Fabulous beach to go to after Japan

[IdontShineifYoudontShine]

We’re looking into a big holiday for 2024. Special occasion, family of 5 but kids are 20, 18, 12 so all fairly grown up. Love sightseeing, history etc but also looking for some relaxation so we’re currently thinking of 2 weeks in Japan then a week at a beautiful beach somewhere - but I’m struggling to come up with somewhere that won’t add too much travel time and where the weather will be right. We have to go mid-July because of work and school holidays so will get to the beachy bit end July/beginning of August.

Have thought of:
Thailand or Maldives, but I think it’s rainy season
Tioman Island, Malaysia - DH and I have been before, many years ago but at a different time of year
Fiji - again, been before and loved it but worried it’s a bit too much travelling

Does anyone have any other ideas of beautiful/not rainy season beaches reasonably accessible from Japan at that time of year?

Should say I’m slightly concerned Japan’s going to be way too hot in July but I’d have to think of somewhere equally spectacular to change that part of the trip - I am open to other suggestions though if you have any!!

There are some beautiful beaches in Japan itself, in Kyushu and Okinawa. How about somewhere like Hamilton Island in Australia, or one of the other islands on the Great Barrier Reef?

Trying not to die of jealousy….

So Japan is going to be incredibly humid in July (possibly also raining a fair bit) but personally that’s part of the appeal for me. The humidity is part of the experience. Just takes loads of water with you, walk slowly and wrap little towels around necks tucked in to shirts. Save beautiful clothes for a time you know you will be in aircon consistently.

I’m not a massive beach person, but are you looking for a beach that comes with an extremely luxe hotel/private island type feel? As you get I to august most of Asia is going to be Typhoon/rainy season.

you could stay in Japan for a wonderful beach - although perhaps not as “ultra luxe” as hotels in Maldives etc.
Okinawa has beautiful beaches, the Ishigaki islands look amazing - are on my bucket list.
Taiwan has incredible beaches - on the mainland many of them have black volcanic sand. They tend not to be served by luxe hotels, really depends what you’re after. Orchid and Green island are pretty amazing. Hard to get to though from Taipei (long drive/slow train and then ferry)
Philippines (although typhoons a high possibility) can do luxury hotels - again travel will require driving out of Manila/cebu and a ferry/very small aircraft.

if you want spectacular and non rainy season beach with spectacular amenities could you not stop off in Greece or ME on the way back? In my view once you’re in the aircraft, you’re in the aircraft…

hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi OP! My DH is Japanese so we go quite frequently and I must admit July is VERY hot. Luckily there's great aircon almost everywhere but definitely don't underestimate how tough it can get walking around outside!

In terms of beaches, the Okinawan islands are truly some of the most stunning I have ever seen and completely unspoilt. You can get there in 1-2hrs from the mainland via domestic flight. I cannot recommend this enough!

Head to Ishigaki Jima in the Okinawa islands - direct flights from several cities in mainland Japan.

The beaches are to die for. We stayed at Club Med Kabira which is obviously not in any shape or form a Japanese cultural experience but it was nice to be able to vaguely converse with others after three weeks travelling through Japan.

Not sure I'd want to go to Japan in July. It's a place where you might want to walk and walk and walk as there are so many amazing things to see and do and the hot and humid weather makes that hard.

If was hot enough in May when we went. I would go at Easter! Definitely stay in Japan for a beach.

Thailand is lovely in July if you stay on the Gulf of Thailand side - islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

I'd not go to Japan in July, it's really humid and with so much to see outside/walking etc you'll be a sweaty knackered mess. Philippines has some beautiful beaches.

Hi We are looking at a big trip in a couple of years and my children are all similar ages. We fancied Japan but not so sure now after reading the replies here and eldest son isn’t good with heat! Have you decided on anything yet as am lost for ideas due to the time of year? TIA