Kamakura boasts three distinct beaches, each with its own unique charm and history. During the summer months, these beaches come alive with lively entertainment programs featuring discos, beach games, and contests. Along the coastline, you'll find cozy cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying your vacation. Notably, in July and August, Kamakura's beaches offer a spectacular display of multi-colored hanabi fireworks.
Japanese locals consider Kamakura to have some of the finest beaches near Tokyo, and they flock here in large numbers during the summer season.
Yugihama stands as Kamakura's largest and most popular beach. Conveniently located near Enoshima train station, it provides easy access to the city's historic core. Along the coast, you'll find small hotels, restaurants, and shops offering surfing equipment. This beach is renowned for its fantastic view of the August fireworks display. Additionally, Yugihama Beach frequently hosts the Japanese live house music festival Otodama, featuring various live performances and concerts of all genres.
At the eastern edge of Yugihama, a river crosses the beach, leading to another section known as Zaimokuza. This stretch of shoreline extends for approximately 1 kilometer. At the far end of Zaimokuza Beach, you can explore the remnants of the Wakaejima port, which was active here during the 12th and 14th centuries.
The picturesque Inamuragasaki Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets, often featuring prominently in Japanese movies. This beach serves as a popular filming location for many Japanese films.
In 1333, Inamuragasaki Beach played a pivotal role in Japan's history. It was here that Nitta Yoshisada and his army landed, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Kamakura Shogunate.
Shichirigahama Beach isn't suitable for swimming due to its steep shores, so you won't find cafes or changing rooms here. However, it is highly popular among surfers and offers breathtaking views of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji. This beach has even been depicted in famous Japanese prints, including Hokusai's "36 Views of Fuji."
The smaller Koshigoe Beach, located west of Kamakura near Enoshima Island, is not primarily known for traditional beach vacations. Instead, it's a favored spot for fishing and is surrounded by stores offering an abundance of local fruits.
When selecting a beach in Kamakura, don't be concerned about the dark color of the sand. Kamakura's sand and water are exceptionally clean, and the dark hue is due to their volcanic origin.
The swimming season in Kamakura is quite short, commencing with the local Sea Day celebration on the third Monday of July and concluding on August 31. Beach facilities, including lifeguards, operate from 9:00-10:00 am to 4:00-5:00 pm during this period. Outside of these dates, the beaches are not serviced.
