Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura

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Facts & Figures

Yuigahama Beach has a length of approx. 3 km and stretches along the coast of Sagami Bay near Kamakura. The beach faces the Pacific Ocean and offers amazing views of the horizon. The place was selected as one of the 88 best bathing beaches in the country. It is a paradise for swimmers, paddle-boarders, windsurfers, kayakers and sunbathers. During the start of the summer season (end of June until the end of September) you will find there a large number of beach houses, public toilets, and showers, first aid and monitoring stations, eating and resting places. The construction of the beach houses usually starts at the beginning of June. It is one of the closest beaches to Tokyo and therefore it can get really crowded during the summer season. The water temperature is just perfect for having a great time. You can also rent a beach bench and umbrella there. Yuigahama Beach has now been awarded the Blue Flag certification. This stands for excellent water quality and some of the best facilities in Japan. My tip: Enjoy at Yuigahama a beautiful sunset with a cold drink in your hand or for more activity put a wet suit on and take some surfing lessons during the summertime:)

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Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the beautiful city of Kamakura and its historical places with a local guide? Check out this page > for more details.

History

In the old days, the beach was a popular area for samurais to train their martial arts skills like yabusame (horseback archery competition) and kogasagake (horseback archery). The beach saw bloody battles in 1180, 1333, and 1416 (Uesugi Zenshu rebellion). Especially the battle in 1333 changed the history of Kamakura. The Hojo clan and ruler of the area was defeated by Nitta Yoshisada (1301- 1338), a samurai and head of the Nitta clan. After that, the Kamakura shogunate (1192 until 1333) was destroyed. Yuigahama Beach was considered a sacred place by the Minamoto clan, the most powerful clan in the history of Japan. The ruling Shogun would come here to purify his body before visiting shrines like in Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture) or Izu (Shizuoka Prefecture).

Sightseeing spots near Yuigahama Beach

Top:

Shugenji Temple - The small temple near the Hase Station is the former residence of samurai Shijo Kingo (1230 - 1300), a follower of Japanese Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222 - 1282).

Kamakura Kaihin Park - It is a nice park with great ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Path to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Near the beach is the starting point of a long path (Wakamiya Oji) leading up to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The huge shrine complex has the status of an Important Cultural Property and is a must-see during your Kamakura trip. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kamakura(dates can change without notice)

April

Kamakura Matsuri (from 2nd to 3rd Sunday)
The city and its history will be celebrated.

July

Kamakura Fireworks Festival (early July)
The Kamakura hanabi taikai is held every year at the Yuigahama beach. The 50-minute show will include 4000 fireworks and a special feature called underwater fireworks.

August

Bonbori Matsuri (7th to 9th)
Hundreds of lanterns can be found around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Kamakura Hase no Akari (19th to 25th)
Eight temples and shrines (incl. Kotoku-in) will be illuminated at night.

September

Reitai Matsuri (between 14th and 16th)
Great festival with its most famous attraction the Japanese horseback archery.