Shichirigahama Beach: Enoshima and Mount Fuji Views
Shichirigahama Beach (Shichirigahama Kaigan) faces Sagami Bay in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, offering views of Enoshima and Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) together.
The beach is about a 2-minute walk from Shichirigahama Station on the Enoden line and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches (Nihon no Nagisa Hyakusen).
Take the Enoden here to add some seaside time to your Kamakura sightseeing, whether walking with ocean views or relaxing at a nearby cafe.
The coastal conditions make this beach unsuitable for swimming, so plan to enjoy the scenery and a walk here.
Enoshima and Mount Fuji Views from Shichirigahama
From the beach, you can see Enoshima to the west and, when weather conditions allow, Mount Fuji beyond it.
The beach also offers views of the mountains of Hakone and Izu.
Take in the broad sky and overlapping waves as well as the distant mountains to appreciate the sea's changing character on the day you visit.
Clouds and atmospheric conditions affect how clearly Mount Fuji appears, so come ready to enjoy the scenery even when the mountain is hidden.
There is also a special charm to Mount Fuji appearing faintly beyond the sea beneath a hazy sky.
Shichirigahama: One of Kamakura's 100 Scenic Views
The view of Shichirigahama's coastline, Enoshima, and Mount Fuji is one of the 100 Scenic Views of Kamakura (Kamakura Keikan Hyakusen), selected by Kamakura City in 1999 (Heisei 11).
It is one of Kamakura's signature landscapes, with the sea and sky changing with the seasons and the time of day.
The designated viewpoints are the park at Inamuragasaki, a coastal cape, and the area around Yukiai-bashi Bridge in Shichirigahama.
Dark bands of iron sand trace the beach, creating a landscape distinctive to Shichirigahama.
Can You Swim at Shichirigahama Beach? Know the Coastal Conditions
Shichirigahama Beach is unsuitable for swimming because of its coastal conditions.
Kamakura has 3 designated swimming beaches—Zaimokuza, Yuigahama, and Koshigoe—and Shichirigahama is not among them.
Even if you see people sailing or windsurfing throughout the year, do not assume this is a place where you can casually go for a swim.
For a first visit, focus your plans on views from land and seaside walks to make the most of the beach's character.
For Swimming, Head to Nearby Koshigoe Beach
If you want to swim in summer, nearby Koshigoe Beach (Koshigoe Kaisuiyokujō) is an option.
Koshigoe Beach is about a 3-minute walk from Koshigoe Station on the Enoden line.
During the swimming season, facilities include a lifeguard station, a first-aid station, free public showers, temporary restrooms, and seasonal beach huts.
Kamakura's swimming beaches generally open from July 1 to August 31, with swimming permitted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when the lifeguard stations are open.
The season and hours may vary from year to year, so check Kamakura City's information before you go.
How to Get to Shichirigahama Beach: A 2-Minute Walk from Enoden Shichirigahama Station
If you are visiting by public transportation, using Shichirigahama Station on the Enoden line as your starting point makes planning easier.
Before boarding, check which direction you will travel afterward and decide whether to return toward Kamakura or continue toward Fujisawa.
Take the Enoden from Kamakura or Fujisawa Station to Shichirigahama Station
The Enoden connects Kamakura Station and Fujisawa Station, with Shichirigahama Station along the way.
Shichirigahama is the 6th stop from Kamakura Station on a train bound for Fujisawa, or the 8th stop from Fujisawa Station on a train bound for Kamakura.
From Enoshima Station, it is the 3rd stop on a train bound for Kamakura.
The station's English name is displayed as "SHICHIRIGAHAMA," and its station number is "EN09," so saving both on your smartphone is helpful if you are unfamiliar with Japanese signs.
Check Enoden's official information for service updates and return train times before setting out.
Shichirigahama Station Facilities and the Noriorikun Day Pass
Shichirigahama Station has restrooms and an AED, but no coin lockers.
The station has a wheelchair lift, available from 9:45 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.; using it takes about 10 minutes.
If you plan to get on and off the Enoden several times, consider the Noriorikun day pass, which allows unlimited travel on the entire line for 1 day and costs 800 yen for adults or 400 yen for children.
Paper tickets are generally available from ticket machines and other sales points at all Enoden stations, while the digital version can be purchased through the EMot smartphone app and other channels.
Walking from Shichirigahama Station to the Beach
Shichirigahama Beach is about a 2-minute walk from the station.
National Route 134 runs along the coast, so even when the sea comes into view, use crosswalks and follow traffic signals rather than crossing while taking photos.
Before going down to the beach, check which entrance you will use on the way back and the route to the station to help you find your way after an evening walk.
