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.
Miura Kaigan Beach lies on the western coast of the Miura Peninsula in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, roughly 60 kilometres south of central Tokyo. The beach stretches approximately 800 metres along a calm, partially sheltered bay, with medium to coarse sand and a narrow pebble band at the high-tide line. The water is typically clear with a blue-green hue and is rated Good by Kanagawa Prefecture's annual beach water-quality monitoring programme. The sheltered aspect keeps surface conditions calm for much of the year, making it a comfortable environment for families and casual swimmers.
The beach holds a distinctive position in Japan's seasonal tourism calendar owing to the hundreds of Kawazu cherry trees (Kawazu-zakura) planted along the shoreline approach and local streets. This early-blooming variety produces vivid pink blossoms as early as late January and typically peaks in mid-to-late February — well ahead of Tokyo's standard Yoshino cherry season in late March and April. The combination of cherry blossoms set against the blue sea, with fishing boats and sea stacks in the middle distance, has made Miura Kaigan one of the most photographed early-spring destinations in the Kanagawa region, drawing visitors from across the Tokyo metropolitan area during the bloom period.
Outside the cherry blossom season, Miura Kaigan offers a quieter, genuinely local beach experience far removed from the Shonan tourist circuit. The surrounding area has the character of a working fishing town: small restaurants serve ultra-fresh tuna, as Miura is one of Japan's leading tuna-processing ports, and fishermen work the shoreline at low tide. The town's tuna market at Misaki Port, accessible by bus in about 20 minutes, is one of the region's most celebrated culinary attractions.
During summer, the beach attracts families and day-trippers seeking a less crowded alternative to the Shonan beaches, with basic seasonal facilities operating in July and August. A parking area is available near the beach. The setting — framed by fishing harbour infrastructure rather than commercial beach huts — retains a character absent from the larger resort beaches.
Miura Kaigan Station on the Keikyu Main Line is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Express services from Shinagawa in Tokyo take around 65 minutes and from Yokohama approximately 50 minutes. Keikyu frequently offers discount day-trip ticket packages combining transit and local sightseeing, particularly during the cherry blossom season.
Good to know
- Best for
- Cherry blossoms (Feb–Mar), Quiet beach walks, Local fishing village atmosphere
- Facilities
- Basic facilities, Parking
Location
35.1655, 139.6210 View on map
Highlights
- Hundreds of Kawazu cherry trees bloom against the sea backdrop from late January through mid-February — one of Kanagawa's most striking early-spring events
- Quiet, sheltered bay with clear blue-green water and a genuine fishing-town atmosphere well away from the Shonan tourist beaches
- Miura Kaigan Station (Keikyu Main Line) is a 5-minute walk, with direct expresses from Shinagawa (Tokyo) in around 65 minutes
- Nearby Misaki Port, 20 minutes by bus, is one of Japan's premier tuna ports with fresh tuna lunch restaurants at favourable prices
- Calm, low-surf conditions make the bay a comfortable family swimming destination during the summer season
Tips for visiting
- The February cherry blossom and sea combination is one of Kanagawa's most photographed seasonal events.
When to visit
Late January through mid-February for the Kawazu cherry blossom season combined with sea views — the primary draw for most visitors to Miura Kaigan. July and August for casual summer swimming in the sheltered, calm bay with basic seasonal facilities.
Frequently asked questions
When is the cherry blossom season at Miura Kaigan?
Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms typically bloom from late January through mid-February, peaking around the second week of February depending on winter temperatures. This is significantly earlier than the standard Tokyo cherry season in late March and April, making Miura Kaigan a popular early-spring destination.
Is Miura Kaigan a good swimming beach in summer?
Yes — the sheltered bay produces calm conditions well suited to families and casual swimmers. The beach is quieter than the larger Shonan beaches to the north, with basic seasonal facilities operating in July and August. Water quality is rated Good by Kanagawa Prefecture monitoring.
What is the tuna connection to Miura Kaigan?
Miura City and neighbouring Misaki Port are among Japan's leading centres for tuna processing. Restaurants around the beach and especially at Misaki Port (a short bus ride away) specialise in fresh tuna sashimi, tuna bowls, and tuna steak at prices well below Tokyo levels, making a seafood lunch a natural complement to the beach visit.
How do visitors get to Miura Kaigan Beach?
Miura Kaigan Station on the Keikyu Main Line is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Express services from Shinagawa take about 65 minutes and from Yokohama around 50 minutes. Keikyu frequently sells discount day-trip ticket packages, especially during the cherry blossom season in January and February.