8 must-visit tourist spots in Chigasaki City! Explore scenic locations that perfectly match Southern all stars’ songs!

Chigasaki City is well known as the hometown of Keisuke Kuwata from the Southern All Stars. Located in the central-southern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, it serves as the heart of the Shonan region. Just like in the songs, Chigasaki boasts a stunning blue ocean and beautiful beaches, making it the perfect summer destination. There are also tourist spots near the coastline with excellent accessibility. In addition, the city is rich in nature, featuring natural hot springs, farms, and gardens that offer seasonal attractions, making it enjoyable all year round. Here are some must-visit tourist spots unique to Chigasaki City!

1. Southern Beach Chigasaki

When people think of Chigasaki, they think of Southern Beach! This famous tourist spot, originally known as Chigasaki Beach, was renamed "Southern Beach Chigasaki" in 1999.

Every year from early July to late August, the beach opens for swimming. During this period, numerous beach houses set up shop, attracting both Chigasaki locals and tourists. These beach houses offer a variety of food and drinks, including Chigasaki’s popular shirasu rice bowls, loco moco, and nasi goreng. Those who want to enjoy beer or cocktails will also find plenty of snacks to pair with their drinks.

Beach houses also provide rentals for umbrellas, summer beds, floaties, and bodyboards, so visitors can enjoy a full day at the beach.

A must-do at the beach is taking a photo in front of the "Chigasaki Southern C" monument. This symbolic "C"-shaped structure represents the initial of Chigasaki and is also known as a matchmaking spot—standing with a partner on either side of the circle is said to bring them together.

2. Southern Street Shopping District

The "Southern Street Shopping District" lies on the route from Chigasaki Station to Southern Beach. Since this street had been called "Southern Street" since 1999, the shopping district took its name from it.

This cross-shaped shopping district features around 20 restaurants and approximately 30 retail shops. It offers a variety of local Chigasaki delicacies, including a Western-style restaurant serving fresh vegetables from Chigasaki along with natural wines, as well as Japanese restaurants offering seafood from Sagami Bay.

Visitors can also find a pastry shop selling "Southern Roll," created by a patissier who loves the Southern All Stars, and a jewelry store where Keisuke Kuwata and his wife had their wedding rings made. These spots highlight the district’s strong connection to Kuwata Keisuke.

Additionally, some shops sell exclusive Southern Street merchandise that is unavailable online—these can only be purchased in Chigasaki, making them a must-check for fans!

3. Chigasaki Satoyama Park

Chigasaki Satoyama Park is a vast nature-filled park that embraces the essence of satoyama (traditional Japanese rural landscapes). The park includes various plazas, ponds, and even a barbecue area, making it a perfect recreational spot for both children and adults.

A popular area for kids is "Kaze no Hiroba" (Wind Plaza), which features a giant cloud-shaped trampoline and wooden play equipment for toddlers, ensuring a fun and safe environment for young children. In "Kaze no Tani" (Wind Valley), there are two roller slides, one of which stretches an impressive 70 meters, offering an exhilarating ride.

The park also includes a relaxing terrace, the "Sakura Path," where visitors can admire eight different types of cherry blossoms, and a barbecue area where guests can enjoy a cookout without needing to bring their own equipment. Tables, chairs, and barbecue sets are provided, making it a great spot for family gatherings.

4. Noten Yumoto Yukai Soukai Chigasaki

For a relaxing hot spring experience in Chigasaki, visit "Noten Yumoto Yukai Soukai Chigasaki." This facility offers not only natural hot springs but also aroma stone saunas and Korean-style body scrubs, making it the perfect spot for both relaxation and beauty care.

The hot spring baths include an open-air bath sourced from Chigasaki’s underground natural hot springs, known for their skin-beautifying properties. At night, the area is illuminated, creating a mystical and soothing ambiance.

A unique feature of this facility is Japan’s first "Utataneyu" (Napping Steam Bath), where guests lie down in a warm, low-temperature sauna and let their bodies detox naturally. This bath is so relaxing that many people fall asleep in it.

For those looking to relieve fatigue further, the oxygen capsule treatment is highly recommended. This therapy, widely used in sports and medical fields, is said to make the body feel lighter and refreshed. Don’t forget to stop by this spa to unwind while touring Chigasaki!

5. Izono Tourist Farm

For a taste of autumn in Kanagawa Prefecture, "Kanko Farm Ishii-en" is a must-visit. With a warm, homey atmosphere, even small children can enjoy fruit picking here.

From late August to late September, visitors can pick chestnuts, including varieties such as Tsukuba and Tanzawa, which are known for their natural sweetness and fluffy texture. From early October to early December, the farm offers persimmon picking, where visitors can harvest top-quality sweet persimmons such as Fuyu and Jiro varieties.

There is no entrance fee, and pricing is set per kilogram for take-home only. Since the farm operates on an irregular schedule, be sure to make a reservation before visiting.

6. Chigasaki City Museum of Art

The "Chigasaki City Museum of Art" is an eye-catching, modern glass-paneled building. Opened in 1998, the museum showcases works by artists connected to Chigasaki as well as contemporary art exhibitions.

Inside the museum, visitors will find not only exhibition rooms but also a library corner and an entrance hall with a spacious wooden interior. Both indoor and outdoor ateliers are present to nurture the next generation of artists.

On the second floor, the café "Le Chemin" offers a bright and open space with large glass windows. The menu features unique dishes such as beautifully presented rice bowls with freshly caught Chigasaki seafood and plates using premium sausages and bread from renowned shops. Guests can enjoy a relaxing time while admiring the greenery of Chigasaki.

7. Jokenji Temple

Jokenji Temple is well known for hosting one of Chigasaki’s major festivals, the "Ooka Echizen Festival." The temple was originally founded during the Edo period by Tadamasu Ooka, a military commander of the Azuchi-Momoyama era.

Within the temple grounds stands the "Ohatsuki Ginkgo," a designated natural monument of Kanagawa Prefecture. This rare ginkgo tree, estimated to be around 400 years old, was planted by Tadamasu Ooka during the temple’s establishment. It is particularly unique because its fruit, the ginkgo nuts, grow directly on the leaves.

Every year in mid-April, the Ooka Echizen Festival brings large crowds for a grand memorial service and community celebrations at Jokenji.

From late March to early April, the temple is also a great spot for cherry blossom viewing, offering a picturesque setting for visitors. Be sure to check it out during your visit to Chigasaki!

8. Himuro Camellia Garden

The "Himuro Camellia Garden" was donated to Chigasaki City by Shoji Himuro, a former vice president of Mitsui Fudosan. Opened in 1991, the garden spans approximately 2,800 square meters.

Inside, around 1,300 camellias, pines, and roses are cultivated, creating a breathtaking landscape. From late February, over 200 varieties of camellias reach their peak bloom, filling the garden with vibrant white and pink hues.

A highlight of the garden is the rare camellia variety called "Himuro Setsugekka," which features stunning white and soft pink petals with red streaks—a must-see for visitors.

◎ Summary

How did you like our introduction to Chigasaki City’s tourist spots? Beyond its beaches, the city offers relaxing destinations such as hot springs and gardens. For fans of the Southern All Stars, Chigasaki is an unmissable location. Enjoy sightseeing while immersing yourself in the music and atmosphere of this iconic coastal city!

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8 must-visit tourist spots in Chigasaki City! Explore scenic locations that perfectly match Southern all stars’ songs!