Morito Beach and Morito Shrine: A Seaside Walk in Hayama
Morito Beach (Morito Kaigan) and Morito Shrine (Morito Jinja, also known as Morito Daimyōjin) in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, are signature seaside destinations where you can combine a sandy beach walk with a visit to an ancient coastal shrine.
Setting aside separate time for walking on the sand and relaxing quietly in the shrine grounds lets you appreciate the atmosphere of each.
Morito Shrine stands at the mouth of the Morito River, about 15 minutes by bus from JR Zushi Station or Keikyū Zushi-Hayama Station.
Enjoy Mount Fuji and Enoshima Views from Morito Beach
Morito Beach has a broad, gently sloping sandy shore with calm waves, and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) and Enoshima.
Morito Beach has also been selected as one of the 100 Best Mount Fuji Views in the Kantō Region (Kantō no Fujimi Hyakusen).
Even if you do not plan to swim, you can watch the sea from a spot a little back from the water's edge or stroll slowly along the sand.
If you are visiting for the sea views, avoid overfilling your schedule and leave time to pause and watch the sky and waves.
Cross the Red Misogi-bashi Bridge between Morito Beach and Morito Shrine
The red Misogi-bashi Bridge connects the beach and shrine.
You will find the bridge after turning right at the shrine entrance, making it a useful landmark when moving between the shrine grounds and the sand.
Its name is said to come from misogi, the purification ritual of bathing in seawater that has been practiced along this shore.
During the Kamakura period, Morito was considered one of the sacred sites of Nanase-harai, purification rites at 7 waterside locations including Yuigahama and Enoshima, where prayers were offered to ward off misfortune.
Give others room when crossing the bridge, and choose a spot that does not block passage if you stop for photos.
Morito Beach Highlights: Mount Fuji, the Offshore Torii Gate, and Sunset Views
At Morito's shore, looking in turn at the distant mountains, the offshore torii gate, and the colors of the sky reveals the depth of the landscape.
Tips for Seeing Mount Fuji and Enoshima from Morito Beach
Views of Mount Fuji and Enoshima vary with clouds, haze, and other conditions.
When you arrive, first look out across the sea and plan your walk around the scenery visible that day.
If weather conditions allow, you may see Diamond Fuji, when the sun aligns with Mount Fuji's summit, twice a year: in spring (April) and fall (September).
Even when Mount Fuji is hidden, focusing on light across the water and patterns in the waves offers different photographic possibilities from the distant views.
View Najima's Offshore Torii Gate and Hayama Lighthouse from the Shore
About 700 meters offshore from the rocky shore behind the shrine lies Najima (also written with an alternative kanji spelling), an island with a red torii gate; Hayama Lighthouse, built on Najima's reef, is another landmark in the view.
The torii belongs to Morito Shrine's Ryūjin-gū, a shrine to the dragon deity worshiped in a small sanctuary on Najima, creating a scene that connects the sea and faith.
Najima's torii is said to face Mishima Taisha Shrine.
Hayama Lighthouse is also known as Yūjirō Lighthouse because it was built to commemorate the traditional third-year Buddhist memorial service for actor and yachtsman Yūjirō Ishihara.
Although Najima once had a pier and a ferry, there is currently no ferry service for general worshipers.
For this reason, the Ryūjin-gū Yōhaijo, a place for worshiping Najima's Ryūjin-gū from the shore, was built in the shrine grounds in 2024 (Reiwa 6).
From the worship area, you can see the red torii standing in the sea and Mount Fuji beyond 2 torii gates.
Enjoy the views from shore on this walk, and do not enter the sea or areas with unstable footing to get closer to the torii.
Plan Your Return before Enjoying the Famous Morito Sunset
The evening scenery around Morito Shrine is known as Morito no Sekishō, or Morito's Sunset Glow, and has been selected as one of Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Views (Kanagawa no Keishō Gojūsen).
On clear evenings, the sky turns crimson around Enoshima, the mountains of Izu and Hakone, and Mount Fuji.
If sunset is your main reason for visiting, check the sunset time and your return bus in advance, and familiarize yourself with the route back while it is still light.
Look up sunrise and sunset times in a calendar or similar source beforehand.
