Kanagawa Prefecture is a diverse region south of Tokyo offering everything from the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama to the ancient temples of Kamakura and the volcanic hot springs of Hakone. It combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, including stunning views of Mount Fuji and the rugged Shonan coastline.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Kanagawa.
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Zushi Beach
Zushi is one of Kanagawa's most popular and family-friendly beaches, stretching 1.2km along Sagami Bay. Clear water, broad sandy shore, and a lively summer atmosphere with beach huts offering food, drinks, and equipment rental. Views of the Miura hills and on clear days Mt. Fuji.
Editor’s tip. Beach huts open July–August
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Yuigahama Beach
Kamakura's main beach, a broad sweep of sand backed by cafes and beach huts with the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji visible on clear days. A lively summer scene with surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. The Enoden tram rattles past offering quintessential Shonan views.
Editor’s tip. Iconic Enoden tram passes alongside — a classic Shonan photo opportunity. Avoid mid-August weekends for heavy crowds.
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Katase Enoshima Beach
The long, wide sandy beach adjoining Enoshima Island is one of the Shonan coast's signature beaches. The island itself forms a dramatic backdrop. The beach splits into Katase Nishi (west) and Katase Higashi (east), both popular for surfing and summer recreation.
Editor’s tip. Combine with an Enoshima Island visit. The Shonan cycling path runs along the beach — rent a bike in Enoshima.
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Zaimokuza Beach
A quieter alternative to Yuigahama beach, popular with surfers and locals seeking a less crowded summer experience. Good waves for beginner surfing and a more relaxed, local vibe than the central Kamakura beach.
Editor’s tip. Popular with Kamakura locals who avoid the tourist-heavy Yuigahama. Better waves for surfing.
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Miura Kaigan Beach
A scenic beach at the northern tip of Miura Peninsula, famous for cherry blossoms blooming against a sea backdrop in late February. A quieter, more local beach experience away from the Shonan crowds.
Editor’s tip. The February cherry blossom and sea combination is one of Kanagawa's most photographed seasonal events.
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Jogashima Island (Miura)
A wild, rocky island at the southernmost tip of Miura Peninsula with dramatic sea cliffs, tidal pools, a lighthouse, and unspoiled coastal scenery. Not a swimming beach, but outstanding for coastal walks, rock fishing, and photography.
Editor’s tip. Bring sturdy shoes for the rocky coastal path. The wild, windswept scenery is a world away from the Shonan beaches.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Kanagawa’s coast.
When does the official swimming season open at Zushi Beach?
The designated swimming zone with lifeguard supervision typically opens in mid-July and runs through the end of August. Beach huts and equipment rentals operate over the same period. Outside this window the beach is freely accessible but unguarded.
From the Zushi Beach editorial.
Can dogs be brought to Zushi Beach?
Dogs are prohibited during the official swimming season — generally mid-July to late August — when the beach is most crowded. Before and after the season, dogs on leads are generally welcome on the upper beach, though rules are set annually by the city and may vary.
From the Zushi Beach editorial.
Is Yuigahama Beach suitable for swimming with children?
The beach is swimmable in the designated buoyed zones during the guarded summer season, typically mid-July to late August. The open Sagami Bay exposure means swells and rip currents can develop, so families with young children should remain within the marked swimming area and follow lifeguard instructions.
From the Yuigahama Beach editorial.
When is the beach least crowded?
Weekdays in September offer the best balance of warm water, open beach, and manageable crowds. Mid-August weekends are the busiest, with the beach reaching near capacity by mid-morning. Arriving before 9:00 on peak days secures a far better position and beach-hut table.
From the Yuigahama Beach editorial.
What is the difference between Katase Nishi and Katase Higashi beach sections?
Katase Nishi (west) sits closer to Enoshima Island and tends to have better surf due to wave refraction around the island. Katase Higashi (east) is broader and slightly calmer, popular with families and swimmers. Both sections share the same summer beach-hut infrastructure and promenade facilities.
From the Katase Enoshima Beach editorial.
How do visitors reach Katase Enoshima Beach by train?
Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line is around 10 minutes' walk from the beach. Enoshima Station on the Enoden and Shōnan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail are nearby alternatives. The beach is roughly 50–60 minutes from central Tokyo by express train.
From the Katase Enoshima Beach editorial.
How does Zaimokuza compare to Yuigahama Beach?
Zaimokuza is quieter and less commercialised, with fewer beach huts and a more local crowd. Yuigahama is larger, livelier, and has more facilities including surf schools and a dense row of beach bars. Zaimokuza suits those seeking a relaxed, uncrowded Kamakura beach experience over a resort atmosphere.
From the Zaimokuza Beach editorial.
Is Zaimokuza Beach good for surfing?
Yes — the beach is considered one of the better surf spots in the Kamakura area, with beach-break peaks forming along its full length on southerly swells. It suits beginners through to intermediate surfers, and at low tide on larger swells the break can hollow out to produce faster waves for more experienced riders.
From the Zaimokuza Beach editorial.