People chilling on a not so crowded Yugahama beach in Enoshima, southwest of Tokyo.

Tokyo is a city by the sea. Something that’s easy to forget when you are busy shopping in Shibuya or Akihabara. But it’s there and you can swim in it. So, you’ve lived in Tokyo for a while, and realised that the summer is very hot. Maybe you’ve already been to the pool and found it to small and crowded. Ok, it’s time for the beach:

There are many beaches around an hour from Tokyo. Both in Chiba to the east and Enoshima to the west. The surfing is better in Chiba but Enoshima beaches are more accessible using the Enoden tram line. One of the better ones there is Yugahama.

Going to the beach is serious business for the Japanese. They bring a lot of things. There were so many tents and stoves on the sand it looked like a camping site more than a beach. Not that you need to, a commercial “strip” offers everything from hot meals to showers.

This beach allowed bodyboards, but not surfboards. So be sure to check out what’s going to be allowed. The waves was not very good for either at the time I was there. Some shore break enough to play with a bodyboard, but not real waves to ride. Anyway, the water was warm and I had a pretty good time.

Check out the surf!

Around 3 o’clock the weather changed and the party was over. First the wind changed direction and the little waves there where disappeared. With wind blowing from the shore the lifeguards got nervous and started shouting over the speakers. (Yes, there is a PA system installed on all beaches in Japan! If your lucky they don’t use it to play loud music when you’re trying to relax on the sand!)

Getting myself and my board out of the water I saw a few people lose their inflatable beach toys. Drop it for a second and it’s half way out to sea. Next Korea. People really don’t pay attention when the wind changes, maybe the lifeguard was right to get everybody out of the water.

A few minutes later the rain came and I got out of there. Well, still had a good day at the beach. Maybe I’ll get there earlier next time to see if the waves are any better.

Related articles:
Swimming in a Tokyo pool

Links
The Megajin likes another beach:
Zushi Beach Beachin it

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