The colors of the sunset depend on the weather, so include a daytime walk or shrine visit in your plans as well.
Visiting Morito Shrine: History and Shrine Etiquette
Morito Shrine, also called Morito Daimyōjin, is revered as the guardian shrine of all Hayama.
Walking through the grounds with an awareness of the generations of local prayers offered here, alongside the sea views, adds depth to your visit.
Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Hibyakushin Sacred Tree
Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was exiled to Izu after his defeat in the Heiji Rebellion, is said to have been deeply devoted to Mishima Myōjin, now Mishima Taisha Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, and to have prayed for the revival of the Minamoto clan.
According to tradition, after raising an army and making his comeback in 1180 (Jishō 4), Yoritomo had the deity of Mishima Myōjin enshrined at this site near Kamakura, establishing a branch of the original shrine.
The Azuma Kagami, a historical chronicle of the Kamakura period, records that successive shoguns visited here and held yabusame (horseback archery), kasagake (another form of horseback archery), sumo, and other events.
The shrine later continued to be revered by the Hōjō and Ashikaga clans and the Miura warrior group, and Tokugawa Ieyasu donated shrine land in 1591 (Tenshō 19).
The main sanctuary is designated an Important Cultural Property of Hayama, and the Hibyakushin sacred tree, with branches reaching toward the sea, is another highlight of the grounds.
The Hibyakushin is said to have sprouted from a seed that flew from Mishima Myōjin when Yoritomo visited in 1184 (Genryaku 1), and is believed to be about 800 years old.
The unusual old tree appears to lean out over the sea; it is designated a Natural Monument of Hayama and has also been selected as one of Kanagawa's 100 Notable Trees (Kanagawa no Meiboku Hyakusen).
When viewing buildings and trees, respect fences and access signs, and observe without touching branches or trunks or stepping around the roots.
Morito Shrine's Deities, Blessings, and Suiten-gū Fertility Stones
Morito Shrine enshrines 2 deities: Ōyamatsumi-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto.
The blessings attributed to them include good fortune, protection from misfortune, safe childbirth, conception, good relationships, family safety, business prosperity, and road safety.
Suiten-gū, a shrine within the grounds, is revered for safe childbirth and fertility; those who receive a Kosazuke Omamori, an amulet for conception, may also request a kodakara-ishi fertility stone.
Visitors are instructed to write their child's name on the stone after birth and return it to the designated stone-return area in the grounds during omiya-mairi, the baby's first shrine visit.
Other shrines in the grounds include Oseki Inari-sha, revered for protecting the throat, and Chikurei-sha, regarded as a guardian shrine for pets.
Sengan-matsu Pine and the Yūjirō Ishihara Memorial
The Sengan-matsu pine, known for its striking branches, stands on a rock along the shore behind the shrine.
Its name is said to come from a conversation in which Yoritomo praised the pine and Wada Yoshimori replied that it was worth 1,000 kan, a historical monetary unit.
At the entrance to the beach behind the shrine is a memorial to Yūjirō Ishihara, who spent his youth in the Shōnan area; it features a bronze figure and a poem inscribed in the handwriting of his elder brother, Shintarō Ishihara.
Other sites throughout the grounds include a Kōshin-tō monument enshrining Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami and the site of Minamoto no Yoritomo's villa, which the Azuma Kagami records that he established here.
Follow Local Guidance for Purification and Worship
The temizuya, or purification basin, is where visitors cleanse their hands and mouth before worship.
Follow any posted instructions, and if you use a ladle, do not put your mouth directly on it.
Bow lightly before passing through a torii gate, and proceed quietly along the approach while staying aware of the flow of other visitors.
If you are unsure of the etiquette, check signs or ask shrine staff, wait your turn, and avoid crossing in front of people who are praying so you can worship calmly.
Knowing some words used around the grounds makes the signs easier to understand.
| Term | Meaning | Visitor Etiquette |
|---|---|---|
| Honden | Main sanctuary where the deity is enshrined | Respect access signs |
| Temizuya | Place to cleanse your hands and mouth | Read the instructions for use |
| Juyosho | Counter for omamori amulets and other shrine items | Check the counter's service information |
| Goshinboku | Sacred tree | Admire it without causing damage |
Morito Shrine Amulets and Goshuin: Check Counter Hours
Distinguish between the hours when you can visit the shrine and the hours when the shrine counter is staffed.
