Beaches/Water Sports

Looking for Beaches Near Kyoto? Your Guide to Swimming at Amanohashidate

September 21, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture

Amanohashidate is renowned as one of Japan’s “Three Most Scenic Views,” but this destination in northern Kyoto Prefecture is much more than a famous viewpoint. The true beauty of this “bridge to heaven” extends to its coastline, where two distinct beaches offer visitors different experiences. On the south end of the sandbar, you have the […]

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The Ultimate Guide to How to Enjoy Aka Island

September 6, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Hidden Gems, Okinawa

While increasing in popularity as a day trip destination from Naha, Aka Island (阿嘉島) remains a relatively less-visited inhabited island amongst the Kerama Islands group. And the good thing is that Aka Island is connected to Geruma Island (慶留間島) and Fukaji Island (外地島) by bridges, so that you can explore three islands with a single

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Nishibama Beach: Th Best Beach on Okinawa’s Aka Island

September 6, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Okinawa

Nishibama Beach (北浜ビーチ) is Aka Island’s main beach. The spot is renowned for its stunning Kerama-Blue waters and soft, pristine white-sand beach. Many people would visit the beach for snorkeling to explore the gorgeous coral reefs spreading near the shore. Besides coral reefs, you might be able to swim with a sea turtle at Nishibama

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A Guide to Zamami Island and the Michelin-Starred Beach

September 1, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Hidden Gems, Okinawa

Aside from Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島), Zamami Island (座間味島) is also considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa. Why? Because one of the beaches on Zamami Island was given a two-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan! In addition to the Kerama-Blue colored beaches where sea turtles linger, Zamami Island is another spot

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The Ultimate Guide to Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach

September 1, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Okinawa

Zamami Island is one of the most popular Okinawa snorkeling spots near Naha, and the reason is apparent. The island with a Michelin two-star rated beach is just too hard to say no to! But is the Furuzamami Beach overrated? And are there other snorkeling spots worth visiting on Zamami Island? Before you hop onto

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Shima Onsen’s Best Natural Spot: Shimagawa Dam & Lake Okushima

March 2, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Gunma Prefecture, Hidden Gems, Kantō Region

Shimagawa Dam (四万川ダム) is a magnificent dam completed in 1999 for flood control, river conservation, and power generation. The enchanting artificial lake is formed with its completion, and Shima Onsen’s best spot to indulge yourself in nature is born! Those who love outdoor activities can also enjoy a range of water sports there.

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A Guide to Shima Potholes, Momotarō Falls, and Shima Lake

March 1, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Gunma Prefecture, Hidden Gems, Kantō Region

If you are after a hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture where you can discover amazing natural scenery, Shima Onsen should top the list. The town is proud of what they call Shima Blue, a mysterious cobalt blue color that can be seen in most parts of Shima River on a sunny day. In particular,

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Kerama Islands – The Most Stunning Island Groups Near Naha

March 1, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Hidden Gems, Okinawa

Although the beaches on the main island of Okinawa are beautiful, if it is your second time visiting the tropical prefecture, it is time to consider visiting different islands in the prefecture! While destinations such as Miyakojima are on most people’s top bucket lists, if you don’t have the time or the budget, the next

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Chibishi Islands, A Great Beach Holiday Spot Close to Naha

March 1, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Okinawa

The Chibishi Islands (チービシ環礁) are located between mainland Okinawa and the Kerama Islands group. It is formed by three uninhabited sand dunes. Because Chibishi Islands are so close to Naha, if you don’t have much time, it is possible to experience the charm of the Kerama Island National Park by taking a half-day trip to

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Snorkeling Around Kerama Islands’ Hidden Uninhabited Islands

February 24, 2025 / Beaches/Water Sports, Okinawa

While the Michelin Green Guide Japan gave Zamami Island‘s Furuzamami Beach a two-star rating, it isn’t a beach where you want to snorkel anymore if you are experienced, as the beach now has a designated swimming area marked by lane dividers. Because the coral reefs inside this restricted area aren’t as beautiful, snorkeling at other beaches

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