Events in Kanagawa Prefecture (Hayama / Zushi)

This is a museum with ocean views, located right above Isshiki Beach. Special exhibitions change every few months, and collection exhibitions can also be viewed simultaneously.

It's a good place to recommend for a rainy day or winter destination. After seeing the exhibition, you can walk directly down to Isshiki Beach. The museum is closed during exhibition changes, so please check the official exhibition period before visiting.

This is Zushi's art festival held every autumn since 2013. 2026 is a special year held once every three years, with participating artists from Japan and abroad, including Zushi-based photographer Daido Moriyama. The registered tangible cultural property "Former Honda Residence" will be the main venue, and the streets of Zushi and the alleys of the Numama area will become the stage for exhibitions.

It's not a museum, but a format where you encounter artworks in historical buildings and in the town while walking around. Admission is generally free, with only some exhibitions, live performances, and workshops requiring a fee. With a long period of three weeks, it can be easily combined with other plans.

This is a media art project that illuminates the breaking white waves on Zushi Beach at night, creating "light waves." Since no two waves are ever the same, you can sit on the beach and watch them indefinitely.

It was suspended in 2025, and 2026 marks its return after two years. On the first day, the 10th, Zushi Beach Candle, where candles are lined up on the beach, will also be held. It's an experience that doesn't require language, so it's easy to recommend to international visitors. Please check official announcements in case of stormy weather.

This is an autumn festival where citizens are the main attraction. Stalls and stages by local organizations line the spacious grassy park.

Since it's not a tourist event, it truly reflects the atmosphere of the people living in this town. It's a suitable place to spend a day with children.

This is an outdoor music festival held every autumn in Ikego no Mori, Zushi, on a grassy field. Its motto is "Dance, Eat, Lie Down," and you can spread out a leisure sheet and relax all day.

It's a festival where families with children can easily spend time. Please check the official website for tickets and performers.

This is the Windsurfing World Cup, where top professionals from around the world compete for speed in the waters of the Miura Peninsula. You can watch the races up close from the beach.

There will also be a market and food stalls from various regions at the venue, so you can enjoy it even if you're not familiar with the sport. On the first day, October 31st, there will also be Halloween decorations. The competition times may change depending on the wind and waves, so please check the announcements on the day.

This is a Halloween event held at Riviera Zushi Marina, lined with palm trees. There's a parade of costumed children and a market, so you can enjoy it all day.

There's also a Halloween market at the neighboring Kotsubo Fishing Port on the same day, so if you have children, it's recommended to go in costume.

This is a museum with an ocean view, located right above Isshiki Beach. Special exhibitions change every few months, and collection exhibitions can also be viewed at the same time.

A good place to recommend for rainy days or winter destinations.After seeing the exhibition, you can go straight down to Isshiki Beach. The museum is closed during exhibition changes, so please check the official exhibition period before you go.

This is one of Japan's leading citizen marathons, with approximately 26,000 runners. The course runs along the coast from the Seisho Bypass to National Route 134.

While this is an event for runners,the entire Shonan area is an option for participants looking for accommodation the night before.For guests not running, please inform them that National Route 134 will be crowded due to traffic regulations on the day.

This is a New Year's event at the fishing port. Fishermen throw oranges from their boats, and people gathered below catch them.

It's a festival that doesn't require language, so international guests can enjoy it as is.If you're not ready to catch, you might get hit.It's a port, so be careful of your footing and the direction of the throws.

This is a fire ritual on Koshogatsu (Little New Year), where New Year's decorations and amulets are burned on Morito Beach. Flames rise on the clear winter beach, wishing for good health throughout the year.

There are fewer events around the accommodation in winter, but this is a traditional morning event on January 14th. It's a great match for accommodations in Morito, which are close to the beach, and you can stop by during your morning walk.

Japan's earliest cherry blossom viewingOne of the earliest. Kawazu-zakura, with its deep pink blossoms, blooms in February, more than a month earlier than Somei Yoshino. The sight of the cherry trees along the railway line and the yellow rape blossoms simultaneously can only be seen during this period.

It's a reason to visit Hayama during the coldest and quietest season. The best viewing period varies depending on the blooming status, so please check the official page before you go.

This is a museum with ocean views, located right above Isshiki Beach. Special exhibitions change every few months, and collection exhibitions can also be viewed simultaneously.

It's a good place to recommend for rainy days or winter outings. After viewing the exhibition, you can descend directly to Isshiki Beach. The museum is closed during exhibition changes, so please check the official exhibition schedule before visiting.as a destination. After viewing the exhibition, you can descend directly to Isshiki Beach. The museum is closed during exhibition changes, so please check the official exhibition schedule before visiting.

Azaleas are the town flower of Hayama. Approximately 15,000 bushes are planted in Hananoki Park, next to the town hall, and the entire slope turns colorful from mid to late April.

