Zaimokuza Beach Kamakura
Kamakura's Zaimokuza Beach offers a scenic coastal escape with stunning sunsets, easily accessible from Tokyo. Enjoy the Enoden train and beachside vi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Zaimokuza Beach Kamakura
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kamakura's Zaimokuza Beach offers a scenic coastal escape with stunning sunsets, easily accessible from Tokyo. Enjoy the Enoden train and beachside vibes.
"The sound of the waves, air breeze, and sunset — aaaammmaazziinnggg!! love it."
🌊 Embrace the Beach Vibe
Enjoy the sound of waves, sea breeze, and stunning sunsets. It's a great spot for surfers and beach lovers alike.
🚆 Efficient Day Trip
Consider the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for easy travel from Tokyo and unlimited Enoden line rides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zaimokuza Beach Sunset
Zaimokuza Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the ocean, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A truly magical end to a day trip.
Enoden Line Scenic Ride
Enoshima Electric Railway
Enjoy a picturesque train journey along the coast, connecting Kamakura to other scenic spots like Enoshima.
Surfers Izakaya Vibes
Zushi Beach (nearby)
Relax at a surf-themed izakaya with ocean views, perfect for cozying up by the fire and enjoying the sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Water Quality & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Embrace the Beach Vibe
Enjoy the sound of waves, sea breeze, and stunning sunsets. It's a great spot for surfers and beach lovers alike.
🚆 Efficient Day Trip
Consider the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for easy travel from Tokyo and unlimited Enoden line rides.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Kamakurakokōmae Station offers incredible sunset views. Plan your visit to catch this magical moment.
🏖️ Beach Amenities
Rentals for sunbeds and umbrellas are available. Beach bars offer refreshments, but be aware of the portable toilet situation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Embrace the Beach Vibe
Enjoy the sound of waves, sea breeze, and stunning sunsets. It's a great spot for surfers and beach lovers alike.
🚆 Efficient Day Trip
Consider the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for easy travel from Tokyo and unlimited Enoden line rides.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Kamakurakokōmae Station offers incredible sunset views. Plan your visit to catch this magical moment.
🏖️ Beach Amenities
Rentals for sunbeds and umbrellas are available. Beach bars offer refreshments, but be aware of the portable toilet situation.
🚶♀️ Coastal Exploration
Walk along the shore and explore nearby cafes and stations for a complete Kamakura experience.
✨ Tattoos & Beach Etiquette
Tattoos are generally accepted on Kamakura beaches, but be mindful of local customs and avoid being disrespectful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zaimokuza Beach is praised for its accessibility from Tokyo and its beautiful sunset views, offering a classic Japanese beach experience. However, visitors note that it can get very crowded, the water quality is inconsistent, and the portable toilets are a significant drawback. Despite these issues, the clean beach area and warm water in summer are appreciated.
"Zaimokuza Beach is one of the closest beaches to Tokyo, making it an easy day trip. It does get quite crowded, and from what I observed, it feels more like a beach for tourists rather than locals.
The sand is darker, more black than white, which shouldn’t come as a surprise in this region, though I’ve heard mixed opinions about it.
On the positive side, the beach itself is kept very clean. Litter is rare because it’s regularly maintained. Unfortunately, the water in the bay tells a different story, it’s dirty and filled with trash, which is disappointing to see.
The beach area itself is spacious, and when we visited in mid-August, the water was wonderfully warm, so warm that you didn’t want to get out, if not for the scorching sun and blazing heat above.
Facilities are abundant: there are many beach bars, showers, lifeguard stations, and plenty of rental spots where you can get sunbeds, umbrellas, and all kinds of water toys and gear.
But here comes the worst part, the toilets. Portable Toi Toi cabins. Honestly, the worst experience ever. I can’t recommend them at all!"
Natalia G.
"Considering it was an evening in late December, there were surprisingly quite a few people still at the beach. I had a nice walk along the shore but it didn’t seem like there were many facilities. Do note this rating is heavily biased as I love beaches."
Shadized
"A lovely beach. The grounds are well maintained. Did not see any swimmers but there were a couple hundred surfers and wake boarders. The surf is nice for wading and the waves are small for easy going surfing."
George
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo Station, take the Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station (approx. 1 hour, covered by JR Pass). From Kamakura Station, you can take a bus or taxi to Zaimokuza Beach. Alternatively, the Enoden Line offers scenic coastal views and stops near the beach. +2
Absolutely! Kamakura is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo, offering beaches, temples, and scenic beauty. It's easily accessible by train. +4
The Enoden Line is a charming and efficient way to travel between coastal attractions. Buses and walking are also good options for exploring the town. +1
Yes, the Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, making it a cost-effective option for getting there from Tokyo.
