Inamuragasaki Park

Inamuragasaki Park, located in Kamakura, is a  popular spot for seichi junrei, a Japanese term meaning sightseeing of places featured in films and TV. Beyond that, it has sweeping views of the ocean with the Island of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji visible toward the West.

The park has been labeled a “historic site,” recognized by the Japanese government for its significance. Most famously it was featured in the 2015 drama movie Our Little Sister based on the manga  Umimachi Diary. It’s also a location in the anime Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club and Your Lie in April.  There have been various songs inspired by the area, namely Southern All Star’s, You are the Star.

The base level of the park gives access to a giant rock that struts out across the ocean. High or low tide, this is a great spot to sit and watch the surfers and sailors.  At sunset, you will see couples sitting side by side watching the scenery over the crashing waves. From the rock, you can walk onto the actual beach of Inamuragasaki. The sand is pitch black and known for its iron content. At night, in particular, you can see the iron particles sparkle like glitter.

Photo by: aotaro Night view.

If you happen to be there on a rainy day, there is a covered shelter at the top of the hill. By sitting in the middle and looking out towards the sea, the wooden poles create a frame for the perfect ocean picture, rain or shine. Commonly seen in anime as a romantic meet-up spot, this setting is great for couples to snap a few photographs.

Visit the park on a clear day and you could be lucky enough to see Mt. Fuji towering over Enoshima Island. It’s truly a sight to behold; the sheer scale of the mountain is incredible. The best viewing times are on a sunny day in autumn or winter, as there is less humidity in the air. Even if you visit in spring or summer, there is still a chance of seeing Mt. Fuji and a truly spectacular sunset.

The park makes a great late-afternoon stop after touring around the town of Kamakura and visiting temples in the area. Hase, home to the Hase-dera Temple and the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) are just a few stops away on the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway). So, be sure to keep an eye on the time and make it down for sunset.

Seasonal advice

If you plan on swimming, watch the tide and be careful of jellyfish season (starts late summer and fall).  Best viewing times for Mt. Fuji: clear winter days. Autumn and spring are also possible. Summer has a lower chance to see it, perhaps just a few times per season.