After the rain comes the sunshine! After the tsuyu (梅雨, the rainy season), the gray clouds give way to sunshine. True summer begins, and for two months, heat and blue skies are on the agenda. We're giving you the perfect destination to enjoy the summer: it's the Shōnan coast 湘南, very close to Tokyo!
Located just one hour from Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture, the Shōnan Coast is a seaside region stretching from Kamakura to Oiso in Sagami Bay. No matter what you're looking for in a vacation, this region is sure to delight you!
Are you looking for a change of scenery?
Spend the day on Dragon Island, aka Enoshima. This island has many attractions, a rich history, plenty of nature, and a spa with a sea view, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
More info here.
Do you want to delve into the history of the archipelago?
Direction Kamakura (And a weekend won't be too much!) This city, with its traditional atmosphere, is full of some of Japan's most impressive temples, not to mention its great bronze Buddha! More info here.
Are you more into outdoor sports?
It's very easy to rent bicycles in Japan. We recommend you take a ride. along the coast of Shōnan 湘南, Leaving at sunrise, all that's left is to enjoy the view: the glowing red sun, the blue of the sea, and the majestic Mount Fuji. A few details here.
Relaxing in the sun?
Shōnan's coast boasts numerous beaches. A particular favorite is... Isshiki beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful in the region. You can even try surfing or windsurfing on some beaches. More info here.
And finally, 2 anecdotes about the region!
- The book The Season of the Sun (Shintarō Ishihara, 1955) sparked a genuine social phenomenon targeting Shōnan. The story of these idle youths strolling along the beaches of Enoshima, wearing dark glasses and Hawaiian shirts, became a symbol of an entire generation of young Japanese, the taiyōzoku (太陽族, literally "tribes of the sun"«).
- Shōnan is also the place where the manga character Eikichi Onizuka lives. Shōnan jun'ai gumi, Bad Company, GTO, GTO: Shonan 14 Days And GTO: Paradise Lost.
(source : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shōnan)
