The Shonan coast is the Tokyo area’s beloved beach playground — a sunny, laid-back stretch of sand and surf running from Kamakura past Enoshima toward Hiratsuka, all under the gaze of Mt. Fuji on clear days. This is where city-dwellers come to swim, surf, cycle and watch the sunset, riding the charming retro Enoden train as it rattles between the sea and old neighbourhoods. With beaches, Enoshima island, fresh shirasu, and an easygoing California-meets-Japan vibe, Shonan is the perfect seaside complement to historic Kamakura.

This guide covers the beaches, the Enoden, Enoshima, food, the best season and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
Location Sagami Bay coast, Kanagawa
Highlights Beaches, Enoden train, Enoshima, sunsets
Time needed Half to full day
Best time Summer for swimming; year-round for views
Good for Beaches, cycling, surfing, sunsets, food

The beaches & the Enoden

  • Long sandy beaches at Yuigahama, Shichirigahama, Kugenuma and Katase — popular for swimming, sunbathing and beach bars in summer.
  • The retro Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) trundles between Kamakura and Fujisawa, hugging the coast — a scenic ride and a sight in itself.
  • Shichirigahama is famous for views of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji.

Enoshima, food & activities

  • Enoshima island sits at the coast’s heart, with shrines, a Sea Candle tower and sunset views — see our Enoshima guide .
  • Eat fresh shirasu (whitebait) at seaside diners — see our shirasu guide .
  • Surfing is a way of life here — see our Shonan surfing guide .

Best season & tips

  • Summer for swimming and beach bars (and crowds); spring/autumn for cycling and quiet sunsets.
  • Sunset over the sea, with Fuji silhouetted, is the signature Shonan moment.
  • Weekends and August are very busy — go early or on a weekday.

Combine your visit

Shonan strings together easily by the Enoden:

How to get there

  • JR to Kamakura or Fujisawa, then the Enoden along the coast; or Odakyu to Katase-Enoshima.
  • ~1 hour from central Tokyo.