Japan’s Hidden Beaches 🌊 | 4 Best Beaches in Izu (Shimoda Travel Guide)

Japan’s Hidden Beaches 🌊 | 4 Best Beaches in Izu (Shimoda Travel Guide)

Hey guys, welcome back to the channel. Most people 
think of Japan as temples, ramen, and Mount Fuji. But here’s what a lot of people don’t realize. 
Japan has beaches, and they’re legit. Soft sand, clear water, and places where you can actually 
swim. The water is a little on the cold side, but once you’re in, it’s totally fine and refreshing. 
Right now, we’re down in Izu Peninsula. It’s about three hours from Tokyo and this area is kind of 
like Japan’s hidden beach getaway. In this video, we’re showing you four beaches worth checking 
out. Shirahama, Sotoura, Kujuppama, and Irita. Each spots got a different feel. Some are lively, 
some are quiet, and some are just perfect for an afternoon swim. And as a bonus, we’ll also take 
you inland to Shuzenji, a little hot spring town that feels straight out of old Japan. By the end, 
you’ll know which beach is your vibe. All right, let’s kick things off with the most famous one. 
First stop, Shirahama Beach. This is the most popular beach in Izu with about 800 m of soft 
white sand and clear blue water. In summer, especially during Oon and on weekends in early 
August, it gets packed. But if you come early, you can still grab a good spot. From 
Izukyu-shimoda station, take the bus toward Itado-Ichiki. The ride takes about 10 minutes 
and costs around 400 yen each way. Get off at Shiraama Kaigan and the beach is right there. 
Showers are available for a few hundred yen and parking is paid around 2,000 yen if you want the 
closest lot and a bit cheaper if you park further away. We had lunch at Surf Log Tacos, which 
overlooks the beach. We tried their nachos plate and the chicken lunch pack with fried rice. Both 
were so good and the view made it even better. The beach is split up. The middle area is 
for swimmers while the left and the right sides are for surfers. The waves can get pretty 
strong which makes it fun for surfing but also keep an eye out. The good thing is there are 
plenty of lifeguards on duty so it feels safe. Shirama is the easiest beach to reach for most 
locals and people driving, and it has all the facilities you need for a full day. The downside, 
because it’s so convenient, it gets really crowded. But if you only have time for one beach 
in Izu, this is the practical choice. Next stop is Sotoura Beach, a smaller, quieter alternative to 
Shiramaha. It sits in a sheltered bay with calm, shallow water, which makes it great for swimming, 
floating, or letting kids play safely. The sand is soft and white, and there’s even some grassy shade 
just behind the beach. From Shimot Station, you can get here by a short bus or taxi ride, followed 
by a quick walk. Parking is right next to the beach for about 2,000 yen. Facilities are basic, 
but covered. You will find changing rooms, showers for a small fee, and public restrooms. Sauta isn’t 
as built up as your hama. There are fewer shops, but you can still grab essentials. There’s 
usually a small stand selling shaved ice, snacks, and beach rentals. Next to the parking area, 
there’s a little shop with hot food like sausages, and curry. When we visited, it felt way less 
crowded. The water is crystal clear and on the far left side near the rocks is the main snorkeling 
spot. You can see small fish and crabs. Definitely worth bringing goggles. Sotoura is best if you’re 
looking for a calmer, more relaxed vibe. Families love it and it’s a solid choice if you want a 
quieter half-day trip. Our next stop is Kujuppama Beach. A hidden gem that really surprised us. 
It’s a small protected cove surrounded by cliffs, so the water is usually calm and crystal 
clear. Honestly, this was our favorite. Great for snorkeling and perfect for swimming. The 
kind of spot you’ll never want to leave. Getting here isn’t too hard. From Izukyu-shimoda station, 
it’s about a 15-minute Tokai bus ride, then a walk down to the beach. Going down is easy, but the 
hike back up can be tough. If you’re driving, parking cost about 1,500 per day. There are 
two parking areas, but we recommend the Shimoda Green Area Helipad parking. They’ve got showers 
and changing rooms, which make things way more convenient. You can also rent umbrellas or beach 
bed at the beach, and toilets are free to use. There’s just one small shop selling drinks, 
snacks, and simple lunch options like soup, beef bowls, and curry for about 1,000 yen. We 
tried a curry, and honestly, it was just okay, but just enough to fill us up. So, if you want more 
choices, it’s smart to bring your own drinks and food. What makes Kujuppama special is the balance 
of nature and sea. cliffs covered in trees, super clear water, and a relaxed vibe. On both sides 
of the cove is the main snoring spot where you can see colorful fish close to the shore. Because 
it’s smaller than places like Shirahama, it rarely feels crowded, especially on weekdays. If you want 
calmer water, space to relax, and easy snorkeling, Kujuppama is the place. Next and last on our 
list is Irita Beach. It is another popular spot along the coast with a great mix of swimming and 
surfing. The sand is soft, the waves are steady, and it’s a place where you’ll see both families 
relaxing and surfers out catching waves. How to get there? From Izukyu-shimoda station, take 
a local bus towards Iritahama. It’s about an eight minute ride, then a short three minute walk 
to the beach. Parking is limited and cost around 2,000 yen, but that actually helps keep it from 
getting too overcrowded. Facilities are simple, but cover the basics. Showers for a few hundred 
yen, public restrooms, and rentals for umbrellas and ports. With its clear water and green hills 
in the background, Irita has that classic beach day atmosphere. Lively, fun, and easy to enjoy for 
a few hours in the sun. Before we wrap things up, here’s a quick bonus stop. Shuzenji town. We 
stayed here for a night at Hostel Knot, which cost about 3,980 yen. super friendly staff, comfy 
rooms, and a great location. The town itself feels straight out of old Japan. There’s a red bridge 
over the river, a small bamboo forest, temples, shrines, and plenty of little restaurants. Most 
souvenir shops were closed by the time we got there, but it’s still a fun place to stroll. 
Shuenji is also famous for its hot springs. This was a natural foot bath right in the 
river, but unfortunately it’s closed to public now. Luckily, there’s another one just off 
the main road. And honestly, it was perfect after a long day of walking. If you’re looking for a 
place to stay or just a break from the beaches, Shuenji is a great choice. Charming, relaxing, 
and very Japanese. Oh, and don’t skip the wasabi ice cream. So, that’s it. Four beaches and one 
beautiful hot spring town here in Izu. From the famous Shiramama to the hidden Kujuppama and 
then Shuzenji with its old town charm. Each spot has something different to offer. If you’re 
planning your trip, our advice is don’t try to do everything in one day. Pick two or three places. 
Take your time and just enjoy. Thanks so much for watching. If you like this video, give it a thumbs 
up. Subscribe for more travel guides and let us know in the comments which beach you’d want to 
visit first. All right, see you in the next one.

