Are You Allowed To Swim In Kamakura?

You may have heard that you are unable to swim in Kamakura. While this is partly true, you can swim in Kamakura. 

There is a beach that is prohibited from swimming, and that is the Shichirigahama Beach. This is used for a variety of marine sports. 

Surfers flock to this beach to make the most of the rough waters. However, you can sit and enjoy the wonderful bathing opportunities.

It is also a great place to view Mount Fuji in the distance on a very clear day.

Another beach you shouldn’t swim at is Inamuragasaki Beach. While it is possible, it is known for rough water. However it does have black sand that is worth seeing. 

If you are looking to swim in Kamakura when you take a vacation there, then you are in luck. There are plenty of other beaches. 

So, if you are curious to find out more about them, then carry on reading. 

Does Kamakura Have Beaches?

Unsurprisingly – due to where it is situated along the coast – Kamakura has plenty of beach options.

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Yokohama and Tokyo, then Kamakura is for you.

There are 7 kilometers worth of beach along the Kamakura coastline. 

While you will want to check out the local shrines and temples, the beaches offer a way to relax. You can sunbathe, spend time with friends, or swim. 

The officially recognized beach season in Kamakura is from July 1st to August 31st. This is a rather short window.

However, in the other months of the year there are other things to do locally.

What Are The Main Beaches In Kamakura To Swim?

There are three beaches you will want to visit if swimming is on your mind. These are Koshigoe, Zaimokuza, and Yuigahama. 

As a tourist, the easiest beach to get to is Yuigahama. This is because it is within walking distance from the center area of Kamakura. 

In fact, it can take 20 minutes if you are walking from the giant Buddha statue. 

This means that you can still visit it even if you are not planning to stay long at the beach. Or if the beach season has not quite started just yet.

What Is Available At Kamakura Beach?

When the beach season is in full swing during the summer, there are a lot of things on offer.

From beachside cafes, bars and restaurants, to sports gear rental shops and beach huts.

There are plenty of food choices too. Whether you want Southeast Asian or Japanese food, or typically Western food, it is all available to eat.

For those who enjoy seafood, Koshigoe Beach may be a great place to be. There is a harbor nearby. It sells both fresh caught shellfish and fish. 

If you like historical places – well, Kamakura is the place to be. However, if you spend time at Zaimokuza Beach during low tide, you may see something special.

Alongside this beach is the oldest Japanese man-made island known as Wagae Island. When the water is low, there is a chance you may see evidence of it once existing.

Before the Edo Era, it was used as a port.

It is a protected area and is known as a National Historic Site. 

You will find that you can enjoy a few days at the beach, despite spending your vacation in Tokyo. Kamakura is only an hour away by public transport. 

Why Can’t You Swim In Kamakura?

As we stated previously, there are places you cannot swim in Kamakura. The two beaches that you cannot swim in are Inamuragasaki Beach and Shichirigahama Beach.

However, the former is often just a recommendation. 

They are noted as being scenic beaches, rather than swimming vacation spots. Despite this, the water is often used for marine sports. People love the rough waters around there.

Even though you cannot swim in the water, you can enjoy the beach itself. There is nothing wrong with sitting on the sand or sunbathing.

In fact, Inamuragasaki Beach has famous black sand. It can also be rather quiet, especially during the off-beach season. 

It is not a big beach though. Even so, it is clean and somewhere to enjoy the scenery. If you are wanting to swim, try a different beach close by. 

Can You See Mount Fuji From Kamakura Beach?

There are other reasons why people go to the beaches at Kamakura. On a clear day, there is a chance that you can see Mount Fuji. 

Despite not being able to enjoy the water at Inamuragasaki Beach or Shichirigahama Beach, both are known for having a great view of the famous Japanese mountain. 

So when the sun sets and the sky is clear, take a stroll along the sand and enjoy taking a picture or two of Mount Fuji in the distance. 

What Can You Not Do At Kamakura Beach?

If you are planning a trip to one of the Kamakura Beaches, then there are a few things you cannot do. For example, if you have tattoos, they must be covered.

You cannot smoke on the beach, and must use a designated area instead.

You also cannot drink alcohol, and must do so at one of the bars or restaurants only. Another couple of things that are prohibited is not being allowed to light a fire, or play music out loud. 

Final Thoughts

Kamakura is only a stone’s throw away from the busy cities of Yokohama and Tokyo.

If you want to spend a day or two at the beach during your Japan vacation, then you have options.

There are three main beaches that offer swimming. However, there are two which you should not swim at. This is due to rough water and using the ocean for marine sports instead.

Even so, you can still relax on the sandy beach. In fact, one of them even has wonderful black sand.

So, enjoy the sunshine away from the hustle and bustle of the city.