Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
The weather is still chilly but little signs of spring are starting to pop up around the Kanto. On the hunt for a taste of early spring, my wife and I headed to Hayama Town, a short 30-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base.
Hayama is one of the most popular resort towns on Shonan Beach and attracts thousands of visitors in the summer. In the winter and early spring, visitors can enjoy a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere.
We started our visit with a walk at Shiosai Park, a coastal green space with a beautiful Japanese garden, 10-foot-tall waterfall, museum and open terrace with breathtaking views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji. The park also offers free parking.
We enjoyed our quiet walk around the impressive traditional garden with early-spring flowers blooming here and there.
Shiosai Park played an important role during the Showa Era when it was used as the Hayama Imperial Villa Annex where Emperor Hirohito succeeded to the throne in 1926.
Inside the park’s museum, visitors can check out the emperor’s collection on the local marine life. The late Emperor Hirohito was a keen marine biologist and spent time in Hayama studying marine creatures during his reign.
Next, we made our way to Morito Shrine, which dates back to 1180. The view from the Shinto shrine’s grounds is unbelievable as it overlooks the ocean, Izu Peninsula, and, on a clear day, views of Mt. Fuji.
The shrine was definitely busier with people praying at the main shrine. The neighboring beach had families beachcombing for shells and others were fishing for a good catch.
It was a chilly day, but my wife and I enjoyed the slow pace of Hayama in the early spring. The beach resort town is a great place to visit any time of year and when spring arrives, the colors of the season add a nice touch to the beautiful landscape of the area.
Hayama Shiosai Park Address: 2123-1 Isshiki, Hayama Town, Miura-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (a 30-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base) Hours: Tue – Sun, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Adults 300 yen, elementary and middle schoolers 150 yen. Free parking. Information: 046-876-1140, URL
Hayama Website
