These areas boast some of the best beaches in all of Kansai (south-central Japan), and are home to historic onsen areas, as well as offering coral reefs said to be a diver's paradise.

U.S. News took this and other factors – such as unique scenery, beach quality and overall accessibility – into consideration to determine the destinations with the best beaches in the world.

The beach is made of fine sand that has been hardened by seawater into something like a paved road, allowing cars to drive on the beach. In the summer of 1955, a tourist bus drove onto the beach ...

With such a splendid beach spreading right before one's eyes, it's a terrible shame that it can't be enjoyed this summer. Across Japan, there are roughly 1,000 beaches for swimming. Whether they ...