Zushi and Hayama: A Guide to Shonan's Upscale Resort and Scenic Coast

Hayama, home to an Imperial villa, and Zushi, with a marina reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Within Shonan, this is a leading Kanagawa upscale resort area with an especially refined, calm atmosphere. Beautiful shores facing the gentle Sagami Bay harmonize with sophisticated streets, offering seaside strolls, marine sports, and dining.

Highlights

Since the Meiji era, Hayama has been a venerable resort beloved by the Imperial family and figures from politics and business. With an Imperial villa here, a culture of holiday villas flourished. Known also as the birthplace of yachting in Japan, Hayama Marina presents an elegant scene of white yachts in rows. Picturesque views abound, including a coastline overlooking Mt. Fuji and Morito Beach, famed as a sunset spot. The sunset seen from Morito Beach is chosen among Kanagawa's 50 finest scenic views as the Evening Glow of Morito. On the Zushi side, Zushi Marina, lined with Mediterranean-style buildings, is a hub for marine sports such as sailing and windsurfing.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Summer, with sea-bathing and marine sports, is busiest, but strolling the coast from autumn into winter, when Mt. Fuji is beautifully visible, is also recommended. In the clear-air seasons you can see Mt. Fuji, Enoshima, and even the Izu Peninsula across Sagami Bay. Many enjoy surfing and stand-up paddleboarding year-round, and the calm Zushi Beach is popular with beginners. The sunset at dusk is a luxurious view unique to this area.

Access and Essentials

Access is based at Zushi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line or Zushi-Hayama Station on the Keikyu Zushi Line. Zushi Beach is about a 10-minute walk from Zushi Station. For Hayama's Morito Beach, take a bus about 15 minutes from Zushi Station to the Morito Jinja stop, just steps from the shore. It is about an hour from central Tokyo by train. Beach huts open during the sea-bathing season. There is parking around Zushi Beach, but public transport is convenient since summer weekends are crowded.

Practical Travel Notes

The peak of sea-bathing is summer weekends, when the coast is very crowded. For a relaxed time, weekdays or visits outside the bathing season are recommended. Stylish cafes, restaurants, and well-regarded sweets shops dot the shore, suiting a day trip for food lovers. Budget from the low thousands of yen for a cafe or meal. If aiming for the sunset, checking the sunset time in advance is reassuring. Combined with neighboring Kamakura, the many charms of Shonan can be enjoyed in a single day.

A Word of Advice

Zushi and Hayama offer not only lively sea-bathing but also quiet seaside walks and sunset viewing. Standing on the shore on a clear evening with Mt. Fuji in view, you can meet one of Shonan's most luxurious sunsets. An ambitious day paired with Kamakura is also recommended.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Zushi City and tourism associations, and on on-site guidance. As a seaside area, conditions change with the weather and season. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About one to two hours to stroll the shore
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for the sand, sun protection and drinks, and a jacket for the sea breeze
• Suggested route: Stroll the coast and beach mentioned in the article while enjoying views of Sagami Bay
• Access: Head to the shore from JR Zushi Station or Zushi-Hayama Station on the Keikyu line; crowded by season
• Budget: Strolling is free; transport and meals are the guide