Kamakura Yuigahama Beach

This isn’t your glossy, Caribbean-postcard kind of beach. It’s more like the introvert cousin who shows up to the family reunion in a black hoodie & quietly dunks on everyone. Overcast skies, grayish sand, gentle surf...and yet, somehow, it’s perfect. Walking along the water, you get that rare sense of calm where you realize: “Oh, right. Life doesn’t always need to be optimized.” The waves roll in, the surfers roll off their boards & you’re reminded that failure can actually look graceful if you do it in neoprene. The sand here has personality: dark streaks from the tide, starfish dropped like forgotten toys, patterns that look like nature’s doodles. It’s not “Instagram tropical”; it’s “geology class chic.” And that’s the charm. Also, I love the narrative arc: one moment you’re passing through the thousand-year-old Ichi-no Torii, the ceremonial gate of samurai Japan. Keep walking, and boom! ...you’re standing in ankle-deep water watching teenagers argue over whose turn it is to carry the surfboard. It’s history, religion, and saltwater therapy bundled into a single stroll. This place isn’t trying to seduce you with turquoise water. It’s saying, “Chill out, take off your shoes & stop pretending you’re not impressed by that kid who just faceplanted into a wave.”

Lovely spot to visit after either a visit to the Buddha or hiking behind the Buddha. Water is clean and with some waves . Surfers are there catching them . There is a lifeguard watching in designated spots. As well, you can get an umbrella or chair at any of the nearby beach restaurants for a fee.

I was truly impressed by my trip to Kamakura. This beautiful town has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the locals are incredibly friendly. One of the highlights was driving along the scenic coastal road of Kanagawa – absolutely breathtaking, especially on a sunny day. During the road trip, I noticed lots of people out enjoying the sea, many with surfboards ready for a swim. The area also had charming garage sales and local stalls dotted along the way, adding to the laid-back, seaside vibe. Kamakura is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and community – definitely a place worth visiting again.

A calm nice beach with pleasant clean water. The signs say that you must cover your tattooes, but it was fine for my partner who has several large tattoos. Do NOT go to Quick Silver, we got scammed there

Super disappointed. Trash and litter mixed in the beach sand. The dirties beach I've ever been to. It was shocking to see given how clean the cities are in Japan. I didn't even want to sit down.