Asia Travel · DESTINATIONS · Japan Travel ·Jul 14, 2024

Beautiful Beaches In Hokkaido That Worth To Come

Japan, a country with a rich culture and stunning landscapes, is often a must-visit in Asia. The farthest north island, Hokkaido, is a beautiful one to come. One of the best parts is the amazing beaches you can find here. They are like special hidden treasures where you can relax and feel close to nature.

If you're searching for a way to relax and recharge, beaches in Hokkaido are where you need to be. This article will share the top 10 that'll sweep you off your feet. Continue reading!

Shimamui Beach
Otsu Beach
Otaru Dream Beach
Itanki Beach
Shiretoko Beach
Ranshima Beach
Aso Beach Ishikari
Omori Beach
Shioya Beach
Golden Beach Rumoi.

1. Shimamui Beach

Shimamui Beach is covered by large pebbles instead of sand. Photo by TPG - stock.adobe.com

Nestled in the stunning Shakotan Peninsula, Shimamui Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hokkaido. Even though the beach isn't huge, its natural beauty more than makes up for its size.

After a 30m narrow dark tunnel and down a 10-minute hike, you will reach Shimamui rocky beach. One wicked thing about it is that many big and small rocks are spread out in the clear blue water. They make a nice background for those IG shots.

Moreover, you will love how peaceful and private it is. Unlike busy beaches, this hidden gem is still pure and usually not crowded. Walking along the shore, it’s like having the whole beach to yourself.

Just remember, Shimamui Beach doesn't have bathrooms or food available, so it's a good idea to bring sunscreen, snacks, and water. Luckily, there's a restroom, a public water fountain, and a restaurant nearby.

2. Otsu Beach

During sunrise, you can capture the “jewellery ice”. MaedaAkihiko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The most special beach in Hokkaido is none other than Otsu Beach. Situated near where the Tokachi River meets the sea, it has become a favourite spot for photographers worldwide. Its main attraction is the stunning natural wonder called "Jewellery Ice."

Jewellery ice is made up of pieces of ice that come from the Tokachi River and float to the beach in the Pacific Ocean. The waves in the ocean shape these pieces of ice, making them smooth and almost see-through, like crystals. This makes the ice look beautiful, like a precious jewel.

When the sunlight touches the ice, it changes colours. Sometimes it looks warm with yellows and golds; other times, it shines in vibrant oranges, reds, purples, and even blues.

From the middle of January to the end of February, you can visit Otsu Beach to see these sparkling ice formations. But packing warm clothes is important because it can get really cold, even lower than -20°C.

3. Otaru Dream Beach

Otaru Dream Beach is among the most popular beaches in Hokkaido, like a lively party beach close to Sapporo. It's a lively spot in the summertime, attracting many young folks.

You can do lots of fun things here, like swimming, sunbathing, having a barbecue, camping, and just enjoying the beauty of the sea. There are also some cool BBQ bars near the beach and plenty of shops for your convenience.

In the other seasons, the beach is more peaceful. It's a nice place to relax, listen to the soothing sound of the ocean, and watch the tides go in and out.

4. Itanki Beach

Itanki Beach was voted as one of the "100 best beaches in Japan" in 1996. Photo by Alyssa Rain - stock.adobe.com

Itanki Beach, known as "Hawanota" by the Ainu people, holds a fascinating distinction - it is Hokkaido's first known "singing sand beach”. When you walk on the beach, the sand produces melodic sounds when rubbed together.

If you want to experience the local vibes, there’s hardly any beach in Hokkaido that can beat the Itanki in this regard. The soft sand make it comfortable to take a walk, jog, or even do some yoga. There are some of the best onsens in the prefecture around the beach.

However, it's important to note that Itanki Beach is no longer recommended for swimming due to hazardous offshore currents. Despite this restriction, some individuals still enjoy surfing in the area.

Adjacent to Itanki Beach lies the Muroran Yurara Hot Spring, a relaxing oasis just a short distance away. For a modest fee of approximately 700 yen (~€4.5), you can indulge in the soothing thermal waters of this hot spring.

5. Shiretoko Beach

Shiretoko is also home to Japan's largest population of brown bears. Photo by Masanari Inada - stock.adobe.com

Shiretoko is described as 'off the beaten path' and is considered one of Japan's last vestiges of true wilderness. Brown bears and sea lions frequently roam the area, allowing one to view these beautiful creatures. This Hokkaido beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and simply relaxing in summer.

