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.
Zushi Beach stretches 1.2 kilometres along Sagami Bay in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, making it one of the most accessible and beloved coastal destinations on the Shonan coast. The broad, sandy shore is composed of fine to medium-grain sand that remains firm underfoot, and the calm, relatively sheltered bay produces gentle swells ideal for families with young children. Water colour shifts from blue-green close to shore to a deeper blue further out, and quality is consistently rated Good by Kanagawa Prefecture's seasonal monitoring programme.
The beach faces roughly south, offering excellent afternoon sun exposure and views across Sagami Bay towards the Izu Peninsula. On clear winter mornings and crisp autumn days, the snow-capped cone of Mt. Fuji becomes visible on the western horizon — a scene that draws photographers before the summer beach huts obscure the foreground. The Miura hills rise to the east, giving Zushi a pleasingly framed, almost enclosed character compared to the more exposed Shonan beaches to the north.
From July to late August, seasonal beach huts line the upper shore, selling chilled beer, grilled corn, fried squid, kakigori shaved ice, and full set lunches. Equipment rental — parasols, beach chairs, inflatable floats, and bodyboards — is widely available at rates around 500–1,000 JPY per item. Changing rooms cost 300 JPY and outdoor showers 200 JPY. Lifeguards patrol the designated swimming zone during the official season, typically 9:00–17:00 from mid-July through August.
Outside peak summer, the beach retakes a quieter, local character. Surfers and stand-up paddleboarders use the gentler waves in May, June, and September, and dog walkers frequent the upper beach in spring and autumn when restrictions lifted after the swimming season allow pets. The coastal path north towards Kamakura offers scenic headland views suitable for casual walkers.
Access is straightforward: Zushi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line is a flat 15-minute walk from the beach through quiet residential streets. Several convenience stores line the route and near the beach entrance. Paid car parks fill quickly on summer weekends, so early arrival before 9:00 is strongly recommended for drivers. Cyclists can reach the beach via the Shonan coastal cycling path from Kamakura.
Good to know
- Best for
- Swimming, Family beach days, Beach volleyball
- Facilities
- Changing rooms (300 JPY), Showers (200 JPY), Beach hut rentals, Parasol and chair rental, Convenience stores nearby
Location
35.2935, 139.5855 View on map
Highlights
- Views across Sagami Bay to the Izu Peninsula, with Mt. Fuji visible on the western horizon on clear winter and autumn mornings
- Broad, firm sandy shore with calm, sheltered water ideal for families and casual swimmers throughout summer
- Seasonal beach huts open July–August serving grilled food, cold drinks, and parasol and equipment rental
- Easy flat access from Zushi Station (JR Yokosuka Line) with a 15-minute walk through the residential town centre
- Quieter spring and autumn season for surfers, walkers, and dog owners once the summer crowds have thinned
Tips for visiting
- Beach huts open July–August
- quieter in May–June and September for surfing and coastal walks.
When to visit
July and August offer the full beach amenities, lifeguard supervision, and the lively summer atmosphere with beach huts. Late May, June, and September bring quieter conditions favoured by surfers. Winter mornings produce the clearest views of Mt. Fuji across Sagami Bay.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Is there parking at Zushi Beach?
Several paid car parks are located near the beach entrance, but they fill rapidly on summer weekend mornings. Arriving before 9:00 greatly improves the chance of finding a space. Public transit via JR Yokosuka Line to Zushi Station is strongly recommended on busy days.
What facilities are available at the beach?
Changing rooms (300 JPY) and outdoor showers (200 JPY) operate during summer. Seasonal beach huts provide food, drinks, and equipment rental. Convenience stores are located on the approach road from Zushi Station.