At a glance
Morito Beach in Hayama is a sandy coastal area adjacent to Morito Shrine, offering swimming, surfing, and water sports. The beach features clear waters with views of Mount Fuji and Enoshima Island, particularly stunning during sunset. Visitors can access beach huts, rental equipment, and nearby cafes while enjoying this relatively quieter Shonan alternative with calm waves and family-friendly facilities.
Photographs
Morito Beach
Morito Beach stretches along Hayama’s coastline as the town’s widest sandy beach, offering panoramic views across Sagami Bay toward Mount Fuji and Enoshima Island. The beach sits adjacent to the historic Morito Shrine, connected by Misogi Bridge, creating a scenic combination of natural beauty and cultural significance. Visitors frequently mention the exceptional water clarity compared to neighboring Shonan beaches, with marine blue waters allowing visibility of small fish and sea life near the shore.
The beachfront features several traditional beach houses during summer months, offering equipment rentals including parasols, chairs, SUP boards, and canoes, along with refreshments and facilities. Rocky areas flanking the sandy stretch provide excellent tide pooling opportunities where families search for sea creatures and collect seashells. The Yujiro Ishihara Monument stands as a cultural landmark, honoring the beloved actor’s connection to this coastal area. Early morning visitors often spot kingfishers near the Morito River mouth, while the offshore waters accommodate yacht enthusiasts year-round.
Winter transforms the beach into a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds and crystal-clear waters enhanced by crisp air conditions. The sunset views rank among the beach’s most celebrated features, particularly during specific times when the sun aligns with Mount Fuji, creating the Diamond Fuji phenomenon that attracts photographers and locals alike.
Seasonal and Event Highlights
- Spring: Late March to April offers comfortable weather and opportunities to witness the Diamond Fuji sunset around the spring alignment.
- Summer: Swimming season brings beach houses, equipment rentals, lifeguards, and the beach’s liveliest atmosphere.
- Autumn: September provides another chance to photograph the Diamond Fuji sunset, often with clearer skies after summer.
- Winter: The clearest water and best visibility of Mount Fuji make winter ideal for peaceful walks and landscape photography.
- Event: Hayama Kaigan Hanabi Taikai (Hayama Beach Fireworks Festival) is held in summer, with Morito Beach serving as one of the area’s popular viewing locations.
Before you go
Entry to Morito Beach is free. During the official swimming season, seasonal beach houses provide paid rentals for parasols, chairs, SUP boards, canoes, showers, and changing rooms, while public toilets are available year-round. The beach is mostly flat and accessible, although some rocky sections used for tide pooling require sturdy footwear. English signage is limited, vending machines are available nearby, and cafés can be found around Morito Shrine and Hayama Marina. Tripods are generally acceptable for photography outside crowded periods, but avoid blocking pathways or beach users, especially during sunset and the busy summer season.
Morito Beach is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Seasonal beach houses and lifeguard services operate only during the official summer swimming season, with individual business hours varying by operator.
When to go
Summer remains the most popular season for swimming and beach activities, with clear waters perfect for snorkeling to spot butterfly fish and sea bream. Winter offers exceptional clarity and stunning sunset views featuring Mount Fuji silhouetted against the sky, particularly beautiful on cold, clear evenings when the air is crisp. Early mornings before 9AM provide the most peaceful beach experience with fewer crowds and opportunities for seashell collecting along the pristine shoreline. Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, see significantly lighter foot traffic compared to weekends when families and groups dominate the sand.
Average crowd levels throughout the day, based on historical data.
Public review summary
Visitors consistently praise the tranquil atmosphere and cleaner waters compared to neighboring beaches, highlighting stunning Mount Fuji views and beautiful sunsets. Families appreciate the safe swimming areas with lifeguard supervision and available amenities like beach huts and equipment rentals. Some mention jellyfish during peak season and rocky areas requiring sandals. The beachs proximity to Morito Shrine adds cultural appeal.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
Horiuchi, Hayama, Miura District, Kanagawa 240-0112, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transportation:
From JR Zushi Station or Keikyu Zushi-Hayama Station, take a Keikyu bus bound for Hayama (such as Morito Kaigan or Hayama Isshiki) and get off at Morito Kaigan. From the bus stop, the beach is about a 2 to 5-minute walk.
By Car:
Morito Beach is around 20 to 30 minutes from the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway’s Zushi Interchange, depending on traffic. Paid parking is available near Morito Shrine and along the beachfront, but spaces fill quickly on weekends and during the summer swimming season, so arriving early is recommended.
Common questions
Can I swim at Morito Beach?
Yes, Morito Beach is popular for swimming during the summer season. The beach offers relatively calm waters compared to neighboring areas, making it suitable for families. Lifeguards monitor designated swimming areas, and free life jackets are available for children during peak season.
Is there parking available near Morito Beach?
Yes, parking is available near Morito Beach including the Times Morito Daimyojin Parking Lot, which offers free parking for the first 30 minutes. During August and peak summer season, parking can be expensive with daily rates. Some lots only accept 1,000 yen bills, so bring cash.
What can I see from Morito Beach?
Morito Beach offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and Enoshima Island on clear days. The beach is adjacent to Morito Shrine with its distinctive torii gate visible along the coast. Sunset views are particularly spectacular, especially during winter when the air is clearer.
Are there facilities and beach huts at Morito Beach?
Yes, multiple beach huts operate during summer offering food, drinks, shaved ice, and equipment rentals. You can rent parasols for around 2,000 yen, use luggage storage for 1,000 yen, and showers for 1,000 yen. Free public restrooms are available year-round.
What activities can I do at Morito Beach?
Morito Beach is popular for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling where you can see butterfly fish and cobalt sea bream. The rocky areas are great for tide pooling and collecting shells. You can also rent SUPs and canoes from beach huts during summer season.
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