Kanto Region Beach Guide by Campervan

🌊 What You’ll Learn from This Guide

• 🏖️ Top 8 swimming & snorkeling spots in the Kanto region
• 🚙 RV parks & camping sites suitable for motorhomes
• 🐠 Crystal-clear waters and marine life you can observe
• 🎒 Essential packing list & safety measures for ocean trips
• 🏨 Nearby attractions, hot springs & local cuisine

💡 View Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits of Enjoying Beach Trips with an RV

Touring the beautiful coastlines near Kanto at your own pace without being bound by time—this is truly a modern adventure. Beach trips with an RV offer unparalleled freedom and comfort.

Essential Packing List for Beach Trips

Precautions for Swimming and Snorkeling

Safety Considerations:

• Choose beaches with lifeguards and observe designated swimming hours
• Check weather and wave conditions beforehand – avoid entering the water during dangerous conditions
• Never swim alone – always follow the buddy system
• Understand the dangers of tides and rip currents
• Regularly surface during snorkeling to check your position
• Exit the water immediately if you feel unwell or fatigued

Environmental Protection Considerations:

• Do not touch coral or marine life – observe only
• Choose sunscreen that is safe for marine life
• Always take your trash with you to protect the natural environment
• Avoid camping or BBQing outside designated areas

Chiba Prefecture: Crystal-Clear Waters and Excellent Facilities

Moriya Beach (Katsuura City)

Moriya Beach, selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Beaches,” is a jewel of the sea with exceptional water clarity in the Kanto region. The adjacent RV park offers the luxury of ocean views from every site, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from your vehicle window. Underwater, you can observe colorful fish swimming, and the facility offers beginner snorkeling lessons and equipment rentals.

The dedicated RV park has sites with electrical hookups, accommodating everything from full-size motorhomes to campervans. Rates are clearly set at 4,400 yen for sites without electricity and 5,500 yen for sites with electricity. However, due to its popularity, it gets crowded during summer, so early morning visits or weekday trips are recommended.

Nearby Attractions: • Katsuura Morning Market (10 minutes by car) – fresh seafood procurement • Free private showers & coin laundry facilities • 24-hour accessible restrooms with washlets • Dump station & waste disposal facilities

Hazama Beach (Tateyama City)

Hazama Beach, just a 2-3 minute walk from Tateyama Southern Village, features the calm waters characteristic of the inner bay area. The environment is safe for small children to play, and SUP and sea kayak rentals are available, allowing you to easily try marine sports even without your own equipment.

At the auto campsite, the first vehicle parks free, with additional vehicles charged 1,100 yen each. Accommodation rates vary seasonally from 3,300 to 7,150 yen, with separate facility usage fees required. Cash payment only, so advance preparation is important.

Nearby Attractions:

• Day-trip hot spring facilities
• Forest area (forest bathing & insect catching experiences)
• Dog run facilities (pets welcome)

Shizuoka Prefecture – Izu Peninsula: Snorkeling Paradise

Yumigahama Beach (Minami-Izu Town)

Yumigahama Beach, selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Beaches,” is a representative beach of South Izu with beautiful bow-shaped white sand stretching 1.3km. The calm, shallow waters provide a safe environment for swimming and various marine activities. You can enjoy kayaking, SUP, surfing, and snorkeling. Beach houses open during July and August, with lifeguards on duty for safety.
Additionally, authentic snorkeling experiences are available at Ouganohama Beach, about a 5-minute walk from Yumigahama. This rocky coastline offers a dramatic change from the sandy beach, with crystal-clear waters where you can observe beautiful sea anemones and adorable tropical fish. Expect to encounter diverse species including sergeant major damselfish, wrasse, sweepers, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, with lucky visitors sometimes spotting clownfish.

Nearby Attractions:

• Yumigahama Ichiban-kan (natural hot spring with source water)
• Minato-yu (sodium-calcium chloride hot spring)
• Aoki Sazae Shop (seafood direct sales with tabletop stove dining)
• Roadside Station “Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana” (foot bath & source water)
• Irozaki (southernmost tip of Izu Peninsula – spectacular views from 100m cliffs)
• Hirizo Beach (30 minutes by car – exceptional transparency snorkeling spot)

Fukada Crystal Beach (Nishi-Izu Town)

Located directly in front of Ukusu Campground RV Park, Fukada Crystal Beach is a 500m sandy beach. True to its name, the water clarity is exceptional, allowing close observation of schools of blue fish. Lifeguards are stationed during summer for safe swimming.

Parking spaces of 5.5m×5m are secured for two vehicles, with larger vehicles able to use multiple spaces. Electricity (100V20A) is included in the rate, which ranges from 2,200 to 5,500 yen depending on the season. The spectacular sunset view directly in front is absolutely breathtaking.

Nearby Attractions:

• Nishi-Izu Crystal View Hotel (day-trip hot spring – 100m away)
• Convenience store (a few minutes by car)
• Supermarket (a few minutes by car)
• Local restaurants & gas stations

Ibaraki Prefecture: Vast Sandy Beaches and Tide Pool Paradise

Oarai Coast (Oarai Town)

Oarai Coast at Oarai Sun Beach Campground offers pleasant wave sounds and spectacular views, particularly stunning sunrises. Featuring rocky areas and long sandy beaches, it provides an ideal environment for tide pooling. The northern rocky areas have tide pools where you can enjoy snorkeling with children. Water clarity is good with abundant seaweed.

