South Izu beaches, part 2: clear-water coves
Smaller beaches with famously clear water and rocks at the edges: Iritahama, Sotoura and Nabeta.
Part 2 of our south Izu beach series moves to smaller coves. They are still sandy, but they are tucked between headlands, with rocks at each end where you can snorkel, and the water is often startlingly clear.
Iritahama (Shimoda)
Often described as the most beautiful beach in Izu: a short stretch of pale sand with water that turns from clear to deep blue, framed by green headlands. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
Sotoura (Shimoda)
A quiet, sheltered bay east of the town centre, protected from the open sea and calm enough for paddling and stand-up paddleboarding. See our Sotoura guide.
Nabeta (Shimoda)
A narrow inlet whose shallow, sheltered water is used by local schools for SUP lessons.
Tips
- Bring snorkel gear: the rocks at the edges of these coves are where the fish are.
- Facilities are smaller than at the big beaches, and some only open in the swimming season.
Next: part 3, rocky coves for confident swimmers.
