Looking for a beach get-away near Tokyo? Ready for a day of sand and sun in Kyushu? Want to find a beach in Niigata? Where can you go swimming in Hokkaido?
The islands of Japan offer many beaches to choose from but having so many choices can be overwhelming! This is the first post in a series where we provide beach getaway suggestions from KA Moms!

First up: Onjuku Beach in Chiba　千葉県 御宿

Onjuku is a 2km long sandy beach less than 90 min. by train from Tokyo Stn. While it is well known it tends to be less crowded that some of the other Tokyo area options. The area has a small town feel and is popular with local surfers. While it is within day trip distance of Tokyo it is also a great place to spend a night or two.
Here is the plan we followed recently for 3 days, 2 nights of sand, sun and fun!

Day 1
1:00 Leave Tokyo Stn. on the Limited Express Wakashio　わかしお 
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2:24 Arrive at Onjuku Stn.
3:00 Check-in at Sayan Terrace Hotel
3:30 Hit the Beach!
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5:00 Lifeguards of off duty – I use this as a ploy to convince my kids to leave the beach 😉
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6:00 Walk along the beach to supper at the Flying Sumo Surf Shop

Day 2
6:00 Pre-breakfast swim
7:00 Breakfast
8:00-10:00 Surf Lesson with Del from Flying Sumo
11:30 Lunch at Hula Hana
Pick up things for supper at 7-11
nap/pool/beach/pool/bath
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5:00 Return to hotel room
6:00 Supper in room
7:00 Exhausted kids zonk out!

Day 3
6:00 Pre-breakfast swim
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8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Beach
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10:00 Pool
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11:30 Check-out
12:10 Leave Onjuku Stn. on the Limited Express Wakashio for Tokyo
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13:35 Arrive at Tokyo Stn.

When planning a trip please check exact train times, check-in, breakfast, check-out etc. These times are from the days we went and are shared just to give you a general idea of timing.
A few pointers:
☆ The Wakashio trains usually leave from the Keiyo Platform at Tokyo Stn. It is a long walk to the platform from other parts of the station so please allow plenty of time to change trains or come into Tokyo Stn. on a Keiyo or Musashino line train so you get off at the Keiyo platforms.
☆ We love to get eki-ben lunch boxes (sold at the station) to enjoy on longer train rides. It is part of the culture that should not be missed! Tokyo Station offers a wide variety in eki-ben. Onjuku, however, does not sell eki-ben at the station
☆ Many hotels will provide pick-up/drop off at local train stations. Be sure to ask ahead of time if you would like to use this service.
☆ You can bring your own beach gear or rent things from the beach huts. We pack minimally but bring most of our own things.
☆ Flying Sumo has great pizza, a variety of soups and interesting selection of soft drinks and beers.
☆ Hula Hana has high chairs, toys and a laid back atmosphere perfect for families with little kids!
☆ For surf lessons in English check with Del and Kelly at Flying Sumo or Eugene Teal
☆ Onjuku hosts various competitions (ocean swim, lifeguard etc.) so it may be worth checking ahead of time to see if your travel dates line up with a special event.
☆ Check out the JR Kanto Area Pass. Depending on where you start it may save you some money. It is avalible for foreign passport holders, even those of us on PR visas.
☆ Onjuku is about 30 min. by train from Awa-Kamogawa which makes it possible to include a visit to Kamogawa SeaWorld.

Onjuku Tourism Office (Japanese only)

Onjuku Society of Comerce and Industry(Japanese Only)