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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
