Just about an hour from central Tokyo, there lies a peaceful seaside paradise — Yokosuka’s Kannonzaki area.
Overlooking Tokyo Bay and surrounded by lush forests, this region blends natural beauty, history, and quiet charm that few tourists know about.
While most travelers rush to Kamakura or Hakone, Kannonzaki remains an untouched retreat — a place to slow down, breathe in the sea breeze, and feel the rhythm of Japan’s coastal life.
Kannonzaki Park — Where Forest Meets the Sea (観音崎公園)
Kannonzaki Park, one of Kanagawa’s most scenic coastal parks, covers a large area of forest and coastline.
Walking along its gentle trails, you’ll be surrounded by birdsong, the scent of pine, and the sound of waves.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, tide pooling, swimming, and BBQs, while exploring historic relics like old gun batteries and tunnels from the Meiji era.
Each season paints the park differently — cherry blossoms in spring, blue seas in summer, crimson leaves in autumn, and crystal-clear skies in winter.
Kannonzaki Lighthouse — Japan’s First Western-Style Lighthouse (観音埼灯台)
Built in 1868 by French engineer Léonce Verny, the Kannonzaki Lighthouse was Japan’s very first Western-style lighthouse.
Today’s version is the third reconstruction, and one of the few lighthouses in Japan that visitors can climb to the top.
From its observation deck, you’ll see ships gliding through Uraga Channel and the coastline of Chiba across the bay — a truly spectacular view.
Yokosuka Museum of Art — Where Architecture Becomes Nature (横須賀美術館)
Set within Kannonzaki Park, the Yokosuka Museum of Art is a masterpiece of glass and light, built on the concept of “the entire environment as an artwork.”
Its transparent walls mirror the sky and sea, creating a serene harmony between art and nature.
The museum holds collections of modern Japanese and local Yokosuka artists, while its annex, the Rokuro Taniuchi Memorial Hall, showcases heartwarming illustrations from the Shukan Shincho magazine covers.
Don’t miss the rooftop garden or the grassy hill — perfect spots to admire Tokyo Bay’s sparkling blue.
Kannonzaki Nature Museum — Learn from the Sea (観音崎自然博物館)
Located inside the park, the Kannonzaki Nature Museum introduces the marine life and ecosystems of Tokyo Bay and the Miura Peninsula.
Families especially love the touch pool, where children can meet sea creatures up close.
It’s a great place to understand how nature and people coexist along Japan’s coastlines.
BEACH⇔PARK LIVING — Oceanfront BBQ Lounge (Paid Facility)
For a relaxing seaside experience, head to BEACH⇔PARK LIVING, located at Tatarahama inside Kannonzaki Park.
This paid BBQ and leisure facility offers a full ocean view from every site — you can literally dine with the sea right before you.
Everything you need is included: BBQ grills, utensils, and even cleanup service.
You can bring your own food or choose from meal plans with ingredients and all-you-can-drink options.
Fees start from around ¥2,200–¥2,750 per adult depending on the season.
A café and bar are also attached, making it easy to unwind with a cold drink after your meal.
It’s an ideal spot for travelers who want a “luxury outdoor experience” without the hassle.
Hashirimizu Battery Ruins & Hatayamazaki Park — Traces of Japan’s Coastal Defense (走水低砲台跡・旗山崎公園)
The Hashirimizu Battery Ruins in Hatayamazaki Park preserve the remains of gun batteries built during the Meiji period to protect Tokyo Bay.
Brick ammunition bunkers and cannon mounts still stand, surrounded by forest and sea views.
From the hilltop, you can overlook Tokyo Bay — once a strategic defense point, now a peaceful panorama.
The park’s name, “Hatayamazaki,” comes from a legend about Prince Yamato Takeru, a mythical hero who raised his flag here before his eastern expedition.
Hashirimizu Shrine — A Place of Legend and Love (走水神社)
Before reaching Kannonzaki Park, stop at Hashirimizu Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to Prince Yamato Takeru and his wife Princess Ototachibana.
According to legend, the princess sacrificed herself to calm the stormy sea, and her story has been told for over a thousand years.
With its peaceful setting and ocean view, the shrine is known as a spiritual power spot for safety and love.
Hashirimizu Water Source & Tunnels — Verny’s Legacy (走水水源地・隧道群)
French engineer Léonce Verny also designed the Hashirimizu Water Tunnels, part of Japan’s earliest naval water supply system.
Even today, the Hashirimizu Water Source continues to provide fresh groundwater to the city.
Visitors can taste the mineral-rich spring water and enjoy cherry blossoms in spring — a perfect blend of nature and history.
Umikaze-no-Michi — The Sea Breeze Road (うみかぜの路)
Stretching about 10 kilometers from JR Yokosuka Station to Kannonzaki, the Umikaze-no-Michi (“Sea Breeze Road”) is one of the most scenic seaside trails near Tokyo.
You can enjoy views of Yokohama’s Landmark Tower, Boso Peninsula, and even Mount Fuji on clear days.
It’s the perfect route for a peaceful morning walk — just walk, breathe, and feel the sea breeze.
Why Kannonzaki?
A True “Hidden Gem” Only an Hour from Tokyo
Kannonzaki is not a flashy tourist destination.
Instead, it offers quiet beauty, rich history, and moments of peace that you won’t find in Tokyo’s crowded spots.
Here, you can hike, swim, eat, and explore — all while surrounded by the calm rhythm of nature.
For travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path Japan, this coastal haven is the perfect escape.
