10 Best Hokkaido Beaches

Hokkaido isn’t only about snow and ski slopes. In summer, the island flips into a sunny paradise with sandy shores, crystal waters, and wide-open skies. You’ll find beaches for swimming, quiet walks, and even camping.

Here are the best Hokkaido beaches to explore when the weather turns warm.

Otaru Dream Beach

This is the go-to summer escape for many living near Sapporo.

Easy Beach Access

Otaru Dream Beach has a lively vibe—music, parasols, and the smell of food in the air. You can swim, play beach volleyball, or walk the soft sand with an ice cream in hand. It’s also one of the easiest beaches to reach by public transport.

Shikotsuko Lake Beach

It’s a lake, but it feels like a beach getaway.

Scenic Lakefront

Shikotsuko Lake’s turquoise water sits in a volcanic crater surrounded by lush hills. Paddleboarding, kayaking, or just dipping your feet works perfectly here. The fresh mountain air and calm atmosphere make it a great break from busy city life.

Shibetsu Coast

Here, the sea feels untamed, and that’s the beauty of it.

Wild Coastal Views

Shibetsu Coast stretches with quiet, windswept sand. It’s ideal for fishing, collecting shells, or spotting seabirds. Pack a lunch, bring a camera, and enjoy the peaceful sound of waves without the noise of large crowds.

Cape Soya Beach

The northernmost point of Japan comes with a unique charm.

At the Edge of Japan

From Cape Soya, you can see endless sea, and sometimes even Russia’s Sakhalin Island. The wind can be strong, but that adds to the rugged beauty. There’s also a lighthouse perfect for a quick photo stop after your walk along the shore.

Hamamasu Beach

If sunsets are your thing, this beach delivers big time.

Sunset by the Shore

Hamamasu has gentle waves and wide sandy stretches. In summer, locals bring barbecues and enjoy slow evenings here. As the sun dips, the whole sky turns gold, reflecting on the water—it’s the kind of moment that stays with you.

Ishikarihama Beach

Energetic yet relaxed, this is one of Sapporo’s favorite beach hangouts.

Water Sports and More

Ishikarihama offers swimming, windsurfing, and beach soccer. If you’d rather walk than swim, head to the nearby lighthouse and coastal trails. Summer weekends can be busy, so arrive early to find a good spot on the sand.

Monbetsu Coast

Famous for winter drift ice, but in summer—completely different.

Calm Summer Waters

Monbetsu Coast is perfect for a gentle swim or a bike ride along the shore. The water stays calm, making it family-friendly. You might come for a short visit but end up staying the whole day—it has that kind of pull.

Cape Nosappu Beach

This is one of the farthest eastern points you can visit in Japan.

Remote and Peaceful

Cape Nosappu Beach is small but striking. The water is crystal clear, and on the horizon, you might see the Kuril Islands. It’s not a place for crowds—it’s for those who enjoy quiet beauty and open skies.

Shosanbetsu Beach

Perfect for campers who like sleeping by the sea.

Camping on the Coast

Shosanbetsu Beach has a campsite right by the shore. Fall asleep to the sound of waves, wake for a morning swim, and enjoy stargazing at night. There’s even an observatory nearby for a closer look at Hokkaido’s night sky.

Rishiri and Rebun Beaches

These islands feel like a world of their own.

Island Beach Experience

Rishiri’s volcanic-sand beaches and Rebun’s wildflower-lined shores are stunning. You’ll need a ferry to get there, but the ride feels like part of the adventure. These beaches are quieter than mainland spots—perfect for a slower pace.

Tips for Visiting Hokkaido Beaches

Hokkaido’s beaches have a short but amazing summer season.

• Best time – Late June to August

• Cooler water – Refreshing, but not tropical

• Getting there – Some spots need a car

• Keep it clean – Locals value nature deeply

Why These Beaches Stand Out

Hokkaido’s beaches are wilder, fresher, and less commercial than those down south.

Beyond Just Sand

Here, you can swim in the morning and soak in an onsen by evening. Mountains, cliffs, and endless ocean views make the best Hokkaido beaches feel both peaceful and adventurous. It’s a mix you won’t forget.

Final Thoughts

Some of the best Hokkaido beaches are lively and fun, others quiet and remote. Each has its own personality.

If you’ve only imagined Hokkaido as snow country, summer here will surprise you. Go see for yourself—you might just fall for the north in a whole new way.