train or bus from major cities. Beppu Onsen is easily accessible within the city, with various hot springs located near Beppu Station.

 

Atami Beach and Atami Onsen:

Location: Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture

Popularity: Atami Beach is a popular coastal resort area known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Tokyo. Atami Onsen offers a range of hot spring options and therapeutic baths.

Business Information: Atami Beach is a public beach, and Atami Onsen has numerous ryokans, hotels, and public bathhouses.

Accessibility: Atami is conveniently located near Tokyo and accessible by train. Atami Onsen is within walking distance from Atami Station.

 

Oarai Beach and Oarai Isosaki Shrine:

Location: Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture

Popularity: Oarai Beach is a scenic beach known for its panoramic views and proximity to Oarai Isosaki Shrine, which sits on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea.

Business Information: Oarai Beach is a public beach with facilities such as restrooms and food stalls available during peak seasons.

Accessibility: Oarai can be reached by train from Tokyo. Oarai Beach is a short walk from Oarai Isosaki Shrine.

 

Zushi Beach and Hayama:

Location: Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture

Popularity: Zushi Beach is a popular destination for sunbathing and swimming, located near the historic town of Hayama. Hayama offers scenic views, including the Hayama Imperial Villa.

Business Information: Zushi Beach is a public beach with facilities such as restrooms, showers, and rental shops. Hayama has several hotels and ryokans.

Accessibility: Zushi is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. Hayama is a short bus or taxi ride from Zushi Station.

 

Shirahone Onsen and Azumi-no-Yu:

Location: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture

Popularity: Shirahone Onsen is a secluded hot spring area in the Japanese Alps, known for its milky white waters and therapeutic properties. Azumi-no-Yu is a public hot spring bathhouse in the area.

Business Information: Shirahone Onsen has a few traditional ryokans, and Azumi-no-Yu is a public bathhouse that provides bathing facilities.

Accessibility: Matsumoto can be reached by train from Tokyo. From Matsumoto, Shirahone Onsen is accessible by bus or rental car.

These recommendations are based on the popularity, uniqueness, and natural beauty of the beaches and hot springs. Each location offers distinct experiences and varying levels of accessibility, allowing visitors to enjoy the coastal scenery, indulge in hot spring baths, and explore the surrounding areas.