The shrine can be visited 24 hours a day, while ofuda talismans, amulets, and omikuji fortune slips are generally available daily from around 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you hope to receive shrine items in the late afternoon, confirm the service hours with the shrine office at 046-875-2681.
If you would like an amulet or a goshuin, a calligraphic shrine seal, check Morito Daimyōjin's information about counter services and available items before visiting.
Limited-edition goshuin may be offered for particular seasons or events, and those available in limited quantities can run out early.
Shrine items are not sold online, so receive amulets and other items at the shrine during your visit.
Even if sunset is your main goal, consider stopping at the shrine first if you would like to receive any of these items.
Morito Shrine Annual Events: The September 7–8 Festival and More
Morito Shrine's most important festival is the Reitaisai annual festival, held every September 8 to commemorate its founding in 1180, with the Yoimiya-sai eve festival taking place on September 7.
During the Reitaisai, neighborhood associations and other groups may hold mikoshi portable-shrine processions on Morito Beach.
Prayer service reception and use of the shrine parking lot may be suspended during the festivities, so use public transportation if visiting at this time.
Other events include the Setsubun Festival on February 3 and Nagoshi-no-Ōharae, the summer purification rite on June 30, when visitors pass through a chinowa grass ring to cleanse the sins and impurities of the previous 6 months.
Event dates and details may vary from year to year, so check the annual events and notices on the official website before visiting.
Photography Tips for Morito Shrine and Morito Beach
What you need to check depends on where and why you are taking photos.
At the shrine, give priority to worshipers; on the beach, focus on safe footing and consideration for those around you.
Check the Rules for Sanctuary and Commercial Photography
Morito Daimyōjin asks visitors to refrain from taking photos or videos inside the main sanctuary, and also to avoid making mobile phone calls in front of the deity.
Commercial photography and drone photography also require permission from the shrine.
Taking photos for use as royalty-free stock images on image sales websites and similar services, as well as photography in unusual outfits such as cosplay costumes, is also prohibited.
Shoots accompanied by a photographer have separate procedures and conditions, so check with the shrine before booking a photographer during your trip.
Businesses and professional photographers shooting in the grounds must sign an agreement to the photography rules at the prayer service reception counter and wear an armband provided by the shrine.
Photographer-accompanied shoots for omiya-mairi, Shichi-Go-San children's shrine visits, and similar occasions without a prayer service are not permitted, nor are pre-wedding or wedding location shoots for people who did not hold their wedding at Morito Shrine.
Even when taking personal commemorative photos in the grounds, follow posted guidance and staff instructions, and choose compositions that do not include other worshipers.
Try Different Compositions from a Safe Position
At the seaside, you can vary your composition comfortably by adjusting how much sky and sea you include rather than moving closer to your subject.
Stepping backward while reviewing photos makes it harder to see your surroundings, so choose where to stand before raising your camera.
Try the following approaches to capture the impression you want at the beach.
| Impression to Capture | Composition Tip | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| The expanse of the sea | Include plenty of sky and sea | Do not get too close to the water's edge |
| The offshore torii gate | Frame it with the surrounding sea | View it from the shore |
| Colors of the evening sky | Vary the proportion of sky in the frame | Check your footing before it gets dark |
How to Get to Morito Beach and Morito Shrine: About 15 Minutes by Keikyū Bus from Zushi Station
If you are visiting by public transportation, take a Keikyū Bus on the coastal route from JR Zushi Station or Keikyū Zushi-Hayama Station.
Take the Zu 12 coastal-route bus bound for Hayama (Isshiki) from bus stop 3 at JR Zushi Station's East Exit or bus stop 2 at Keikyū Zushi-Hayama Station's South Exit; get off at Morito Jinja bus stop after about 15 minutes, then walk for 1 minute.
A taxi takes about 10 minutes from either station.
Choose Morito Kaigan or Morito Jinja Bus Stop to Suit Your Plans
To plan the order of your visit, consider getting off at Morito Kaigan bus stop if you want to start with a beach walk, or Morito Jinja bus stop if you want to visit the shrine first.
