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Shonan Images 18 images Created 22 Aug 2010

Extending from Hayama through Zushi, Kamakura, Enoshima, Hiratsuka and beyond, Shonan Beach has long been a source of escape for Tokyoites wanting sand between their toes and sea breeze in the hair. It is also known for its surfing and fishing ports, such as Kotsubo and Aburatsubo. All only about an hour from Tokyo.
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  • Shiosai Teien is a traditional Chisen Kaiyu Shiki Japanese strolling pond garden with teahouses overlooking the pond.  Within the grounds, altogether called Shiosai Park or Shiosai Koen there is a museum displaying Emperor Showa's collection of marine life specimens from Sagami Bay.
    shiosai-16.jpg
  • Tidepools at Shonan Beach near Kamakura, Japan.  Crawling around volcanic rocks, examining ocean life within the tidepools is a favorite activity among Japanese families -  teaching the kids about nature.  In such an idyllic scene it is hard to believe that Tokyo is only minutes away.
    shonan-coast-5.jpg
  • Komyoji Garden at Komyoji Temple is a rare dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, although this temple is not of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  It is a popular temple with locals in the Kamakura area for its abundant cherry blossoms in spring, frequent flea markets, and free parking near the beach.
    komyoji-garden-2.jpg
  • Hayama Marina and Sagami Bay have been chosen by the Japan Olympics committee to host the 2020 sailing events, in conjunction with Enoshima, just across the bay.  Several teams, including the sailing crews from Poland and the UK have chosen Hayama, Kanagawa-ken, as their headquarters during the event.  Hayama is also the site of regular Nippon Cup sailing events that take place yearly, in cooperation with the Hayama Marine Yacht Club.  The small town of Hayama is also known for its fine beaches and for the Emperor of Japan’s seaside villa, off limits to the public, but adjacent to one of the top 100 beaches in Japan, popular in summer.  Off season, Hayama is a quiet seaside fishing village, with an interesting population:  a mix of creative types who need quiet and reflection away from the distractions of Tokyo yet only an hour away by train; also evident are wealthy people from Tokyo with weekend villas and condos, as well as retired people who abandoned Tokyo for the easy life by the sea in their golden years. Sagami Bay is contained within the Miura Peninsula on its eastern side to the Izu Peninsula to the west.  However, the segment from Miura to Enoshima island is ideal of sailing conditions and thus its popularity in the area, thus its selection as 2020 Olympics sailing venue. As an added plus, there are view of Mt Fuji to be seen on clear days, though usually not in summer.
    hayama-marina-fuji-3.jpg
  • Shiosai Teien is a traditional Chisen Kaiyu Shiki Japanese strolling pond garden with teahouses overlooking the pond.  Within the grounds, altogether called Shiosai Park or Shiosai Koen there is a museum displaying Emperor Showa's collection of marine life specimens from Sagami Bay.
    shiosai-garden-6.jpg
  • Shonan Beach is possibly the most popular beach for Tokyoites. The region has long been a popular escape from Tokyo and has a rich history. Many manga and films have been set in Shonan, solidifying its reputation as the place to soak up the summer sun. Watersports, sailing, windsurfing, and dog walking are big here but surfing remains the main activity.
    shonan-beach-8.jpg
  • The Shonan Coast offers a dramatic view of Mt Fuji and Suruga Bay south of Tokyo at Tateishi.  The Shonan Beach area has always been a draw of urban residents of nearby Tokyo and Yokohama, for its beaches, fresh ocean air and seafood.
    shonan-coast-2.jpg
  • Kamakura Cityscape - it's hard to believe that this quiet little town with its many temples was at one time the capital of Japan. From 1185 to 1333 the "Kamakura Period" when the Shogunate ruled the country. These days Kamakura is a very popular day trip from Tokyo with beaches, gardens, temples and nature trails.
    kamakura-cityscape.jpg
  • The Enoshima Electric Railway or Enoden connects Kamakura Station in with Fujisawa Station passing along the Shonan Beach coast. Although the train line is only 10 kilometers in length, it is the main line along the Shonan beach scene and a favorite with trainspotters.
    enoden-1.jpg
  • Shonan Beach is possibly the most popular beach for Tokyoites. The region has long been a popular escape from Tokyo and has a rich history. Many manga and films have been set in Shonan, solidifying its reputation as the place to soak up the summer sun. Watersports, sailing, windsurfing, and dog walking are big here but surfing remains the main activity.
    shonan-beach-1.jpg
  • Japanese Fishing Boats, Sagami Bay - The fishing industry has always played an important role in both the economy and the eating habits of the Japanese.
    japanese-fishing-boat-2.jpg
  • Yukata is a Japanese summer robe. People wearing yukata are a common sight at fireworks displays, bon odori festivals and other summer events. The yukata is a casual form of kimono that is also frequently worn after bathing at traditional Japanese inns. Though their use is not limited to after bath wear, yukata literally means "bath clothes". Like other forms of clothing based on traditional Japanese garments, it is made with straight seams and wide sleeves. Unlike formal kimono, yukata are typically made of cotton rather than silk. Traditionally yukata were mostly made of indigo-dyed cotton but today a wide variety of colors and designs are available. Like the more formal kimono, the general rule is the younger the person, the brighter the color and bolder the pattern.
    obon-8.jpg
  • Japanese Fisherman at Sunset at Shonan Beach, content to just sit in the twilight with his pole in hopes of catching a fish.
    japanese-fisherman-01.jpg
  • Gosho Shrine Matsuri, Kamakura - Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions.  Matsuri is the Japanese word for festival.  These events are normally sponsored by a local shrine.  Matsuri almost always feature processions with mikoshi or portable shrines, that are carried around the neighborhood and even into the ocean along coastal areas such as Kamakura.
    japanese-tattoo-03.jpg
  • Japanese Fishing at Kotsubo Port,  Kotsubo is officially a part of Zusi City, but is adjacent to Kamakura and a popular fishing port.
    kotsubo.jpg
  • Yuigahama Beach is Kamakura's main beach - Japan may not be known for it's beaches but there are plenty available and lots to do when you get there including surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, swimming...
    shonan-beach-2.jpg
  • Surfers at Yuigahama Beach - Kamakura's main beach - Japan may not be known for it's sparkling white beaches but there are plenty available.  How could there not be with so many islands?
    shonan-beach-9.jpg
  • Enoshima Tower
    enoshima-tower.jpg