Zushi

Zushi (逗子) is a small city in Kanagawa, Japan about an hour by train south of Tokyo. It is often visited for its beach, marina, and summer events. Though it has a few historic temples and similar scenery to neighboring Kamakura, it gets much fewer tourists.

The view of Zushi from Hosshō-ji, a Nichiren sect temple

Understand

Tourist information site

The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Get in

• Take the Yokosuka line from Tokyo to Zushi (60-65 min).
• Keihin Kyuko line from Shinagawa to Shinzushi station (47 min).
• Shonan Shinjuku line from Shinjuku (59 min). (be careful, only some of the Shonan Shinjuku line trains go to Zushi, others go to Odawara) [1]

Get around

There are many buses, but the beach and shopping areas are within walking distance. Some of the better parks and temples are in the hills and a little far unless you want to take a nice long walk. Taxis are prevalent.

See

Zushi Beach

• 1 Ganden-ji (岩殿寺), 5-7-11 Hisagi (15-min walk or a short taxi ride from Zushi station). Number 2 in a series of temples, Bandō 33 Temple Pilgrimage, dedicated to the Goddess Kannon. Ganden-ji was founded in the year 721 and is surrounded by green hills. 
• Hiroyama Park (take the bus bound for Kamakura via Kotsubo at Zushi Station; 15-minute walk from the Hiroyama-iriguchi bus stop). Panoramic view of Sea (Sagami Bay) and mountains around the area, including Mt. Fuji. There is a mini-zoo, with monkeys and small animals (free), and a small playground. There is also a hiking course from the north end of the beach (ask locals). 
• Hisagi Ooike Park (20- to 25-min walk from Zushi Station). A pond is surrounded by lush greenery and is a haven for water plants and wild birds. 
• 2 Jinmuji Temple (神武寺), 2-1402 Numama (closer to Higashi Zushi Station). Another old temple (724 CE), surrounded by lush hills. There are many nice hiking courses nearby. 
• Kotsubo (小坪). A small fishing village with views of Mount Fuji and summer Ayu Festival. 
• Osaki Park. A similar view to Hiroyama Koen, but further away with fewer facilities. Fewer visitors come here. 
• Zushi Beach (a 10- to 15-min walk from either Zushi or Shin-Zushi station). A crescent-shaped beach about a couple kilometers long. Mt. Fuji is visible on a clear day from the south end of the beach. Has a pleasant atmosphere in the off-season with people flying kites, walking their dogs, or windsurfing in the bay. In the summer (the end of June-the end of August), it becomes a swimming beach and is a host to a number of beach houses, which feature food and drinks, and live music. 

Do

• Festivals: Zushi Coast Yabusame (Horseback Archery)/Zushi Yabusame Warrior Procession
• Swimming at the beach
• Windsurfing, boating, and sea kayaking - The bay is relatively shallow and calm, making a haven for wind surfers.

Buy

There are a number of smaller shops and boutiques, but Zushi is not considered a shopping destination.

Eat

There are a number of non-chain restaurants near the station. Especially, compared to other Japanese towns of this size, there are several local seafood places, Italian restaurants, and small "natural food" restaurants.

• Shokusaido, 249-0006 Kanagawa-ken, Zushi-shi, Zushi 5-7-6, Phone 046-871-7585. Hours: 17:00-00:00. Closed Thursdays. Japanese, western. No English spoken. Price: ¥1000-2000 entree.
• Lanterna Rossa, Kanagawa-ken, Zushi-shi, Zushi 6-5-9, 0468 72-2045. 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-00:00. Italian Wine bar. Serves snacks (cured meats) and wine. Wines expensive.
• Napoli Pizzeria Cantina. Kanagawa-ken Zushi-shi, Shinjuku 1-3-15, 046-870-6440. 11:00-23:00. Large Italian restaurant with ocean and Fuji views. Pizza is made in a wood stove (specialty is Quattro Formaggi). Lunch sets are much cheaper than dinner and served quite late. 
• Cinema Amigo, 1-5-14 Shinjuku Zushi Kanagawa Japan #249-0007 (On a narrow road behind Cantina from the beach.), ☏ +81 46 873 5643. Set in a small old Japanese house with a nice atmosphere, it has a different chef everyday of the week serving meals (Japanese, Italian, Indian) with fresh ingredients. Lunches are usually about ¥1,000. Other times of the day, they play films (documentaries or art films) for ¥1,500, including a drink. 
• Katsu’s Restaurant and Bar. Seafood. No English. Mains around ¥3000. 

Drink

There are a number of bars near the station (izakayas, Western bars, and wine bars). Most are visited with friends or small groups, rather than singles. A few have a beach atmosphere and are popular with visitors.

From late June to August, the beach is filled with various beach houses and bars, with various themes and music.

Sleep

• KKR Zushi Shoteien (KKR逗子 松汀園), ☏ +81 46-871-2042. 
• Hayama Hotel Otowanomori (葉山ホテル 音羽ノ森), ☏ +81 46-857-0108. 

Go next

• Hayama
• Kamakura
• Yokohama
• Yokosuka
• Miura
• Fujisawa
• Ebina
• Chigasaki
• Hiratsuka