Shizuoka Prefecture stretches along Japan's Pacific coast between Tokyo and Nagoya, framed by the southern slopes of Mount Fuji, the hot-spring resorts of the Izu Peninsula, and the deep waters of Suruga Bay. Home to Japan's largest green tea harvest, its top eel-producing city, and the closest classic views of Mount Fuji outside Yamanashi, Shizuoka pairs UNESCO World Heritage scenery with feudal-era castles and coastal onsen towns across 7,777 square kilometres of the Chubu region.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Shizuoka.
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Atami & Ito Coast (Eastern Izu, Sagami Bay)
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Southern Izu Coast (Shimoda area, Sagami/Pacific)
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Western Izu Coast (Dogashima area, Suruga Bay side)
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Suruga Bay Coast (Shizuoka City area)
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Enshu Coast (Omaezaki to Hamamatsu, open Pacific)
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- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Beach huts (umi no ie) with showers and changing rooms
- Lifeguards during official July-August swimming season
- Restaurants and cafes along the shore road
- Free public parking areas nearby (paid in peak summer)
Shirahama Beach (Shirahama Ohama Beach)
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- Palm-lined promenade with the Atami Ballad Statue
- Sunbed and umbrella rental in summer
- Public showers and foot baths nearby
- Restaurants and cafes across the promenade road
- Summer fireworks festival launched from the beach
Atami Sun Beach
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- About 600 meters of sand within Ito's harbor town
- Beach huts and rental shops in season
- Showers and changing facilities
- Restaurants and shops a short walk away
- Calm, sheltered swimming water
Ito Orange Beach
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- UNESCO World Heritage pine grove (part of the Mt Fuji World Heritage listing)
- Miho no Matsubara Visitor Center with exhibits and rest areas
- Walking paths through roughly 30,000 black pine trees
- Nearby cafes and souvenir shops
- Public parking (paid) near the visitor center
Miho no Matsubara
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- Wide sandy beach popular for surfing and bodyboarding
- Sunbed and umbrella rental in season
- Beach shops and casual restaurants
- Showers and changing rooms
- Roadside parking (paid in peak season)
Kisami Ohama Beach
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- Views of the Dogashima sea-cliff rock formations and Sanshiro Island
- Sightseeing boat pier for cave and coastline tours
- Nearby restaurants serving fresh Izu seafood
- Sunset viewing point
- Public parking near the boat pier (paid)
Nishikaigan (Nishihama) Beach, Dogashima
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- Long open sandy beach popular with surfers
- Near the Omaezaki Lighthouse viewpoint
- Surf shops and rental nearby
- Basic showers at municipal facilities
- Free parking near the lighthouse area
Omaezaki Beach
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- Sand dunes designated a national scenic monument, one of Japan's three largest dune systems
- Nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (protected, viewing restricted in nesting season)
- Visitor rest facilities near the dune entrance
- Strong currents - swimming is not recommended, mainly a scenic and walking beach
- Free parking near the entrance
Nakatajima Sand Dunes Beach
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- Calm, sheltered swimming water in a hot spring bay
- Sunbed and umbrella rental in season
- Views of the Toi Golden and Silver statue and the bay
- Onsen ryokan and public hot spring foot baths nearby
- Roadside parking (paid in peak season)
Toi Beach
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- Small, quieter cove beach near the Kawana Hotel golf resort
- Clear water good for snorkeling
- Limited facilities - a low-key alternative to Ito's main beaches
- Nearby resort restaurants and cafes
- Small parking area (limited spaces)
Kawana Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.