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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Fujisawa sharing quite a few of those!
Embark on a journey of discovery and wonder in Fujisawa, where the world’s natural beauty meets the city’s vibrant culture.
With a plethora of activities, ranging from strolling through manicured gardens to surfing on pristine beaches, Fujisawa beckons you to explore its hidden gems and create memories that last a lifetime.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Fujisawa:
1. Kamakura Beach
Kamakura Beach is a popular seaside destination located in Fujisawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports along the 4 km long coast. It is also known for its picturesque views of Mount Fuji during the winter season.
Don’t miss: A visit to the nearby Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura’s most important shrine, is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is another popular attraction with its 13.
5-meter bronze statue of Amida Buddha.
Insider travel tips: Head to Kamakura Beach early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The beach can get busy on weekends and holidays.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat as the sun can be quite intense during the summer months.
2. Enoshima Aquarium
A large aquarium located in Enoshima island, Fujisawa.
What to see or do: – Observe a variety of marine life such as penguins, sea turtles, jellyfish, and dolphins.
Don’t miss: – The jellyfish tunnel which offers a stunning display of colorful jellyfish.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to avoid crowds and maximize your time in the aquarium.
3. Tsujido Beach
Tsujido Beach is a popular beach located in Fujisawa city, Japan.
What to see or do: – Swimming in the calm and crystal-clear water.
Don’t miss: – Tsujido Sunset Festival, held annually in August, featuring fireworks, live music, and food stalls.
Insider travel tips: – The beach can get crowded during weekends and national holidays, so arrive early to secure a spot.
4. Kugenuma Beach
Kugenuma Beach is a popular beach located in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is known for its clear blue waters and sandy shoreline.
What to see or do: Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear water or spend a relaxing day lounging on the sandy beach. There are also opportunities for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji in the distance. Additionally, be sure to catch the sunset over the horizon for a truly breathtaking experience.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit on weekdays if possible, as the beach can get quite crowded on weekends. There are also several restaurants and food stands nearby, so be sure to try some of the local dishes.
5. Meigetsuin Temple
Meigetsuin Temple, also known as the Ajisai Temple, is a serene Buddhist temple located in Fujisawa city near Kamakura, Japan.
What to see or do: The temple is famous for its stunning hydrangea garden that comes alive with shades of blue and purple during the rainy season in June and July.
Visitors can take a peaceful stroll through the garden and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Don’t miss: The temple’s iconic circular window, also known as the “window of enlightenment,” is a popular spot for taking photos and admiring the temple’s traditional architecture.
Additionally, don’t miss the chance to sip on a cup of matcha tea while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Insider travel tips: – Avoid visiting during weekends or national holidays when the temple can get crowded with tourists.
6. Kamakura Great Buddha
The Kamakura Great Buddha is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha located in Kamakura, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the majestic statue and take photos from various angles. There’s also a small museum nearby that displays artifacts related to the statue.
Don’t miss: Take a moment to appreciate the delicate details of the statue, such as its curly hair and serene expression.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds and take advantage of the beautiful light for photography. Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a bit of walking involved to reach the statue.
7. Enoshima Lantern Festival
Enoshima Lantern Festival is an annual event held in Fujisawa, Japan to celebrate the arrival of summer.
What to see or do: Visitors can see thousands of beautiful lanterns illuminating the Enoshima Shrine and the surrounding areas, creating a stunning atmosphere. There are also street food vendors and traditional performances to enjoy.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the festival is the traditional bon-odori dance, where visitors can join locals in dancing around the illuminated lanterns.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and be sure to try the festival’s specialty snacks, such as yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) and kakigori (shaved ice).
It’s also recommended to take public transportation as there is limited parking in the area.
8. Hase-dera Temple
A historic Buddhist temple located in Fujisawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Marvel at the several impressive structures around the temple, including the grand Kannon-do Hall, a wooden statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), and a five-tier wooden pagoda.
Visitors can also enjoy the stunning seasonal gardens, mountain scenery, and a tranquil lake.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the sprawling grounds of the temple, which boasts over 2,500 hydrangea bushes in bloom during the rainy season.
Ascend the steep steps to the hilltop observatory for breathtaking views of Sagami Bay.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Hase-dera Temple is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and crowds are sparse.
For those with mobility issues, take note that the temple grounds can be challenging to navigate due to steep staircases.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try local delicacies like shark fin soup and Fujisawa-style ramen from nearby vendors outside the temple.
9. Shonan Village Center
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Check out the center’s event calendar for seasonal festivals and markets, and be sure to try the delicious homemade dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and towel if you plan to use the pool.
10. Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Fujisawa city of Kamakura, Japan. It was founded in the late 12th century and has been renovated and expanded several times since then.
What to see or do: This shrine is a popular attraction for tourists as well as a place for locals to worship and pray.
Visitors can see the iconic red torii gate right at the entrance of the main shrine, take part in the traditional purification ritual of water cleansing, walk through the beautiful shrine complex that includes serene gardens, tea houses, and buildings with symbolic significance.
Don’t miss: Watching a traditional Shinto wedding at the shrine, as it’s a unique experience to witness a sacred ritual. Visiting during the annual festival held in September, which includes a grand procession and other events.
Insider travel tips: Get to the shrine early in the morning to avoid crowds, as it gets quite crowded later in the day. Wear comfortable shoes as there is lots of walking involved.
Also, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as the shrine is mainly outdoors.
11. Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Enoshima in Fujisawa, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to three goddesses who are believed to bring good fortune to visitors.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb up to the shrine’s hilltop location and enjoy panoramic views of Sagami Bay.
The shrine also features a beautiful garden, a collection of small sub-shrines, and a 100-meter-long tunnel of brilliant orange torii gates.
Don’t miss: The Sea Candle, a lighthouse that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and the Enoshima Aquarium, which is home to over 20,000 marine animals and features various exhibits and shows.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the shrine early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
12. Koshigoe Fishing Village
A charming and picturesque fishing village in Fujisawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the narrow streets and admire the traditional Japanese architecture of the houses and shops.
Watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day and maybe even purchase some fresh seafood at one of the local markets.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and Mount Fuji in the distance.
Don’t miss: The Koshigoe Fishing Port, where you can see the fishing boats come and go and experience the local fishing industry up close.
Also, make sure to try some of the famous Fujisawa-style grilled conger eel (anago) at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and get a more authentic experience.
Take a stroll to Enoshima Island, connected by a bridge to Koshigoe, to see stunning views of the area and explore its historic shrines and caves.
13. Shichirigahama Beach
Shichirigahama Beach is a picturesque beach located in the city of Fujisawa, in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan.
What to see or do: It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball. The views of Mount Fuji from the beach are stunning and the sunset is breathtaking.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss taking a walk along the beach and experiencing the beautiful landscape. You should also visit Enoshima Aquarium which is situated close by.
Insider travel tips: It is best to visit the beach on weekdays as it can get crowded on the weekends. The beach is easily accessible by train on the Enoshima Electric Railway.
You can rent beach umbrellas and chairs, but remember to bring sunscreen as it can get very sunny.