Being an island nation, there is no shortages of beaches in Japan–though if you live in Tokyo, there are times when the only thing resembling the ocean to be seen is a sea of people. After a weekday morning commute spent sloshing around in a packed train car, it’s easy to find yourself wishing for a more relaxed environment like the beach. And with summer in full swing, there are plenty of beaches we’d rather be lounging on than just about anything.

But it’s a busy world and who has time to sit on the beach and just relax? Well, we sure don’t! But for those of us always on the go, there are a few train stations that at least will give you a view of the ocean on your way to whatever business you may have. Think of it like a vacation that lasts as long as the train stops!

Here are 12 of Japan’s stations on the sea–beautiful, serene, and just outside your train window!

Kitahama Station

Located on the Sea of Okhotsk in north-east Hokkaido (map), this is perhaps one of the coldest train stations Japan, though you couldn’t tell it from the first two photos below. However, it turns out that a train ride to Kitahama Station will provide you not only with a beautiful view of the ocean, but also of drift ice! In fact, Kitahama Station is apparently the only train station in Japan that regularly offers a glimpse of that fantastic frozen, floating phenomenon.

Image by Genya Nikki

Image by Twitter (@mhtt_1)

Image from Twitter (@waiwairedserow)

Todoroki Station

Heading to the mainland, this station in Aomori Prefecture (map) is close to the Sea of Japan–extremely close! During stormy weather, waves actually wash over the track and up to the station. While we’re not sure if that’s the most practical location, it does make for beautiful photo opportunities. In fact, the station was featured in JR advertising in 2002, driving train- and station-loving fans out to Aomori. We can’t blame them–a dip in the sea sounds great right now!

Image by Kiki Blog

Image by Wikipedia (Uehara82)

https://twitter.com/kazukin_jp/status/488888333578567680/

Nebukawa Station

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture (map), this is the only station on the Tokaido Main Line between Tokyo and Kobe that is unmanned, though it is apparently a popular destination during New Years. It also provides a stunning view of open waters.

Image by Tochuu Gesha

Image by All Stations Guide of Japan

Image from Wikipedia (Kicho-)

Shimonada Station

Another unmanned stop, Shimonada Station is located in Ehime Prefecture (map, Streetview) on the Shikoku Yosan Line. Having been featured in numerous posters and other JR advertisements, the station has become popular among train lovers and photographers across the country as a location for breathtaking landscape photos. It even has its own Facebook page!

Image by For Shimonada

Image by For Shimonada

Image from Facebook

Baishinji Station

Another station in Ehime Prefeture (map), Baishinji Station is not famous just for its location–though it certainly is beautiful. The station captured the popular imagination in 1991 thanks to the TV drama Tokyo Love Story, about three Ehime friends who eventually reunite in Tokyo. As you may have guessed from the photo below, Rika, one of the main characters of the show, ties a “bye-bye handkerchief” to the railing in a climactic scene. Fans of the show and travelers have kept up the tradition for over two decades!

Image from Wikipedia (Unamu)

Image from Wikipedia (Unamu)

https://twitter.com/ss_faust1977/status/465004038837133313/

Yoroi Station

This Hyogo Prefecture station (map) isn’t much to look at itself–it could easily be mistaken for a run-down bathroom in an interstate rest area–but the view from the platform certainly makes up for it. Not only is the station unmanned, there aren’t even any automated ticket machines! Despite its desolate appearance, the station has become a bit of an attraction for train lovers following its appearance in some TV shows. It has also appeared in JR advertisements, where it was written that “you can feel the sea breeze blowing off the ocean right under your eyes just standing on the platform.”

▼The station itself

Image from Wikipedia (Mitsuki-2368)

▼The view from the platform.

Image by Eki he no tabi

https://twitter.com/seedofjoy1990/status/444480417232470017/

Oobatake Station

One of the more rural areas of Japan, Yamaguchi Prefecture (map) is also home to Oobatake Station, which sits right along the sea. An hour train ride from the Shinkansen station in Hiroshima, this station is an excellent sightseeing destination–though that’s about all you’ll have time for! In this part of the country, you can usually find only local trains.

Image from Matomesu

https://twitter.com/DORAGONPON/status/419743354390196224/

Oumikawa Station

Apparently this Niigata Prefecture station (map) is the closest to actual open waters in Japan, though judging from other entries on this list, the competition for that honor is fierce. In fact, the train line runs right along the coast for several miles, making not just this station but the entire route a beautiful destination for sight-seers. And, like many other stops on this list, the station is unmanned. We’re starting to wonder how JR gets people to pay for tickets…

https://twitter.com/mkpiiii9/status/488698986006474754/

https://twitter.com/hiroaki_kaneko/status/488804695654158336/

Yukawa Station

Located in Wakayama Prefecture (map), Yukawa Station provides a magnificent view not only of the sea but also of the prefecture’s mountains. And if you’re a fan of the beach, the station is just a stone’s throw away from the Yukawa Kaisui Yokujo (Yukawa Swimming Area). Best of all, this station is also unmanned, so there won’t be any attendants to scold you for tracking sand and water all over the platform!

Image by Wikipedia (Kouchiumi)

Image by Tsudanuma Note

Umashibaura Station

Situated on Tokyo Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture (map), this station is probably not where you’d want to wait out a storm with large waves. It is, however, an excellent destination for sight-seeing. In addition to the view of the bay, rail riders are afforded an excellent view of the Yokohama Bay Bridge, Tsurumi Tsubasa Bridge, and fireworks launched from Yamashita Park in the summer.

Image by Rail & KQ Club

Image by The Wonderful World of Stations

Kamakurakoko Mae Station

As you may have guessed from the name of this station, it’s located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture (map) near Kamakura High School. Kamakura City, in addition to its beautiful temples, shrines, and German sausages, is a popular destination for its gorgeous beaches. The station offers a beautiful view of the ocean and as well as Enoshima, Miura Peninsula, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days. That said, we’re sure it’s a horrible way to start the school day–imaging having a gorgeous beach dangled in front of you only for it to be ripped away and replaced with an hour spent conjugating English verbs!

Images from Seesaa Wiki

Images from Seesaa Wiki

https://twitter.com/k1y054/status/488520704024145920/

Tagi Station

This beach-front train stop is located in Shimane Prefecture (map), the second least populated prefecture in Japan. Despite the lack of people around to use it, Tagi Station and the area between it and its neighbor down the line Oda Station are famous as sight-seeing destinations and have appeared in numerous magazines. Apparently there is also a sakura (cherry) tree next to the platform, providing a unique photo opportunity when the tree blossoms in the spring.

Image from Houchoki

https://twitter.com/ks09133/status/410915442744504320/

We hope you enjoyed our beach-front trip around the rail stations of Japan. Let us know if we missed your favorite station on the sea!

Source: Naver Matome, Houchoki, Seesaa Wiki, The Wonderful World of Stations, Tsudanuma Note, Eki he no tabi, Facebook, All Stations Guide of Japan,

Image: Naver Matome (unless listed above)