Shichirigahama Beach

Shichirigahama is a long beach on Sagami Bay in southwestern Kamakura, stretching about 2.9 km between Inamuragasaki and Koyurugi Cape. It is listed among Japan's 100 Selected Nagisa coastlines. Route 134 and the Enoden tram line run side by side behind the sands, below the cliffs of the Miura Hills.

Near the mouth of the Gokurakuji River, parts of the beach have dark sand containing iron particles. On clear days you can see Enoshima offshore and Mt. Fuji in the distance, sometimes capped with snow in winter. Rock platforms just offshore create lively waves, so the beach suits surfing but is not meant for swimming.

The beach has appeared in novels, films and songs, including works by Dazai Osamu and Kawabata Yasunari. Shichiko-dori is a street that runs straight down toward the sea, with an Enoden level crossing at its foot, and neighboring Inamuragasaki, a nationally designated historic site tied to the legend of Nitta Yoshisada's 1333 attack on Kamakura, has been admired since the Edo period for its views of Mt. Fuji and Enoshima. Plan one to two hours, and go in the morning or late afternoon. Nearby sights include Kotoku-in (the Great Buddha of Kamakura), Yuigahama Beach and the Enoshima Aquarium.