Katase Beach East

The camera looks out over the sand and water of Katase Beach East on Sagami Bay, where the shoreline curves toward the island of Enoshima. The island and its landmark tower often appear in the background, giving the view a recognisable silhouette. On clear days the sea stretches wide and flat, and the beach shows the everyday activity of a coastal town in Kanagawa.

Mornings tend to be calm, with soft light on the water and fewer people on the sand. In summer the beach fills with swimmers and beachgoers through the afternoon, while winter brings quieter scenes and clearer air. Sunsets over the bay colour the sky and water, and passing weather fronts change the mood of the sea from hour to hour.

Fujisawa sits on the Shonan coast southwest of Tokyo, and Katase Beach is one of its best-known stretches of sand. A bridge links the shore to Enoshima, a small island with shrines, walking paths and viewpoints. Visitors come for swimming in season, seaside walks and views across the bay toward the Izu Peninsula.