But its beauty doesn't come into full bloom until winter when you can spot the mesmerising drift ice phenomenon, where massive ice floes from the Sea of Okhotsk drift ashore. Take a boat trip to witness the beauty of the coastline from a different perspective.

6. Ranshima Beach

Just 2-hour drive from Sapporo is this heavenly destination, Ranshima Beach. 禁樹なずな, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another wonderful beach in Hokkaido is Ranshima Beach. Its smooth sand and crystal-clear waters will make you feel like it deserves a scene in any dramatic film.

From July to August, lots of locals flock here, and the beach tends to be busy. If you're looking for a more tranquil experience, consider planning your visit for the following months.

The good news is that Hokkaido's summer stretches into late September. Thus, you have plenty of time to enjoy water-based activities without the crowds.

If you want a good spot on the sand, you should arrive around 10 in the morning. Also, bring something to give you shade, like a tent or a sun umbrella, to protect yourself from the sun and avoid getting sunburned.

7. Aso Beach Ishikari

Aso Beach is the largest beach in Hokkaido with a coastline of 600m (1,900 ft). Photo by MIKI Yoshihito, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.

Aso Beach in Ishikari City is a famous swimming destination for locals from Sapporo. It's conveniently located just 40 minutes by car from the city. When you come here, consider exploring the East Seaside area for a quieter experience.

The beach allows for barbecues, and there are convenient hot springs nearby. This combination can make for a relaxing and enjoyable day at the beach.

Paying a visit to the Ishikari Tourism Centre located by the bus stop is also worth it. There, you can grab a map of the area and uncover nearby popular spots, such as charming cafes offering stunning ocean views, or a serene park adorned with Japanese roses.

8. Omori Beach

Nestled on the eastern side of Hakodate, Ōmori Beach is a charming coastal stretch that extends for about three kilometres (1.8 miles). Along the beach, there are mostly rural homes spread out.

Omori-hama Beach offers picturesque views of the Tsugaru Straits. On clear days, visitors can even see as far as the Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture

It's a beautiful spot to take relaxing walks. If you want to exercise, it's also a good place for jogging. In the summer, locals often have a nice picnic or a little BBQ with their friends. When the day ends, the beach treats everyone to amazing sunset views.

9. Shioya Beach

Shioya Beach is a famous spot for kayaking. そらみみ, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During the summer, Shioya Beach comes alive with activity. Many locals flock here to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy leisurely conversations. The beach has shallow water, thus it’s very family-friendly.

Thanks to the small Japanese beach village vibe, Shioya is said to be serene and tranquil akin to a private oasis. It's a place where people feel at ease, and occasionally, exciting kayaking competitions take place.

One of the major attractions of Shioya Beach is the fantastic views it offers of the bay and the over 100m (300ft) high cliffs. The latter is home to seabird colonies and the major reason why this wider beach is such a good spot for paddling.

10. Golden Beach Rumoi

One of the largest beaches in northern Hokkaido.

If you're looking for breathtaking sunsets, Golden Beach Rumoi should be on your list. It's quite the spacious beach in Hokkaido, perfect for some sunny season beach fun.

For a cool way to look at the ocean and those special sunsets, you should go to the Senbodai Observation Deck. From there, you can see not just Rumoi City but also Amauri Island and Yakishiri Island way out on the horizon.

The coastline near Golden Beach Rumoi is characterised by Cape Oon, which boasts a unique landscape of rough, strange rocks that resemble stacked pillars. Plus, the beach is not only a haven for beachgoers but also aan ideal place for beach volleyball, frisbee, and camping.

Bottom Line

In summary, the beaches in Hokkaido provide a wide range of experiences, spanning from the peaceful and isolated Ranshima Beach to the untamed beauty of Shiretoko Beach.

Whether you're captivated by the soothing melody of sand underfoot or the excitement of riding waves at an unsupervised surf spot, these beaches offer a feeling of exploration and innate fascination.

Intrigued? Consider adding them to your must-visit destinations for the summer and winter seasons, and prepare your beach packing list now! Feel free to leave a comment and distribute this article to others, too.

Ha Ngan