Admission is free, and you can enter in the morning or evening. While there are sometimes festivals, it is fundamentally a place to "quietly view flowers." The timing of the bloom varies each year, so please check Hayama Town's blooming status page before you go.

A giant screen is set up on the sandy beach, and movies are shown from dusk. Zushi Beach transforms into an outdoor cinema for two weeks during Golden Week.

There are also music and food stalls, and the main attraction is the "time spent on the beach" rather than the movie itself. It gets chilly after sunset, so bring something to wear and a mat.Screenings depend on the weatherso it's best to check the official announcement on the day before heading out.

A town-wide art festival that has been running for over 30 years. Instead of museums,private homes, ateliers, shops, and gardens become the venuesas they are.

Walk around town with a map, enter open houses to see artworks, and talk with the creators. These three weeks offer the best insight into the essence of Hayama. Venues may be open or closed depending on the day, so please check the official website's program for opening days before visiting.

This is a small spring annual festival of Kumano Shrine, an auxiliary shrine outside the grounds of Morito Daimyojin Shrine. Yudate Kagura (hot water ritual dance) is performed, and a ritual where arrows are shot in four directions also takes place. There is a simple folk belief that picking up a shot arrow will bring happiness for a year.

It's not a large festival for tourists, but rather an event embedded in the local life of Hayama. It's held on a fixed date, May 15th.

This is one of Shonan's largest fireworks festivals, with approximately 7,000 fireworks concentrated in less than an hour.It's characteristic that it's heldin late May, not summer.

The grand finale, perfectly synchronized with music, is a highlight. Zushi Beach is about 10-15 minutes by car from Hayama. On the day of the event, surrounding roads will be very congested, so public transportation or early travel is recommended.

Hayama's swimming beaches areopen from early July to the end of August.During this period, lifeguards are on duty and beach houses are open.

Isshiki Beach was selected as one of CNN's "World's Best 65 Beaches" and is also included in the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Best Swimming Beaches." Its location next to the Imperial Villa makes it quiet. Morito Beach is the widest in Hayama, has well-equipped beach houses, and in the evening, you can see Mt. Fuji beyond the red torii gate and Yujiro Lighthouse.

Outside of the open period, there are no lifeguards. If you plan to swim, do so during the open period.

This is the guardian festival of Zushi. The Edo-style mikoshi (portable shrine) with karahafu (cusped gable) and genuine lacquer coating, dedicated in 1937, parades through the city accompanied by flutes and drums.

If Hayama's festival is a "beach festival," this is a "town festival." In terms of the splendor of the mikoshi itself, it's the best in this area.

A summer tradition in Hayama. Fireworks are launched intensively for 10 minutes at two venues, Isshiki Beach and Morito Beach.

The long-running "Hayama Coast Fireworks Festival" was suspended, and since 2025, it has been held as "Hayama Coast HANABI." Previously, both venues were on the same day, but to avoid congestion,they are now launched on separate days.The beauty of this town's fireworks is that you can look up at them from the beach at a very close distance as they rise from over the sea. Since the launch time is short, it's recommended to arrive at the beach 30 minutes before the start time.

From facility to venue (approximate straight-line distance)

This is a community association's Bon Odori. A yagura (scaffolding) is set up in the elementary school grounds, food stalls appear, and locals dance in a circle.

Since it's not a tourist event, the information is only in Japanese. Even so,you can join the dancing by imitating others, so we actually recommend it to international guests. The purpose of this place is the experience of "joining a local summer festival" itself.

This is a large summer fireworks display held at Miura Kaigan, in the south of the Miura Peninsula. Approximately 2,000 fireworks are launched, with the "underwater fireworks" that open in a fan shape from underwater being a specialty, attracting about 100,000 visitors every year.

Since it's on a different date from the Hayama/Zushi fireworks (Hayama Kaigan HANABI / Zushi Kaigan Fireworks Festival), you can have multiple chances to see fireworks during your stay. The venue is 30-40 minutes by car. The schedule is usually in early August, but please check with the Miura City Tourist Association closer to the date.

The Hayama Marina Harbor Yard, usually only accessible to authorized personnel, is open to the public on this day. It's a summer day with hula and live music on a special stage, and food and drink stalls.

Spending time with the harbor full of yachts and the sea as a backdrop is unique to this place. The atmosphere is welcoming for families.

This is a Bon Odori dance held on the sandy beach. A yagura (scaffolding) is set up with the sunset over the sea and Mt. Fuji in the background.

One of the most picturesque nights of Hayama's summer. There's no crowd like at fireworks, so it's a comfortable size even for families with small children.

This is the festival of the guardian deity of the terraced rice field village. It enshrines the gods of bountiful harvests and food, and it's the shrine you visit during the Wataya terraced rice field walk.

