Yuigahama Beach — Kamakura's Historic Seaside

**Beach house culture:** During summer (July–Aug), 30+ temporary beach houses (海の家, umi no ie) line the shore — wooden structures offering umbrella/chair rental, showers, food, and bar service. Payment options: ¥2,000–3,000 day-use fee grants lounge chair, umbrella, shower access, and sometimes one drink; or pay-as-you-go for food/drinks without facility fee. Beach houses range from basic (cheap plastic chairs, simple curry rice) to upscale (DJ music, craft cocktails, Hawaiian poke bowls ¥1,500). Popular houses book out weekends; weekday walk-ins usually available. **Surfing conditions:** Yuigahama is beginner-friendly surf spot — sandy bottom (no rocks/reef), gentle beach break waves (0.5–1.5m typical, occasionally 2m+ with typhoon swell), and multiple surf schools offering lessons (¥6,000–8,000 for 2-hour beginner session with board rental). Best surf: typhoon season (Aug–Oct) when southern swells arrive, early morning (6:00–9:00) before onshore wind chops up waves. Winter surfing (Nov–March) is uncrowded and offers larger swells but requires wetsuit (water temperature 15–18°C vs 24–27°C summer). Surf etiquette: local surfers have priority on waves, stay clear if you're beginner. **Off-season beach walking:** Outside summer (Sept–June), the beach houses close and crowds vanish, but the beach remains beautiful for walking, jogging, and sunset viewing. Autumn (Sept–Nov) offers warm weather (20–25°C) without summer humidity, perfect for strolling the boardwalk. Winter (Dec–Feb) sees crisp air and clear views to Mt. Fuji on the western horizon (visible 30% of mornings). The Enoshima Island silhouette framed by sunset is iconic photo composition — shoot from eastern end of beach looking west, golden hour (30 min before sunset).