Looking for a golden sandy beach for your summer holiday but exhausted all the classic European options? This one might be for you…
If you’ve got the budget to go further afield – a ‘paradise’ with ‘unspoilt sand’ called Aharen beach has been named one of the best in the world.
Ever heard of it? We’re guessing not.
But, just as you can in Portugal, Australia and other destinations famous for their coastlines, you can take a dip in crystalline sea and bask in the sunshine in…*drum roll*… Japan.
Found on the Kerama Islands, just off the coast of mainland Japan, Aharen’s waters are super colourful, rivalling those of the Maldives.
According to the expert team at World’s 50 Best Beaches, this obscure gem ranks number 13 in the world, accompanied by other locations in the likes of French Polynesia, Myanmar, Mauritius and Hawaii – with Trunk Bay in the US Virgin Islands taking the spot.
Aharen beach, meanwhile, was praised for its ‘clear waters and soft, smooth sand,’ framed by ‘lush green hills that contrast sharply with its bright and beautiful shoreline.’
It also remains relatively secluded, a welcome diversion from busier tourist spots.
It isn’t just stunning coastline that Japan offers: there are also countless ski resorts, posing the opportunity to hit the slopes and the ramen bar afterwards (sake optional).
And, of course, there’s fun to be found in the bustling city of Tokyo, and tradition in the likes of Kyoto and Nara in the south.
Things to do near Japan’s Aharen beach
Aharen beach itself is well served, as there are restaurants for lunch as well as shower facilities. And, it comes as little surprise that visitors to the beach have rated their experiences highly.
‘Don’t think I’ve been to a better beach!,’ wrote Scott B on Tripadvisor. ‘All in all an excellent day trip out from Okinawa and definitely should be on your to-do list if visiting.’
‘Perhaps the perfect place if you are looking for a beach getaway during a trip to Okinawa. Unspoilt sand, great snorkelling, loads of good local restaurants, a campsite right next door,’ added Adam G.
‘Couldn’t think of anywhere better to while away a beach break.’
Elsewhere on Tokashiki, the island on which Aharen beach is found, there are an abundance of other beautiful beaches to try, from Tokashiku Beach to Hanari Island.
If you’re into hiking (and views!), then there are vistas aplenty from the Teruyama Observatory and the Aharen Enchi.
And if you want to learn more about the local history, then a trip to Tokashiki History and Folklore Museum should definitely be on the cards.
How to get to Aharen beach from mainland Japan
Aharen beach is nestled away on the Kerama Islands in the Okinawa Prefecture. So, whilst it’s not abundantly easy to access, there are ways and means.
High-speed ferries run frequently from Tomari Port in Naha to three of the islands: Tokashiki, Zamami and Aka, for which there are between two and three trips per day. The ferry to Tokashiki, where Aharen is, takes around 40 minutes.
While the flights to Naha Airport from London aren’t direct, there are routes available from Gatwick to Shanghai Pudong, which takes 11 hours 45 minutes. There, you can change for a flight to Naha, which takes around 2 hours 25 minutes.
It’s also possible to layover in the likes of Incheon International Airport, as well as Taiwan Taoyuan.
When to visit Japan’s Aharen beach
If you’re all about the sun, the best time of year to visit Aharen beach is undoubtedly the summer.
Between June and September, temperatures average between 29C and 31C, reaching their peak in July and August.
Your Daily Horoscope
However, if you’re in search of peace and quiet, then it’s still relatively warm during the winter. In January, the highest temperatures reach 19C, whilst in March it’s often a balmy 21C.
From Tokyo to Mount Fuji: A comprehensive two-week travel guide to Japan
For those considering a trip to Japan, know that you can cram a lot into just a couple of weeks – mainly thanks to the country’s high-speed bullet trains, which whiz you from one location to the next.
For example, Metro’s Lizzie Thomson’s 16-day holiday covered Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima – taking between 1-3 hours to jump from one location to the next. It’s also worth pointing out that now Japan Rail Pass prices have risen by 70%, it actually might be cheaper for you to pay for single journeys, depending on your route.
If the country’s bountiful offering is enough to make you feel overwhelmed, here’s a two-and-a-half-week itinerary mapped out for you…
- Tokyo (1-5 days)
- Mount Fuji (2 days)
- Kyoto (1-3 days)
- Hiroshima (2 days)
- Osaka and Nara (3-4 days).
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