Beach & Waterfront · Kamakura
Zaimokuza Beach 材木座海水浴場
The calmer, more local eastern half of Kamakuras bay, with shallow water good for families, a relaxed summer beach-hut scene and the ruins of Japans oldest surviving harbour at its far end.
About
Zaimokuza continues the curve of Yuigahama east of the Nameri River and has a quieter, neighbourhood feel. The water is generally shallow and sheltered, which makes it popular with families and beginner stand-up paddlers. At the eastern end lies Wakaejima, the stone foundations of a harbour built in 1232 and the oldest surviving artificial port in Japan, which appears at low tide as a field of rocks. In summer (official season July to August) beach huts open along the sand; off season it is a place for fishermen, dog walkers and quiet sunsets with Enoshima and Mount Fuji lined up to the west.
Highlights
- Shallow, sheltered water, good for families
- Wakaejima: ruins of a 1232 harbour that emerge at low tide
- View down the whole bay to Enoshima and Mount Fuji
- Laid-back umi no ie huts in summer
- Less crowded than Yuigahama on summer weekends
Tips
- Check the tide table if you want to walk out on the Wakaejima harbour stones.
- Kamakura city sets swimming season and hours each year (recently July 1 to August 31).
- Walk back via Komyo-ji temple, a five-minute stroll inland, for its sea-facing gate.
- Buses from Kamakura Station to Komyoji stop drop you at the eastern end.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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