Yes, you can take a local bus (e.g., Keihin Kyuko Bus) from Kamakura Station towards Zaimokuza Beach, or a short taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Zaimokuza Beach itself is free to access. However, there may be charges for renting beach equipment like umbrellas and chairs, or for using specific facilities.
Zaimokuza Beach is generally accessible year-round. Beach facilities like cafes and rental shops typically operate during daylight hours, especially in the warmer months.
It's usually best to purchase rentals and access to beach facilities upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required for beach access itself.
Yes, the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass, available from Shinjuku, covers round-trip fare from Tokyo and unlimited rides on the Enoden Line, which is convenient for reaching the beaches.
Parking is available near Zaimokuza Beach, but it is typically a paid service. It's often more convenient and eco-friendly to use public transportation.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The sand at Zaimokuza Beach is darker, often described as black sand, which is common in this region. It's a unique characteristic compared to white sand beaches.
While the beach area is kept clean, the water quality in the bay can be mixed and sometimes contains trash. However, some visitors find the water warm and pleasant for swimming, especially in mid-August.
Yes, there are abundant facilities including showers and lifeguard stations. However, the portable toilets have received very negative reviews from visitors.
Absolutely! You can rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and various water toys and gear from numerous rental spots along the beach.
Zaimokuza Beach can get very crowded, especially during the summer months when many people from Tokyo visit. Weekdays and off-peak hours are recommended for a less crowded experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Kamakurakokōmae Station offers iconic views, especially during sunset. Shichirigahama Beach and Cape Inamuragasaki are also excellent for capturing coastal scenery and sunsets. +3
Late afternoon and sunset are ideal for photography, offering beautiful golden hour light and stunning colorful skies. +2
The combination of the coastline, the Enoden train line, and the sunset creates many picturesque moments. Capturing the train with the sunset in the background is a popular shot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant surfers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in public beach areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While Zaimokuza is the focus, exploring other parts of Kamakura with kids might involve visiting temples with open spaces or enjoying the scenic Enoden train ride. The journey itself can be an adventure for younger travelers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focusing on the natural beauty and scenic train rides, rather than expensive activities, will maximize your budget. Many of the most memorable experiences, like sunset viewing and coastal walks, are free.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the train, Shichirigahama Beach and Cape Inamuragasaki provide stunning panoramic views and dramatic sunset backdrops. Don't miss the chance to capture the interplay of light, sea, and the unique coastal landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Kamakura's Coastal Charm
Zaimokuza Beach itself is known for its darker sand and can become quite crowded during peak summer months, with many visitors from Tokyo seeking respite from the heat. Despite the crowds, the beach is generally well-maintained and offers a variety of amenities, including beach bars and rental services for sunbeds and umbrellas. However, the water quality can be inconsistent, and the portable toilets have been noted as a significant drawback.
For those seeking the most picturesque moments, Kamakurakokōmae Station is a must-visit, especially for its stunning sunset views. This area, along with Shichirigahama Beach and Cape Inamuragasaki, provides excellent opportunities for photography, capturing the essence of Kamakura's coastal beauty.
The Enoden Line Experience
Many visitors find the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass to be the most convenient way to explore using the Enoden. This pass, often purchased from Shinjuku, covers round-trip travel from Tokyo and provides unlimited rides on the Enoden line for a set period. This allows for spontaneous stops and easy hopping between attractions without worrying about individual fares.
Popular stops along the Enoden line include Kamakurakokōmae Station, famous for its picturesque views and often featured in anime, and Shichirigahama Station, which offers easy access to the beach and stunning ocean vistas, especially during sunset. Riding the Enoden is a quintessential Kamakura activity, blending scenic beauty with practical travel.
Sunset Views and Beachside Dining
For a more relaxed sunset experience, consider visiting nearby Zushi Beach, where Surfers Izakaya provides a cozy atmosphere with panoramic ocean views. It's described as a Californian surf-themed izakaya, perfect for enjoying the evening by the fire.
While Zaimokuza Beach itself has numerous beach bars for refreshments, the dining experience can be enhanced by exploring nearby areas. Sunrise Shack near Inamuragasaki Station is a cafe that offers beautiful views, especially in the morning, but its proximity to the coast makes it a pleasant spot any time of day.
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