Things To Do
in Chigasaki
Chigasaki is a relaxed coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture known for its long sandy beaches, surf culture and laid-back Shōnan vibe. It sits about halfway between Yokohama and Kamakura, making it a convenient base for coastal day trips. The city blends seaside leisure with neighborhood shopping streets, small museums and local seafood specialties.
Visitors come for beach sunsets, casual cafes, and easy access to hiking and cultural sites nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along Chigasaki Beach, where the sound of the waves and the salty breeze invigorate your senses. Stop by a local café for a traditional Japanese breakfast, enjoying grilled fish and rice while gazing at the ocean. After breakfast, visit the nearby Chigasaki Shrine, a serene spot surrounded by towering trees, perfect for a moment of reflection.
After lunch, rent a bicycle and ride along the picturesque coastline, taking in stunning views of the Sagami Bay. Make a stop at the Chigasaki Art Museum to appreciate contemporary Japanese art and the local cultural scene. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy beachside café to relax and sip on refreshing iced tea while watching surfers catch the last waves of the day.
Dine at a local izakaya, where you can indulge in a variety of small dishes paired with sake. The lively atmosphere and the warmth of the locals create an unforgettable dining experience. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoying the peaceful sound of the ocean under the starry sky.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the historic Hayama Shrine, a tranquil place that offers a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the area. Marvel at the intricate architecture and take time to walk through the beautiful grounds adorned with seasonal flowers. Next, head to the nearby Chigasaki History Museum to learn about the city’s rich past and its connection to the famous poet, Yosano Akiko.
After a cultural morning, enjoy lunch at a local ramen shop, where you can savor delicious bowls of steaming noodles. Spend the afternoon at the nearby Koshigoe Beach, where you can try your hand at beach volleyball or simply relax on the sand with a good book. The friendly atmosphere and vibrant beach culture make for an enjoyable afternoon.
As the day winds down, experience the local nightlife by visiting a karaoke bar, where you can embrace the Japanese tradition of singing with friends. Enjoy a variety of drinks and snacks while belting out your favorite tunes. Wrap up the night with a relaxing walk along the shoreline, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local train ride | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🍺Beer at bar | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed seaside atmosphere with good surfing and beaches
- Convenient access to Yokohama, Kamakura and Enoshima for day trips
- Fresh seafood, especially shirasu specialties
- Smaller, authentic local neighborhoods with a friendly vibe
- Can be crowded on summer weekends and holidays
- Limited late-night and high-end entertainment compared to larger cities
- Some businesses may be cash-only
- Typhoon season and occasional storm-related disruptions
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (when getting attention)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語は話せますか？ (Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Chigasaki
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide sandy beach with surfers, golden sunsets and a relaxed promenade—excellent for sunset and ocean shots as well as surf action photography.
Lively urban scenes with local shops, signage and commuters—good for street photography and capturing everyday life.
Cafés with outdoor seating, pier structures and coastal details provide atmospheric close-up and lifestyle images.
From nearby trails you can capture panoramic shots of the Shōnan coastline and, on clear days, distant views of Mount Fuji.
Seasonal festivals, food stalls and community events offer colorful candid photography opportunities—check local event calendars.
Food in Chigasaki
Chigasaki Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of rice topped with tiny boiled or raw whitebait (shirasu); widely available at seaside restaurants and markets in Chigasaki and nearby Enoshima.
Must-Try!
Seasonal catches prepared simply—grilled, sashimi or tempura—found at local eateries, seafood counters and izakayas.
Sandwiches, burgers, poke bowls and light pasta served in cafés along the coast—perfect after surfing or beach time.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small stalls and pop-up vendors near the beach or station serving quick seafood snacks, shirasu bowls and grilled items, especially on weekends and during events.
A short trip away, Enoshima’s market stalls are a great place to try sashimi, grilled shellfish and fresh catches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people politely, bow slightly in formal situations and use basic greetings. A smile and a simple 'arigatō' go far.
Remove shoes when entering private homes and some traditional accommodations or restaurants; look for a genkan (entryway) and provided slippers.
Keep noise low on trains and in public spaces; avoid phone calls on public transport and be mindful of personal space.
Public trash bins are limited and often separated by recyclables—carry your trash until you find appropriate disposal points.
At shrines and temples, follow local customs such as purification at the chozuya and modest behavior; photography may be restricted in some areas.
Safety
Tipping in Chigasaki
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; service charges are typically included and leaving cash can confuse staff. For exceptional service, a small gift or a polite verbal thank-you is appropriate.
Cash (yen) is widely used—many small shops and local eateries are cash-first. IC transit cards (Suica, PASMO) are accepted for trains, buses and many stores. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in restaurants and shops but carry cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms nearby make spring pleasant. Expect comfortable beach walks, lower humidity and occasional rain; weekends can be busy as locals enjoy outdoor activities.
Peak beach season with warm, humid weather and many surfers; beaches, cafés and bars are lively. Prepare for crowds on weekends and higher accommodation prices; sunscreen and hydration are essential.
Crisp weather and clearer skies bring great visibility—ideal for hiking and coastal photography. Typhoon season tapers off but occasional storms can occur early in the season.
Cool and often dry with lower humidity; beaches are quiet and sunsets can be spectacular. Snow is rare, but temperatures can be chilly—layer up for wind off the sea.
Chigasaki at Night
Hiking in Chigasaki
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails in the Tanzawa mountains offering day hikes, ridge walks and summit views (including Mount Oyama)—reachable by train/bus and popular for autumn foliage and coastal vistas from higher points.
A historically significant mountain with shrine trails, panoramic views and routes suitable for intermediate hikers; combines nature with cultural sites.
Scenic seaside promenades and shorter coastal trails connecting parts of the Shōnan coast; ideal for easy walking, sunset photography and visiting nearby islands and temples.
Airports
How to reach Chigasaki by plane.
About 40–60 minutes by train/car depending on route—closest major international airport with frequent domestic and international flights. Accessible via train connections through Yokohama or direct limousine buses depending on schedule.
Approximately 90–120 minutes by train/car; farther away but with many international connections. Use Narita Express and local trains or airport limousine buses to reach the greater Tokyo/Kanagawa area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in residential neighborhoods, attracted by schools, parks and a coastal lifestyle.
A visible surfer community and younger crowd frequent the beaches, cafés and live music spots.
Some residents commute to larger urban centers for work while living in Chigasaki for its quieter environment.
Older residents who enjoy the mild climate and seaside leisure are common in the population mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surf culture is central to Chigasaki’s identity; many locals and visitors surf year-round when conditions allow, and surf schools operate in summer.
Played recreationally on the sand, especially during summer weekends and local events.
Soccer has regional popularity (the Shōnan area supports clubs and local youth teams), and community pitches are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chigasaki.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in traditional seafood-heavy places. Look for cafés, curry shops and vegetarian-friendly izakayas; request no fish stock (dashi) where possible and use simple phrases to explain dietary needs.
Vegan choices can be found at a few specialty cafés and some larger restaurants in nearby Yokohama or Kamakura. Pack snacks or use apps to locate vegan-friendly places; Japanese cuisine often uses fish-based seasonings, so ask staff about ingredients.
Gluten-free options are improving but limited; soy sauce contains wheat—ask for tamari if available and favor simple grilled dishes and sashimi.