When most people think of Japan, they imagine temples, sushi, and Mount Fuji. But did you know Japan also has beautiful beaches (きれいなビーチ)? Just a few hours from Tokyo, Shimoda (下田) on the Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島) is home to some of the country’s best summer escapes.

In this video, we’ll take you to 4 stunning beaches in Shimoda, plus a bonus stop at the hot spring town of Shuzenji (修善寺). Whether you’re into surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing, this guide will help you plan the perfect Tokyo beach getaway.

👉 What you’ll see in this video | この動画で紹介する場所
🏖 Shirahama Beach (白浜大浜海水浴場) – white sand, lively vibe, and plenty of waves
🏝 Sotoura Beach (外浦海水浴場) – calm bay, family-friendly, and great for swimming
🌊 Kujuppama Beach (九十浜海水浴場) – hidden snorkeling cove (our favorite!)
🌅 Irita Beach (入田浜海水浴場) – soft sand, mellow atmosphere, and surf-ready waves
🎋 Bonus: Shuzenji (修善寺) – bamboo forest, hot springs, and wasabi ice cream

💡 Travel Tips | 旅行ヒント
🚉 Easy access from Tokyo via train (Izukyu-Shimoda Station / 伊豆急下田駅)
🚌 Local buses connect to most beaches (バスで各ビーチへアクセス可能)
🚗 Parking available (¥1,000–¥2,000/day | 駐車場あり)
🍹 Bring snacks & drinks (軽食や飲み物を持参すると便利)
🏊 Water can be a little cold, but perfect once you’re in (水は少し冷たいですが、泳ぐには最高です)

If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan (日本旅行), these beaches are the perfect escape from Tokyo — the closest tropical getaway for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or just chilling by the sea.

👍 Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe for more Japan travel guides, and tell us in the comments which beach you’d want to visit first!

👍 高評価・チャンネル登録よろしくお願いします！行ってみたいビーチをコメントで教えてください。