A quiet mountain festival, completely different from the lively festivals on the seaside. Coming here, you'll realize that Hayama isn't just a "sea town."

At the end of Obon, lanterns are floated offshore from Morito Kaigan to send off ancestors. After sunset, the lights gradually drift away offshore.

This is not a flashy event. It's meant to be watched quietly. Please watch from the beach without entering the sea or touching the lanterns.

This is a local festival in Shimo-Yamaguchi. Although it's a small festival, portable shrines parade through the area, and in the evening, street stalls line up.

It's a time to see Hayama at the end of summer from a non-touristy perspective.

Hayama's long-established Hikage Chaya opens its storefront for a festival once a year for two days. This will be its 58th time.

Famous mochi pounding, takoyaki, yakitori, and shaved ice stalls. Street stalls like yo-yo fishing, target shooting, ring toss, and rock-paper-scissors candy line up, along with demonstrations of candy art and Edo characters, and performances by the Shrine Festival Music Preservation Society and Japanese drums. On the La Maree side, seafood such as grilled scallops and turban shells, and grilled tuna skewers are available.

This is not a festival created for tourists, but an event that locals look forward to every year. From 4 PM to 9 PM. It's within walking distance after spending the day at Morito Beach.

This is a beach festival at Zushi Beach that marks the end of summer vacation. Yakitori and shaved ice stalls, super ball scooping, goldfish scooping, ring toss, and masks. All the typical Japanese summer festival stalls line the sandy beach.

It's a short festival, only an hour and a half in the evening, so you can drop by before dinner.Postponed in case of rain (reserve day August 30)Therefore, please be sure to check the organizer's announcement before going.

This is the annual grand festival of Goryo Shrine, the tutelary deity of Nagae, Hayama. Portable shrines and floats parade through the town.

This is not an event for tourists, but a festival that locals continue to hold every year. Please check the shrine's announcement for dates.

This is the biggest annual festival of Morito Daimyojin, said to have been founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo. It's the most lively two days in Hayama.

The highlight is the portable shrines. Portable shrines from all over town gather at Morito Beach,and the "Hamaori" (entering the sea while carrying the shrine)takes place (it is unconfirmed whether this is on the eve festival or the main festival day, as descriptions vary in sources). It's a sight unique to a seaside town, and worth coming just to see it.

The beach will be crowded. Wear shoes that can get wet.

This is the most important festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, continuing for over 800 years. Of the three days,the Yabusame ritual on the final dayis a highlight.

Archers of the Ogasawara-ryu school shoot arrows at targets from atop a running horse. The power of the performance is conveyed even without understanding the language, making it highly recommended for international guests. While viewing is generally free, regulations will be in place within the shrine grounds, so please follow the instructions on the day. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

This is the most important festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, continuing for over 800 years. Of the three days,the Yabusame ritual on the final dayis a highlight.

Archers of the Ogasawara-ryu school shoot arrows at targets from atop a running horse. The power of the performance is conveyed even without understanding the language, making it highly recommended for international guests. While viewing is generally free, regulations will be in place within the shrine grounds, so please follow the instructions on the day. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

This is a "crying sumo" ritual to pray for the healthy growth of babies. It's a heartwarming ritual where the winner is decided by the crying voice of the baby on the sumo ring.

For families with small children. You can take a memorable photo at Morito Daimyojin by the sea. The event is usually held in late September, but participation often requires advance application, so please check the official website.

This is the festival of Hayama's oldest shrine, said to have over 1250 years of history. Portable shrines are carried, and stalls line the shrine grounds at night.

This is not an event created for tourists, but a festival for the local people. That's why you can see the everyday face of this town. The shrine grounds are narrow, so hold hands with small children.

This is a once-a-year market where Hayama's shops gather. From food and drink to bread, miscellaneous goods, and crafts, the town's "best" offerings line the shrine grounds.

You can visit many individual shops that are usually scattered throughout the town all at once, so if you only go out once during your stay, this is the place. Items sell out quickly, so go in the morning.

This is Zushi's art festival, held every autumn since 2013. 2026 is a special triennial year, featuring domestic and international artists, including Zushi-based photographer Daido Moriyama. The former Honda Residence, a registered tangible cultural property, serves as the main venue, with the streets of Zushi and even the alleys of the Numa area becoming exhibition spaces.

Instead of a museum, it's a format where you encounter artworks while walking through the town, in historical buildings and urban spaces. Admission is generally free, with only some exhibitions, live performances, and workshops requiring a fee. With a long duration of three weeks, it can be easily combined with other plans.

This is a market held in front of the fisheries cooperative only on Sunday mornings. Vegetables, fish, bread, cakes, and Hayama specialties are available.

It ends in 2 hours, and good items sell out quickly.Guests checking out on Sunday morning can also be directed here as a place to stop by on their way home.