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 teeming with sunbathing tourists who enjoy swimming in the warm waters and taking in the beautiful ocean views. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, 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 destination for Kamakura beach surfing, with ideal conditions for surfers of all levels. For more information on how to enjoy this beautiful area, see our guide to the best beaches in Kamakura.

The best beaches in Kamakura are:

• Yuigahama
• Inamuragasaki
• Sitirigahami

The coastline, which is about 7 kilometres long, also includes:

• 2 other beaches: Zaimokuza Beach and Koshigoe Beach. These beaches are less popular with tourists. Zaimokuza Beach is famous in Japan because it was the setting for the novel 'Heart' (Kokoro) by the famous Japanese writer Natsume Soseki.
• Sagami Bay, famous for its yachts.

Trips to the Kamakura beaches usually include a visit to Enoshima Island, which also has a beautiful beach.

The resort is also popular for its proximity to Tokyo, which is only about 1-1.5 hours by train from the capital.

Kamakura's beaches have inspired many photographers, filmmakers and musicians to create interesting compositions. For example, the American musical group Raspberry Pie wrote a famous song called Kamakura Beach, the lyrics of which describe the joys of holidaying in this wonderful place.

Attractions

Views 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): The Kamakurakokomae station, located on Kamakura beach, is a favorite spot among manga and anime fans. This popularity stems from the anime Slam Dunk, which debuted in the 1990s and featured a scene recreating the Kamakura beach station alongside a colorful retro train, affectionately dubbed the "anime train". Interest in Slam Dunk was revived in 2022 with the release of Takehiko Inoue's anime film, which further enhanced Kamakura's appeal.

Enoshima Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower): Situated 101 metres above sea level on Enoshima Island, this popular observation deck offers stunning 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 buffs.

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 comfortable 21-25°C. The coastline enjoys a mild climate year-round, with winter temperatures ranging from 8-10°C and spring temperatures around 15-20°C, making it ideal for pleasant walks. Although temperatures can drop to 0-1°C in January, sub-zero conditions are extremely rare.
• Surfing: Shichirigahami Beach is the main surfing destination in Kamakura, known for its excellent wave conditions. This beach tends to be less crowded, offering 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 popular event is the Kamakura Beach Bon Odori Festival, which has been held on Yuigahama Beach since 2013. This traditional Japanese festival celebrates ancestral dances in honour of the dead, adding cultural richness to the beach experience.