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.

KAMAKURA, Kanagawa -- At around noon on Aug. 20, a beautiful blue sky spread over Yuigahama Beach in this east Japan city. As the sun shone down, people could be seen swimming and strolling along ...