In addition to the Zu 12, Keikyū Bus's coastal-route Zu 11 service bound for Hayamamachi Fukushi Bunka Kaikan, the town's welfare and cultural center, also passes through Morito Kaigan.
Before boarding, check station signs or Keikyū Bus's route search to confirm that your service stops at your destination.
Saving the Japanese bus stop names on your smartphone helps you match them to onboard displays or tell the driver where you want to go.
Decide on Your Return Bus Stop and Station in Advance
Checking your return boarding point and destination when you arrive makes travel easier after your walk.
If you have a train connection, allow extra time for possible traffic delays.
Bus routes may change when traffic restrictions are in place for festivals, fireworks displays, and other events, so check Keikyū Bus notices as well.
On the way to the bus stop, avoid blocking residential entrances or walking abreast on narrow streets.
Driving to Morito Shrine: Parking Fees and Summer Crowds
If driving, one route is via the Zushi Interchange on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road, then the Zuyō Shindō road.
Morito Shrine's parking lot has spaces for 106 standard passenger cars and is operated by Times.
Parking is free for up to 30 minutes for shrine visitors and up to 2 hours for those receiving prayer services or attending weddings; to use the 2-hour free parking service, you must notify the shrine office.
Except during designated periods, standard passenger car parking costs 220 yen per 30 minutes from January through June and September through December, or 550 yen per 30 minutes in July and August.
The parking lot becomes very crowded in summer, so avoid waiting for entry on the road and consider public transportation.
What to Wear for a Morito Beach Walk and How to Prepare for Swimming
Choosing suitable walking clothes and checking sea conditions helps you enjoy both your shrine visit and your walk on the sand.
Choose Shoes for Both the Beach and Shrine Grounds
If you are combining the visit with a walk around town, comfortable shoes that are easy to clean after picking up some sand are useful.
Prepare for wind and sun with an extra layer, a hat, and drinks.
If you are concerned about your footing, adjust your walk to the areas you can manage comfortably rather than pushing on across sand or steps.
Morito Shrine has a ramp for wheelchairs and strollers running from the parking lot to the front of the main sanctuary, and the shrine office has restrooms and a diaper-changing station.
The parking lot and outdoor paths are unpaved, with gravel and dirt sections, so take care when using a wheelchair or stroller.
Check Morito Beach's Swimming Season for the Year
If you plan to swim in summer, check Hayama Town or Kanagawa Prefecture's information for the swimming season, rules, and conditions on the day.
Morito Beach generally opens for swimming from around July 1 to August 31, along with Isshiki Beach and Chōjagasaki-Ōhama Beach.
While the swimming beach is open, an ordinance prohibits smoking on the sand and similar areas outside designated smoking zones.
Even a calm-looking sea can change with the wind and waves, so follow local signs and lifeguard instructions.
If an incident or accident occurs at sea, call the Japan Coast Guard's emergency number, 118.
Keep children in sight near the water, and be prepared to end your walk or swim if the weather worsens.
Take Your Trash Home and Respect Seaside Life in Hayama
Take your trash with you and keep quiet in residential areas.
Public spaces and swimming beaches in Hayama have no trash cans, so take all your trash back to your home or accommodation.
Bring a small trash bag and keep food bags and containers from blowing away.
- Do not take marine creatures or stones home
- Do not step into the roadway to take photos
- Share the space considerately with other sea users
- Refrain from setting off fireworks from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (fireworks that cause alarm to neighbors are prohibited by Kanagawa Prefecture's ordinance)
Enjoy Morito Beach Views and Morito Shrine at Your Own Pace
At Morito Beach and Morito Shrine, you can enjoy a walk linking the sand, the red Misogi-bashi Bridge, and the shrine grounds.
Highlights such as the red torii on offshore Najima, Morito's Sunset Glow selected among Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Views, and the sacred tree associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo bring together seaside scenery and history.
If you would like an amulet or goshuin, check the counter's arrangements first; on a sunset visit, planning your return transportation in advance leaves you free to relax.
Choose where to walk according to the weather and your footing, and enjoy Hayama's seaside while respecting worshipers and local life.
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