Fringed by sparkling Sagami Bay, Fujisawa is a great base for exploring the Kanagawa Prefecture. Discover Japanese Buddhism, with shrines, temples and monuments dotting the city. You can also visit Kamakura, a historic Shogun city that’s known as the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan.”
Things to do in Fujisawa
Anchored by a Buddhist shrine, Enoshima Island is one of Fujisawa’s top attractions. The shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddhist goddess of music. You can also soak in the bubbling Enospa hot springs or stroll around the 19th-century, English-style Samuel Cocking Garden.
Shirahata is a Shinto shrine dedicated to legendary samurai warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It’s enclosed by towering white gates and surrounded by delicate ginkgo and cherry blossom trees. You can also gaze up at the mighty Shōjōkō-ji, the head temple of the Ji-sect of Japanese Buddhism.
With its golden sand and lapping waves, Kugenuma is one of Kanagawa’s most popular beaches. You can soak up the sunshine, sign up for a surf lesson or join locals for a game of beach volleyball. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.
If you’ve got kids in tow, the Enoshima Aquarium is a great place to spend the day. Inside you’ll get to enjoy dolphin shows, a shark tank and a dedicated jellyfish hall. Tsujido Seaside Park is another family-friendly attraction, with splash pools, waterslides and a go-kart track.
Getting around Fujisawa
Local buses run throughout Fujisawa, as well as to Enoshima Island. A small train connects Fujisawa and Kamakura, with the scenic ride taking around 45 minutes. If you’re heading to Shinjuku, Japan’s high-speed trains can get you there in under one hour.