Auto sites are available with optional AC power. Entrance fees are 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children, with site fees ranging from 5,000-8,000 yen with power and 3,000 yen without. It’s relatively uncrowded outside summer season, making it ideal for avoiding crowds.

Nearby Attractions:

• Nakaminato Fish Market (7 minutes by car) – fresh seafood cuisine
• Oarai Isosaki Shrine (18 minutes walk) – sunrise viewing power spot
• Shiosaino-yu (day-trip hot spring) – open-air bath overlooking Oarai Beach
• SEIBU Supermarket (3 minutes walk) – convenient for food shopping

Nikawa Beach (Kamisu City)

Nikawa Beach, 3 minutes walk from Kamisu Municipal Nikawa Beach Auto Campground, features vast sandy beaches. Lifeguards are stationed from late July to late August for safe swimming. The well-maintained, fully grassed campground offers reasonable rates at 3,660 yen per night and 1,570 yen for day camping.

While popular, early check-in and late check-out are possible outside busy periods, offering relatively flexible usage.

Nearby Attractions:

• Marine sports experience facilities (banana boat, wakeboard)
• Fureai Center “Yurarara” (day-trip hot spring)
• Kashima Central Natural Hot Spring Bijin-no-yu Yunohana

Kanagawa Prefecture: Hidden Gems for Tranquil Beach Journeys

Umezawa Coast (Ninomiya Town)

A hidden gem beloved by locals, Umezawa Coast offers surf fishing along the long beach and barbecuing under the Nishi-Shonan Bypass overpass. Free parking allows car camping, but the unpaved parking area accommodates 40-50 vehicles with a 5-10% slope toward the ocean, so bringing a leveling device is recommended.

While relatively minor, it’s popular for fishing and marine sports, so parking can get crowded on weekends and summer. Early arrival is recommended. Traffic noise from the Nishi-Shonan Bypass may be noticeable at night, so bringing earplugs is advisable.

Nearby Attractions:

• Puratto Park Nakai PA (about 10km) – paid shower 300 yen/10 minutes
• Azumayama Park – 360-degree panoramic views of Sagami Bay, Izu, and Mt. Fuji
• Local shops & convenience stores

Wada Nagahama Coast (Yokosuka City)

Located on the Miura Peninsula, Wada Nagahama Coast features crystal-clear waters and excellent tide pooling. Outside the July-August swimming season, free beach camping is possible in a relatively quiet environment. However, during summer swimming season, parking becomes paid and camping is prohibited.

Clean temporary restrooms were newly installed in 2020, but there are no water facilities, so drinking water must be brought.

Nearby Attractions:

• Soleil Hill (about 10 minutes walk) – animal interactions, large playground equipment, trampolines
• Various Miura Peninsula tourist attractions
• Local seafood restaurants • roadside stations and direct sales shops

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which beach in Kanto has the highest water clarity? ▼

A1. Moriya Beach in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture boasts exceptional water clarity in the Kanto region and is selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Beaches.” You can observe colorful fish while snorkeling, and there’s an adjacent RV park available.

Q2. What are the essential items for beach trips with an RV? ▼

A2. Swimwear & extra clothes, towels, sunscreen (SPF50+), snorkeling equipment, first aid kit, waterproof bags, cooler box, BBQ equipment, etc. Safety items like first aid kits and heat stroke prevention supplies are especially essential.

Q3. What are the tips for avoiding crowds while enjoying beach activities? ▼

A3. We recommend weekday visits, early morning arrivals, and choosing times outside the summer peak season. Moriya Beach is particularly crowded from 9:00-13:00 on weekends and holidays, so avoiding these times or making advance reservations is strongly recommended.

Q4. What’s the difference between RV parks and general campgrounds? ▼

A4. RV parks are equipped with facilities specifically for recreational vehicles, including electrical hookups, dump stations, and spacious parking areas. While they offer superior facilities compared to general campgrounds, rates are often set higher.

Q5. Can snorkeling beginners enjoy it safely? ▼

A5. Choose locations with beginner lessons and equipment rentals (like Moriya Beach or Ouganohama in South Izu), always follow the buddy system, and use beaches with lifeguards. It’s crucial to never swim alone.

For Safe and Comfortable Beach Trips

To maximize your enjoyment of RV beach trips, advance preparation and on-site etiquette are crucial. Check the latest information for each spot via official websites or phone calls, paying particular attention to crowd conditions, usage rules, and fees, which may change.

When enjoying snorkeling, always travel in groups, constantly check sea conditions and your physical condition, and prioritize safety above all. Also, to pass on these beautiful seas and natural environments to future generations, please be mindful of environmental considerations and maintain proper etiquette.

The Kanto region offers diverse coastal attractions, from crystal-clear waters to hidden tranquil beaches. Choose the optimal spot based on your travel style and objectives, and enjoy the freedom that only RV travel can provide. Wake up and dive straight into the ocean, spend the day enjoying marine activities to your heart’s content, and in the evening enjoy warm meals inside your vehicle while watching the sunset—such luxurious experiences are the true essence of RV travel.

Kanto SUP by Camper Van Guide RV travel attracts with its high degree of freedom and comfort. By ...