Stop somewhere that does not obstruct others when checking a map.
Shichirigahama Sunset and Photography Tips
The sea at dusk and Mount Fuji's silhouette are among the views to enjoy at Shichirigahama.
Choose your arrival time according to the sunset and weather, and leave some breathing room in your schedule beyond taking photos.
Check the Sunset Time and Arrive Early
Sunset times change with the seasons, so check the time for your visit before setting out.
In nearby Yokohama, sunset is earliest in early December at around 4:30 p.m., while in late June it is as late as around 7:00 p.m.
Arriving while it is still light lets you check the ground and your return route as you choose a comfortable spot to enjoy the view.
At the Inamuragasaki observation point overlooking Shichirigahama, aim to be ready about 30 minutes before sunset.
Whether you see a colorful sunset or Mount Fuji depends on the weather, so including a cafe break makes it easier to adjust your plans.
Photograph Shichirigahama's Sea, Sky, and Enoshima
For seaside photos, keep the horizon level and experiment with how much sea and sky you include.
Placing Enoshima at the edge of the frame or including more sky can vary your composition without moving far from your spot.
When photographing waves, choose a place where you can stand safely rather than prioritizing getting close to the water.
Things to Do in the Morning, Daytime, and Evening
There are reasons to visit beyond sunset, such as viewing the sea before exploring Kamakura in the morning or taking a seaside break during the day.
Here are some ways to spend each part of the day and things to check before setting out.
| Time of Day | Ideas for Your Visit | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Enjoy the sea before heading out for a walk | Opening times of shops you plan to visit |
| Daytime | Take photos and stop at a cafe | Sun exposure and wind strength |
| Evening | Watch the sky change color | Sunset and return train times |
Combine Seaside Cafes with a Shichirigahama Walk
Cafes and restaurants around Shichirigahama let you combine ocean views with a meal.
If you have a particular place in mind, check its official information for opening days and any conditions before adding it to your itinerary.
If you plan to visit a cafe or restaurant around sunset, compare the sunset time with its closing and last-order times.
What to Check Before Requesting an Ocean-View Seat
Remember that even at a place near the sea, the view varies by seat.
If you want a window or terrace seat, check whether reservations and specific seating requests are possible, along with any weather-related conditions.
When photographing the view, follow posted guidance and staff instructions, and avoid disturbing other diners.
Watch for Black Kites When Eating or Taking Photos by the Sea
Take care on the beach and in parks, where black kites may swoop for food and injure you with their talons.
These birds circle overhead looking for food and approach silently from diagonally behind people, making them difficult to notice.
Avoid placing food on the ground or holding it out in your hand to take photos.
If eating takeout outdoors, choose a covered area where eating is allowed and keep an eye on food in children's hands.
Other precautions include using an umbrella to hide food from birds above or eating with a large wall behind you.
Do not leave leftovers or packaging behind, and do not feed the birds.
What to Wear and Bring to Shichirigahama Beach
Comfortable walking shoes and clothing you can adjust to the temperature are useful by the sea.
Pack for both town walks and beach strolls so you can move around comfortably and take breaks along the way.
Bring Comfortable Shoes and an Extra Layer
If you plan to walk on the sand, choose shoes that provide stable footing and are easy to clean afterward.
An outer layer you can put on and take off helps you stay comfortable if you are staying until evening or visiting on a windy day.
Bring a hat or other sun protection during sunny seasons, and take care that it does not blow away.
Pack to Keep Your Hands Free
Putting your phone, drink, and other items back in your bag when you are not using them makes it easier to stay aware of your surroundings as you walk.
Shichirigahama Station has no coin lockers, so bring only what you can comfortably carry all day.
Choose what to bring with rest breaks and protection from sand in mind.
- Drinks and sun protection suited to the season
- A small towel for wiping your hands or feet
- A bag to keep sandy items separate
- A case to protect your smartphone from sand and sea spray
Shichirigahama Beach Safety and Photography Etiquette
Check sea conditions at the beach, and prioritize safe passage for people, vehicles, and trains near roads and railway tracks.
Follow any local signs about restricted access or other precautions.
Stay Away from the Water in High Waves or Strong Winds
Do not approach the sea when waves are high.
Even when the forecast gives a wave height of 1 meter, there is a possibility that 1 in every 1,000 waves could reach nearly 2 meters.
Waves and currents can change even when the weather looks fine, so base your decisions on both the forecast before departure and conditions at the beach.
If visiting with children, do not become absorbed in taking photos; keep watch to make sure they are not approaching the water's edge.
Parents and guardians should stay with their children at all times.
