Because I Didn’t Either!
One of the biggest surprises from my trip to Japan was discovering just how varied the country really is. We all know about the temples, neon cities, street food stalls, cherry blossoms, and bullet trains — but beaches? That wasn’t on my radar at all.
And yet, Japan has some truly stunning stretches of sand.
It wasn’t until I made it down to Fukuoka, in the south of Japan, that I finally experienced them for myself.
And honestly, I’m not sure why I was so surprised. Southern Japan is not far from places like Taiwan, the Philippines, and even tropical islands like Okinawa — so of course there would be beaches. And yet, somehow, they still felt like a hidden gem.
I couldn’t believe my lucky. Just days ago I had been in bustling cities and crowded urban spaces, and now I was sat on a secluded beautiful beach!
A Quick Escape From the City
The beaches in Fukuoka is surprisingly close to the centre of the city, which makes it ridiculously easy to pop down for an evening after a day of sightseeing.
I was staying in Hakata, and decided one evening to head out there by Uber (my feet were aching too much to try and attempt public transport!). It took around 25 minutes with rush-hour traffic, but it was a much quicker ride back later that night once things had quietened down.
If you’re travelling on a budget (or just love Japan’s public transport as much as I do), there are plenty of subway and bus routes that will take you to the same spot. I was just feeling lazy!
Which Beach I Chose
I only had one evening free to check out Fukuoka’s beach scene, so I wanted to make it count. I chose to get my Uber to drop me at Fukuoka City Seaside Park.
Click here for a Google Maps link!
My boss (who spent much of her teenage years in Fukuoka) recommended this beach (because it was close to the city) and it was a great choice tbh. It had a few cafes and restaurants nearby, and was just a short walk from Fukuoka Tower. Perfect.
I could tick off two big things in one evening.
And if you go, definitely make time to head up Fukuoka Tower too. The tickets were cheap, and there wasn’t a queue to get up either (double bonus!).
Click here for a Google Maps link.
The views from the top are spectacular, especially at sunset, you can see the entire coastline and city laid out in front of you. I had no idea the sheer scale of Fukuoka until I was up there, it was amazing!
The Beach Vibes
The beach itself? Gorgeous. Picture-perfect soft golden sand, calm waves, and (this being Japan) it was spotless.
No litter, no broken glass, just smooth sand stretching out to meet the water.
There were groups playing volleyball and football as the sun went down, friends sitting in little circles on picnic blankets with drinks, and couples strolling along the water. The whole place had a chilled, summery, after-work energy to it.
I grabbed a cold drink from a nearby vending machine, kicked off my sandals, and just sat there for a while soaking it all in. Watching the sunset turn the sky pink and orange while the city lights slowly came on behind me was pretty magical.
A Different Side of Japan
For me, this evening completely reframed Fukuoka. I’d already loved the food scene (this is the city that gave the world tonkotsu ramen, after all), but seeing this laid-back, coastal side made me imagine what it would be like to live there. A lively, bustling city with the option to hit the beach after work? That’s hard to beat.
And yes — it was hot. Even at 6pm, the temperature was hovering around 30°C, so my sunset walk was more of a slow shuffle. But it was worth it. The views, the sea breeze, and the relaxed atmosphere were exactly what I needed after a few busy days of sightseeing.
Why You Should Add Japanese Beaches to Your Itinerary
Japan isn’t usually at the top of the list for “beach destinations” — and that’s a shame. Whether it’s the city beaches of Fukuoka, the subtropical islands of Okinawa, or the rugged coastlines around Shikoku and Kyushu, there are some truly beautiful places to relax by the water.
A day at the beach, followed by ramen and sake back in the city? That’s my idea of balance.
So yes, Japan has beaches — and they’re wonderful. And if you get the chance, I highly recommend carving out a little time in your itinerary to experience them for yourself.
