Life is Better by the Beach! Why SHONAN is the BEST Place to be in Japan
Shonan Life: Live by the Coast in Japan
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Living seaside might be one of the most dreamy things in life, and Japan is not the exception. Shonan Area is a laid-back neighbourhood located in the south-west of Kanagawa prefecture, approx 1 hour away from central Tokyo. The Shonan Area is located by Sagami Bay, stretching from Enoshima to Oiso with several beaches on its coastline, and it’s where all ocean lovers gather to enjoy their seaside life. I would like to introduce what life is like living in a seaside town in Japan!
▼Check out the best spots in the Shonan Area▼
1. Waking up in the Morning and Hitting the Beach!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to go to the beach only within 5 minutes from home? It is very possible when you live in the Shonan area! You can simply lie down on the beach and relax, or look for something more active. Along the beach line, there is an 8 km cycling road that stretches from Chigasaki to Enoshima, where you can enjoy riding with the sound of the ocean and great views of Mt. Fuji on the west side and Enoshima Island on the east side.
And how amazing would it be to ride it in your bikinis? Having a bicycle is a must in the Shonan area if you wish to do beach-hopping! There are several shops where you can rent one for a day. During summer, the beaches are officially open to the public, and a number of beach shacks and bars open for a limited time. The beaches in Shonan are packed with locals and visitors from the surrounding areas.
2. Living the Surfers Paradise Life
Shonan is known as a Japanese surfers’ paradise, as hundreds of locals enjoy surfing every morning, even before going to work. There are a number of surf shops that rent facilities for several kinds of marine sports, and some also offer lessons for beginners. Nowadays, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is a huge trend in the Shonan area and is quite easy to start, even if you do not have any surfing skills or experience.
3. Enjoy Unparalleled Views of Mt Fuji
The view of Mt. Fuji is much closer and more gorgeous in the Shonan area than in Tokyo. It is quite normal for locals to see the magnificent mountain daily, and there are also several viewpoints around the area. Even in days when Mt. Fuji is not visible due to haze, chances are its sillhouette will make a grand appearance near sunset time! The wonderful collaboration of Mt. Fuji and the Shonan beaches is surely everyone’s favourite landscape!
4. Watching the Sunrise or the Sunset
A great reward for early birds! Shonan is a great place to watch the sunrise, as the sun rises from the ocean, and many people visit on 1st January to see the first sunrise of the year. The sunset view is also spectacular, especially when the setting sun colours Mt. Fuji. To enjoy the best view of Mt. Fuji from the beach, winter is the best season, as the visibility is much clearer thanks to dry weather.
5. Eating Local Yummies
Because Shonan is a seaside region, you can enjoy fresh local seafood at inexpensive prices. Whitebait, called “Shirasu,” is the most famous seafood in the area, and there are many restaurants serving it. But note that they may not serve it when the catch is poor.
Last, keep in mind: DO NOT THROW RUBBISH ON THE BEACH!! As the Shonan area is a very popular destination during summer and welcomes many visitors, the amount of leftover rubbish is sadly large. The locals try their best to keep their city and beaches as clean as possible, and even local volunteers clean there from time to time. It is important for everyone not to mess up the beach as much as they enjoy it and to respect the locals.
Did you enjoy my story? For more beach info in Japan, please check out these articles too!
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Written by
"The world is my oyster." As a dedicated globetrotter and hammock enthusiast, I’ve spent years chasing new experiences, collecting stories, and discovering the world’s most incredible destinations. Born and raised in Japan, I’ve always had a deep connection to my roots, but my love for adventure has led me to spend over a decade exploring countries across the globe—from culture-rich cities to remote hideaways.
Travel isn't just a hobby for me; it's a lifestyle. I'm constantly searching for new ways to fuel my wanderlust. Over the years, I’ve developed a wealth of knowledge and a treasure trove of tips that make traveling more enjoyable, practical, and meaningful.
Through my experiences, I've come to appreciate not only the beauty of travel but also the importance of understanding diverse cultures, embracing the unfamiliar, and stepping out of my comfort zone. My travels have shaped who I am today, and I’m excited to share those lessons with others.
With Japan Web Magazine, I aim to offer practical advice, insider tips, and firsthand stories that help travelers navigate their journeys to Japan or setting off on a global adventure. From hidden gems in Japan to travel hacks that make any trip smoother, I hope my insights inspire you to embark on your own adventures and make the most of every moment. Let’s explore the world together!
You can also find my stories here ▶ https://medium.com/@nahobm
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