Even though I’m a morning person and a total wimp when it comes to a wild night out, when it’s time, I rise to the occasion. A friend invited me to a beach party at Isshiki Beach in Hayama.

I had so much fun. I appreciate inviters.

I gulped down mineral water while watching the sunset with a bunch of kind-hearted strangers (and in that time, stories are shared and acquaintances are made, which, to me, is what being alive is about), dipped my feet in the water, and went home covered in sand.

On nights like that, I know sleep better.

Then the next day, I could still feel the sand and water on my bare feet.

In this post, I want to tell you about Isshiki Beach and its surrounding area in Hayama.

It’s cleaner, quieter, and less crowded. The water is clear.

Beach stalls are open until the end of August, when things really quiet down.

Still, these photos were taken on a Saturday in August. The crowds here are far smaller than what you would see on popular beaches in Kamakura or Zushi.

Dipping my feet in the sea.

That said, there are good reasons why it attracts fewer crowds.

• You have to take a bus from Zushi Station
• The buses get packed, and sometimes you can’t get on several of them
• A narrow, single road means traffic moves very slowly
• If you come by car, the nearby parking lots are often full
• There are no tourist attractions or souvenir shops
• The beach is right in front of the emperor’s winter villa, so some people find it hard to relax there

In a word, it’s inconvenient. Which makes it perfect for me.

You might be wondering: crowded buses? Ayuko, how do you manage that?

Well. Here’s the trick. Instead of taking the bus that runs along the coast from Zushi Station, take the one that goes through the mountains.

I avoid taking the coastal route (海岸回り “kaigan mawari bus) unless it’s low-traffic time in the off-season.

This is what I do:
Take the Yamate-mawari (山側回り mountain route) bus
↓
Get off at the “Kyū Yakuba-mae” (旧役場前 Former Town Hall) bus stop.
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Walk several minutes and arrive at Isshiki Beach.

Just because you’re going to Isshiki Beach doesn’t mean you have to use the “Isshiki Beach” bus stop. There’s no such rule. You do you.

Walking to the beach from the bus station, you will find small shops here and there.

A nice beach vibe here.

What I like to check out:

1. There’s a fancy supermarket called “Suzukiya.” I always stop by to pick up something tasty for a picnic. (Watch out for the kites!)
2. There are a few small cafes. They are cute and always have tables available. Perfect for a break.
3. Other obscure and interesting shops.

This is Japan. Not a palm-tree beach but a pine-tree one.

If you’re the kind of person who likes this sort of thing, go check it out.

本日のスペシャル

Every time I come around here, I think of the Old Kaji Residence (旧加治邸 Kyu-Kaji-Tei), near the Kyū-Yakuba-mae bus stop.

My 2018 post “Getting Lost in Hayama on the Way to AND inside an Art Deco Mansion” has loads of photos of one of Arata Endo’s works. It has since been renovated and used as a hotel.

something new: new folks I met
something read:Langston Hughes “I Wonder As I Wander” a few sections here and there