Stay Off the Tracks When Photographing the Enoden
When photographing the Enoden, stay off the tracks and private property, and choose a spot that does not block pedestrians or local residents.
On station platforms, stay behind the yellow line and refrain from using flash or lighting.
Avoid using tripods or stepladders, which can cause unexpected accidents.
Kamakura City's ordinance also identifies photography that obstructs vehicles, such as stopping in the roadway, and photography in dangerous places, such as near railway tracks, as nuisance behavior and calls for better manners.
The following table summarizes considerations for different photography locations.
| Situation | What to Do | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Beach photography | Check your footing and the waves | Stepping backward while looking at your screen |
| Roadside photography | Leave enough room for others to pass | Standing in the roadway to take a photo |
| Enoden photography | Take photos from outside the track area | Entering the tracks or private property |
| Photos that include people | Avoid including bystanders | Taking close-up photos of faces without permission |
Avoid Lingering in Front of Homes and Shops
When walking by the sea, do not block entrances to homes or shops, and keep the volume of conversations and videos low.
Be mindful of nearby residents when visiting to enjoy the scenery.
After a break, check your belongings before leaving and take even small wrappers and scraps of paper with you.
Check the Rules for Fireworks on the Beach at Night
Kamakura City's ordinance prohibits setting off loud fireworks that disturb people's sleep on beaches, in parks, and similar places from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Part of Shichirigahama Beach is designated as a special measures area, with local volunteers and city staff patrolling on weekend nights in July and August.
Avoid noisy fireworks such as bottle rockets and aerial fireworks, which can disturb local residents' sleep.
Check Tsunami Evacuation Routes and Safe Locations
When you arrive at the beach, check signs showing evacuation directions and routes to higher ground.
Kamakura City publishes a tsunami evacuation route map for the Koshigoe–Shichirigahama area, and the official Enoden page for Shichirigahama Station also lists evacuation locations for disasters.
If you feel strong shaking or slow, prolonged shaking by the sea, or see or hear a tsunami warning or advisory, leave the coast and evacuate to a safe place on higher ground.
A tsunami flag raised along the coast also signals that a tsunami warning or similar alert has been issued, so evacuate immediately.
Tsunamis can arrive in repeated waves, so do not return to the beach until the warning or advisory has been lifted.
Things to Do near Shichirigahama Beach
Near Shichirigahama Beach, you will find ocean viewpoints and historic sites that tell the story of Kamakura.
Inamuragasaki: Views of Shichirigahama, Enoshima, and Mount Fuji
Inamuragasaki is a cape at the eastern end of Shichirigahama, about a 5-minute walk from Inamuragasaki Station on the Enoden line.
The elevated observation point in the Inamuragasaki area of Kamakura Kaihin Park offers views of Shichirigahama, Enoshima, and Mount Fuji on clear days.
The Sagami Bay scenery here has been selected as one of Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Views (Kanagawa Keishō Gojūsen), and you can sometimes see Izu Ōshima island offshore to the south.
Inamuragasaki is said to be where the warrior Nitta Yoshisada advanced against the Kamakura shogunate, and it is also a nationally designated historic site known as the Legendary Site of Nitta Yoshisada's Sea Crossing.
The park is free to enter and has no closing days.
Jūichinin-zuka: A Historic Site Linked to Nitta Yoshisada's Attack on Kamakura
Jūichinin-zuka, a burial mound in a residential area of Inamuragasaki, is a Kamakura City designated historic site about a 3-minute walk from Inamuragasaki Station on the Enoden line.
According to tradition, during Nitta Yoshisada's attack on Kamakura in 1333 (Genkō 3), Ōdachi Muneuji and others were killed while trying to advance through Gokuraku-ji Kiridōshi, a mountain pass; the last 11 survivors took their own lives, and they were buried here.
As the site is in a residential neighborhood, visit quietly and avoid blocking the way.
Around Kamakurakōkōmae Station: Keep Roads and Sidewalks Clear When Taking Photos
The area around Kamakurakōkōmae Station, next to Shichirigahama Station, can become crowded with visitors taking photos.
Kamakura City has taken steps to direct visitors to nearby Koshigoe Rakko Park and prevent photography in the roadway.
If you visit, stay out of the roadway when taking photos and follow local staff directions and signs.
Enjoy the Views and Seaside Walks at Shichirigahama Beach
At Shichirigahama Beach, you can combine views of Enoshima and Mount Fuji, the evening sky, and seaside cafes into a relaxing walk.
Plan around the Enoden, check the weather and your return train time, and remember that this beach is unsuitable for swimming.
Stay aware of waves, black kites, and roadside photography etiquette as you leave time in your Kamakura trip simply to enjoy the sea.
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