Zushi Beach

Zushi Beach offers a quintessential Japanese beach experience just a short train ride from Tokyo, with calm, shallow waters perfect for young swimmers and plenty of soft sand for castle building. This family-friendly coastal spot is less crowded than nearby Kamakura beaches and features seasonal festivals, beach houses (umi no ie), and stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

• ✓Calm, shallow bay waters perfect for young children learning to swim
• ✓Seasonal beach festivals with fireworks and Japanese summer activities
• ✓Spectacular Mount Fuji views on clear days
• ✓Wide sandy beach ideal for sandcastle construction and beach games
• ✓Traditional Japanese beach houses (umi no ie) offering rentals and refreshments

1. 1.Arrive early (before 9am) during summer weekends to secure a good spot and avoid crowds, as the beach fills up quickly during peak season.
2. 2.Rent a beach umbrella and mat from one of the beach houses rather than carrying your own from the station (about 10-minute walk from Zushi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line).
3. 3.Bring water shoes as the sand can get very hot in summer, and some areas near the water have small pebbles.
4. 4.Download a translation app or learn basic Japanese phrases, as English signage is limited and beach house staff may not speak English fluently.
5. 5.Visit during one of the summer beach festivals (typically July-August) for fireworks, food stalls, and traditional Japanese summer activities that kids will love.

Late June through early September for swimming season when lifeguards are on duty and beach houses are open. Weekday mornings offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Spring and fall are lovely for beach walks and sandcastle building without the summer heat.

The beach is free to access year-round, though beach house rentals (umbrellas, chairs, changing rooms) cost 2,000-4,000 yen during summer. Several convenience stores and restaurants are within walking distance, and public restrooms and shower facilities are available near the beach entrance.

Official swimming season runs late June through early September with lifeguards on duty. Beach houses and many facilities close outside summer months. The beach remains open for walks and play year-round, but swimming is only recommended during supervised summer season. August is the busiest month.

Riviera Zushi Marina has several family-friendly restaurants with ocean views and English menus. For a casual option, the Family Mart convenience store near Zushi Station offers onigiri, snacks, and drinks perfect for beach picnics.