Kamakura Beaches
The beaches of Kamakura are one of Japan's premier holiday destinations. The beach season begins in mid-July, after the rainy season has ended, and lasts for about three months. During this time, the beaches are crowded with sunbathing tourists who enjoy swimming in the warm waters and admiring the beautiful ocean panoramic views. Visitors can appreciate spectacular sunsets and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji (富士山), making Kamakura a must-visit destination for beach lovers.
Due to the atmospheric coastline and the beauty and general vibe of the place, Kamakura has even been called the California of Japan. This makes it a fantastic place for Kamakura beach surfing, with ideal conditions suitable for surfers of all levels of skill. For additional information on how to enjoy this gorgeous area, consult our guide to the best beaches in Kamakura.
The best beaches in Kamakura are:
- Yuigahama
- Inamuragasaki
- Sitirigahami
The 7-kilometre shoreline also has:
- 2 other beaches: Zaimokuza Beach (材木座) and Koshigoe Beach (腰越). These beaches are less popular among tourists. Zaimokuza Beach is famous in Japan because it was the setting for the novel 'Heart' (Kokoro, こころ) by the famous Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki (夏目 漱石).
- Sagami Bay (相模湾), is renowned for its yachts.
Trips to the Kamakura beaches typically include a visit to Enoshima Island (江の島), which also boasts a beautiful beach.
The resort is especially popular for its proximity to Tokyo (東京), the capital, which is only about 1-1.5 hours away by train.
Kamakura's beaches have inspired many photographers, filmmakers, and musicians to create fascinating compositions. For example, the American musical band Raspberry Pie wrote a famous song called Kamakura Beach, the lyrics of which describe the joys of holidaying in this wonderful place.
Attractions
Vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Fuji: Kamakura beaches, especially Inamuragasaki, offer breathtaking views that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden江ノ電 ): The Kamakurakōkōmae station (鎌倉高校前駅), located on Kamakura beach, is a favourite site among manga and anime fans. This popularity stems from the anime Slam Dunk (スラムダンク), which debuted in the 1990s and featured a scene recreating the Kamakura beach station alongside a colourful vintage train, affectionately dubbed the "anime train". Interest in Slam Dunk was revived in 2022 with the release of Takehiko Inoue (井上 雄彦)'s anime film, which further enhanced Kamakura's appeal.
Enoshima Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower, 江の島展望灯台): Situated 101 metres above sea level on Enoshima Island, this popular observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Inamuragasaki Beach Film Set: Known for its picturesque beach sunsets, this location has been used as a filming location for many famous Japanese films, making it a must-see for film lovers.
Things to Do at Kamakura Beaches
- Swimming and Sunbathing: The beach season in Kamakura lasts three months, from July to September, when the water temperature rises to a pleasant 21-25 °C. The shoreline has a mild climate year-round, with winter temperatures ranging from 8-10 °C and spring temperatures around 15-20 °C, making it ideal for leisurely walks. Although temperatures can drop to 0-1 °C in January, sub-zero temperatures are extremely rare.
- Surfing: Shichirigahama Beach is the main surfing destination in Kamakura, known for its excellent wave conditions. This beach tends to be less crowded, making it a great environment for surfers. The best seasons for surfing in Kamakura are spring and autumn, especially after the beach season ends.
- Watch or Take Part in Yacht Races: Enoshima Yacht Harbour, located in Sagami Bay and established in 1964, hosts many yacht races, including the prestigious Trans-Sagami Yacht Race.
- Attend Festivals: Kamakura is home to several lively music festivals, including the Live House Otodama Festival. Another iconic event is the Kamakura Beach Bon Odori Festival (盆踊り), which has been held on Yuigahama Beach since 2013. This traditional Japanese festival honours the deceased through ancestral dances, adding cultural richness to the beach experience.
