Short break on the Chigasaki Shonan Beach

On a warm weekend in November 2020, I visited Chigasaki Shonan Beach.

This is a rural coastal area in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The beach is small and cozy, popular place for surfers and sports fishers. It is quite secenic, with Pacific Ocean right in front of you, with some islands over the horizon, and Tanzawa moountains on the west.

I made a short trip during the state of emergency in Kanto area of Japan during COVID-19’s second wave, just to get away for a few moment to relax and inhale some fresh air.

I suspected the beach is not crowded, and indeed there were only few people.

Although it was slightly cloudy day, the visibility was good. I could see Eboshi Iwa rock clearly off the coast. The rock is called Eboshi, named after ancient cap called “Eboshi” worn by aristocrats in Kyoto back in 15 or 16th century. Usually there are swimming event to swim to the rock from the shore, takes about few kilo metres. The event might have been cancelled for 2020 summer.

Far back of Eboshi Iwa rock, Oshima Island was also in the view. The Oshima is a beautiful volcanic island, about 25km off the nearest coast in Shizuoka prefecture. The volcano on the island erupted about 40 years ago, which I have a vague memory. The island is famous for hikers, very rustic and attracting many who look for relaxing holiday.

On the westward, the Tanzawa Mountains were in seen with beautiful ridge line. The Tanzawa is one of the mountain area in Kanagawa, not too far away from Tokyo. It is part of a National Park, a popular place for mountain trekking and active holiday area. Hope people will come back for holiday season when COVID-19 is over.

The Chigasaki Shonan beach is located in the town of Chigasaki, about a hour train ride from Tokyo. It has an old sake and beer brewery called Kumazawa, which has been operating about 150 years. 

KUMAZAWA BREWING COMPANY

Local liqueur shops sell some of their product. I bought few bottles of beer. The shop keeper reminded me to keep it cool, as it needs to be kept at low temperature. I went home as quickly as I can, and had a wonderful pint for dinner.

Those who are interested in the Kumazawa’s Shonan beers, there are some restaurants serving them. Recommended to search for dining places in Chigasaki.