An injured Chinese tourist bravely climbed down a cliff to rescue a local who had fallen into the sea in Japan.

Yang, 54, was sightseeing along the coast of Shizuoka Prefecture with his wife on September 16 when he heard a sudden splash and saw a woman floating in the water near Jogasaki Beach.

Despite warnings from bystanders to stay back, noting the danger, especially as he was still recovering from collarbone surgery, Yang climbed down the rocky cliff to attempt a rescue.

Reports said a staff member at the site threw a lifebuoy into the water, but strong winds blew it off course.

Onlookers then tossed down a large plastic sack filled with empty water bottles, hoping it could serve as a makeshift floatation device.

Footage shows the woman drifting around 30 to 40 metres from shore, motionless and face down in the water.

Yang managed to reach her, turn her over, and support her head and shoulders on the makeshift float. He then lay on his back and swam toward the rocks, pulling her along.

Emergency divers arrived shortly after. They brought the woman aboard a rescue vessel and returned to help Yang back to shore.

Both individuals were transported to a nearby hospital. Yang reportedly sustained only minor abrasions. The condition of the woman has not been officially confirmed.