Things To Do
in Chigasaki

Chigasaki is a coastal city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It is situated about an hour from Tokyo, making it a popular getaway destination for city dwellers. The city is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous shrines and temples, as well as a vibrant local arts scene.

Chigasaki is also famous for its surfing culture, attracting enthusiasts from all over Japan.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Coastline
morning
:

Start your day at Chigasaki Beach, enjoying the morning sun and taking a stroll along the sandy shore.

afternoon
:

Visit the Chigasaki City Museum to learn about the local history and culture before heading to the nearby Southern Beach Chigasaki for lunch at a beachside café.

evening
:

Dine at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) and enjoy a variety of small plates, followed by a relaxing walk along the beach to watch the sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the popular Kaikozakura Park to see the cherry blossoms (if in season) or enjoy a morning hike at nearby hiking trails.

afternoon
:

Explore the local shops in the downtown area and visit the historic Enoshima Shrine before having lunch at a local sushi restaurant.

evening
:

Attend a traditional tea ceremony at a local cultural center, followed by dinner at a restaurant specializing in local seafood dishes.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍣Sushi Meal$15
🥤Coffee$4
🍜Ramen Bowl$10
🚍Train Ticket$3
🏨Hotel Night$80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful beaches and outdoor activities
  • Rich cultural experiences and local cuisine
  • Convenient access from Tokyo
  • Can be crowded during peak seasons
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
  • Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "いくらですか?" - How much is this?
  • "助けてください" - Help me, please

Places to Visit in Chigasaki

Visit one of these nice places.

Chigasaki Beach

A picturesque location with golden sands and stunning ocean views, perfect for sunset photography.

Enoshima Island

A nearby island with beautiful coastal landscapes, lush gardens, and panoramic views from the lighthouse.

Kaikozakura Park

Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, this park provides a beautiful backdrop for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chigasaki

Chigasaki offers a delightful culinary experience with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Must-try dishes highlight the region's coastal flavors and traditional Japanese cuisine.

Chigasaki Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Shirasu-don

A rice bowl topped with boiled whitebait, a local specialty that is fresh and delicious.

Must-Try!

Sashimi

Fresh slices of raw fish, often caught locally, served with soy sauce and wasabi.

Katsu Curry

A comforting dish of breaded pork cutlet served with Japanese curry and rice.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chigasaki Fish Market

A vibrant market offering fresh seafood and local delicacies, perfect for sampling street food.

Yokocho Alley

A narrow alley filled with food stalls serving various snacks, including yakitori and grilled seafood.

Climate Guide

Weather

Chigasaki experiences a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, typically ranging from June to August, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters, from December to February, are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°C (32°F). Spring and autumn are pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage in fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Tradition

Always show respect when visiting shrines and temples; remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments.

Quiet Behavior

Maintain a low volume in public spaces, especially on public transport.

Politeness

Use polite language and gestures; bowing is a common greeting.

Safety Guide

Safety

Chigasaki is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings. In case of emergencies, the local police and medical services can be reached easily.

Tipping in Chigasaki

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude; service charges are typically included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but many places now also accept credit cards; it's advisable to carry some yen.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild weather and beautiful cherry blossoms, especially in parks like Kaikozakura.

Summer

Warm temperatures are ideal for beach activities, but be prepared for crowds and occasional typhoons.

Autumn

Enjoy cooler weather and stunning autumn foliage, making it a great time for outdoor activities.

Winter

Mild winters allow for pleasant walks, though it can be chilly; occasional snow is possible but rare.

Nightlife Guide

Chigasaki at Night

Chigasaki's nightlife is relaxed and welcoming, with a variety of izakayas, bars, and karaoke spots. The beach area is lively during summer evenings, with many outdoor events and festivals. There are also several local bars where visitors can enjoy craft beers and cocktails in a casual setting.

Hiking in Chigasaki

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park

A beautiful park with various hiking trails offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

Hakone National Park

Famous for its hot springs and beautiful landscapes, this park offers several hiking routes suitable for all levels.

Airports

How to reach Chigasaki by plane.

Narita International Airport

Located about 90 minutes away from Chigasaki, Narita is one of the major international airports in Japan, offering flights to many global destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Chigasaki is a highly walkable city, with many attractions, restaurants, and beaches within walking distance. The flat terrain and well-maintained sidewalks make it easy to explore on foot. Public transport options are also available for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Families

Chigasaki is home to many young families attracted by its coastal lifestyle and good schools.

Surfing Enthusiasts

The city has a vibrant community of surfers, drawn by the excellent waves and surf culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

Chigasaki is well-known for its surfing culture, attracting surfers from around Japan and hosting various competitions.

Soccer

Soccer is a popular sport in the region, with local teams and youth leagues actively participating in competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Chigasaki is generally manageable, especially outside of rush hours. Public transportation, primarily trains and buses, is efficient and connects well with neighboring cities. Cyclists are common, and bike rentals are available for those wishing to explore the area on two wheels.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chigasaki.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, but it's advisable to check if dishes contain fish-based ingredients.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are limited, especially for traditional dishes, so it's best to inquire ahead.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Chigasaki is accessible, with several clinics and hospitals providing services. Emergency medical care is available, and most medical facilities have English-speaking staff. It is advisable for travelers to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide