Tsujido Seaside Park

Description

Tsujido Seaside Park in Fujisawa, Japan, might just surprise you — in the best possible way. Located right along the Shonan Coast in Kanagawa Prefecture, this park blends that easygoing beach vibe with all the fun and open-air energy you’d expect from a well-loved Japanese seaside destination. It’s huge, too — the kind of place where you can walk for ages and still find new corners you hadn’t noticed before. Palm trees line the paths, giving a subtle nod to tropical destinations, and on clear days, Mount Fuji sits dramatically in the distance, reminding everyone they’re still in Japan. There’s this calm but lively energy that’s hard to explain until you’ve been there yourself.

One of the things that makes Tsujido Seaside Park stand out among other parks in Fujisawa City is how thoughtfully it’s designed for different types of visitors. Whether someone’s jogging along the coastal walking lanes, cycling past waves, or simply lying back on the grassy lawns watching the clouds roll by, the space just feels easy to use. The park is family-friendly without feeling chaotic, dog-friendly without being overrun, and clean without being sterile — a balance that’s actually quite rare.

Now, not everything’s perfect, of course. It can get pretty crowded during sunny weekends and especially in the summer season when the swimming pool reopens. But that buzz also adds to its local charm. You’ll find high school students finishing their afternoon runs, kids shouting joyfully on playground slides, and couples quietly soaking up the sea breeze. It’s these little vignettes of life that make Tsujido Seaside Park feel more human and grounded than most tourist spots around Kanagawa Prefecture.

I remember the first time I visited — I went on a whim after hopping off the Tokaido Line at Tsujido Station. I didn’t really know what to expect, but after a short stroll through Tsujidonishikaigan, the salty smell of the ocean hit me, and there it was: this broad emerald expanse meeting a blue horizon. Within minutes, I was eating on a picnic blanket beside locals who looked like they did this every weekend. It reminded me of how, even in a bustling area like Shonan, you can still find a moment to breathe.

Key Features

• Expansive Green Spaces: Wide open lawns perfect for picnics, playing frisbee, or sprawling out under the sun.
• Shonan Coastal Views: Panoramic sea views along the west coast of Fujisawa City, with Mount Fuji often visible on clear days.
• Kids’ Playgrounds: Child-friendly zones with slides, swings, and safe climbing areas that make it a hit among families.
• Swimming Pool: The famous Jumbo Pool complex, open in the summer, offers varying pools and water slides ideal for cooling off.
• Cycling Paths & Hiking Trails: Smooth biking lanes and well-marked walking routes along the coast — great for an easy hike or leisurely ride.
• Event Space & Seasonal Festivals: Hosts outdoor concerts, food markets, and local cultural events from spring through autumn.
• Pet-Friendly Areas: Dogs are allowed, making it easy for pet owners to enjoy long walks together along the beach paths.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances throughout the park ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
• Amenities: Convenient public restrooms, plenty of picnic tables, and vending machines scattered around for refreshments.
• Payments: Contactless options available such as Rakuten Pay for select facilities and parking machines.

When you add all this together, it’s not hard to see why the park stays on most locals’ recommendation lists in Fujisawa City. It’s not just an attraction for tourists — it’s an everyday outdoor escape for residents too.

Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything when it comes to enjoying Tsujido Seaside Park. The park is open year-round, but each season gives the space a slightly different personality. Spring brings cherry blossoms swaying softly in the ocean breeze, making it a picture-perfect setting for hanami picnics. By summer, things heat up — literally — and the Jumbo Pool bursts to life with shrieks of laughter and families splashing around all day. If you hate crowds though, avoid peak weekends in July and August.

Autumn might actually be the sweet spot. The weather’s just right, the trees display shades of gold and amber, and you can cycle the coastal paths without constantly weaving through people. Winter, surprisingly, is quieter but beautiful. You get these crisp blue skies and clearer-than-usual views of Mount Fuji across Sagami Bay. Bring a thermos of coffee, sit by the shoreline, and it’s honestly one of the most peaceful scenes you’ll find near Tokyo.

If I were to give personal advice — go on a weekday morning around March or November. The light at that time hits the ocean in a way that makes every wave sparkle, and you might even get most of the park to yourself for an hour or two.

How to Get There

Transportation to Tsujido Seaside Park is pretty straightforward. It’s located along the Shonan Coast in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, making it easily accessible whether you’re coming from central Tokyo, Yokohama, or nearby Kamakura. The main route is via the JR Tokaido Line, which runs directly to Tsujido Station. From there, you can take a local bus bound for “Tsujido Kaihin Koen” (that’s Japanese for “Tsujido Seaside Park”) or just walk — it’s roughly 20 to 25 minutes on foot depending on your pace. Honestly, the walk can be quite refreshing, especially if you like seeing local backstreets and small shops before hitting the beachside.

If you prefer to drive, the park has an on-site parking area that’s usually easy to navigate on weekdays but fills up fast on weekends. Using navigation apps or your car’s GPS with the park’s name entered in Japanese (辻堂海浜公園) is the simplest hack to avoid missing the entrances. Some visitors also rent bicycles from around Tsujido Station — cycling to the park is half the fun, and there are even designated bike racks available once you arrive.

Visitors staying nearby in Shonan or Enoshima Island areas will find that local buses connect seamlessly, making it convenient to drop by for an afternoon picnic or evening stroll.

Tips for Visiting

Here’s the thing — you can totally wing it and still have a great time at Tsujido Seaside Park, but a few little tips can make your visit even smoother.

• Bring layers and sunscreen: The Shonan Coast can get breezy, and even mild sunlight along the sea reflects stronger than you’d expect.
• Visit early: Morning hours have cooler air and fewer crowds, especially if you’re aiming for peaceful walks or photography with Mount Fuji in the background.
• Mind the seasons: If you’re visiting for the pool, check its opening period in advance — it usually operates only during the Japanese summer months.
• Pack snacks or bento: There are vending machines and small shops nearby, but having your own picnic lunch makes the experience complete.
• Respect the shared spaces: Locals use the park daily for sports and family time, so staying courteous keeps that friendly Fujisawa vibe alive.
• Don’t miss sunset: The horizon turns into fiery oranges and purples over the Pacific Ocean — a moment worth waiting for before heading back to the station.
• Plan for nearby spots: Combine your day trip with stops at Enoshima, Kugenuma Beach, or even Kamakura — they’re all easy to reach from Tsujido by local trains or buses.

One more bit of practical advice: if you’re visiting during a weekend event, maybe rent a bike near Tsujido Station instead of driving. Parking lots can fill up by noon, especially on warm, sunny days. Biking along the Shonan coast not only saves time but also gives that feeling of local freedom — the kind that makes you forget you’re technically just an hour away from Tokyo.

To be honest, what keeps me coming back to Tsujido Seaside Park isn’t just the views or the convenience. It’s the authentic, quietly joyful rhythm of local life that flows through the place. Kids chasing kites, joggers pacing along the beach trail, and friendly dogs eager to sniff every palm tree along the way — it’s all part of the charm. If you’re looking to explore the real spirit of coastal Kanagawa, spending a day here might just be your best call.