Chigasaki

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE IN CHIGASAKI, Kanagawa?

 A Perfect Blend of City and Countryside

Chigasaki_cycling

Chigasaki is one of those places that quietly wins people over the longer they stay. 
Located between Fujisawa and Hiratsuka, Chigasaki is well-known to be one of the best surfing towns in the area.Sitting along the Shonan coastline, it blends a beach-town atmosphere with the practicality of a commuter city, making it feel both relaxed and surprisingly functional at the same time. 

Life here naturally revolves around the sea. On weekends, you’ll see surfers heading out early in the morning, cyclists cruising along coastal roads, and families gathering near the beach as the sun drops over Sagami Bay. The pace is noticeably slower than Tokyo, and that’s exactly the appeal. Nothing feels rushed, and the ocean is always close enough for you to take a breather.

What makes the area stand out is its balance. With direct train access into Yokohama and Tokyo, it works well for people who want a calmer home base without cutting ties to the city. Around Chigasaki Station, you’ll find everyday essentials, small restaurants, and local cafés that feel more neighborhood-focused than commercial.

You’ve got the coastline, residential streets with a lived-in feel, and mountains not too far inland. It’s not a “tourist-perfect” beach town, but more of a lived-in version of coastal Japanー slightly weathered, comfortable, and easy to settle into.

All these diverse destinations sit conveniently close together, blending relaxing nature with a fast-paced city vibe. This mix makes Kanagawa especially popular for those seeking a high quality of life. The Kanagawa offers excellent access to the capital while keeping property prices far more attractive than Tokyo’s. More than just Tokyo’s neighbour, Kanagawa is a destination in its own right, offering an authentic taste of both modern and historical Japan.

LIFESTYLE
IN  CHIGASAKI

Chigasaki_surfers

Chigasaki offers a lifestyle that feels deeply connected to the coast without losing the convenience of city access. Weekdays can still mean commuting into Yokohama or Tokyo, but daily life here moves at a noticeably calmer pace. Early mornings often begin with surfers heading toward the ocean, locals walking along the beach paths, and cafés slowly opening near the station and coastline.

For outdoor lovers, the entire Shonan area becomes part of everyday life. Chigasaki Beach is popular for surfing, paddleboarding, jogging, and sunset walks along Sagami Bay. Cyclists frequently ride the scenic coastal roads stretching toward Enoshima and Kamakura, while nearby parks and riverside areas provide quieter spaces to relax away from the crowds.

Chigasaki_fireworks

The city also has a strong local culture shaped by music, surfing, and seaside living. Small cafés, bakeries, and family-owned restaurants are scattered throughout residential neighborhoods, giving the area a laid-back community atmosphere that feels very different from central Tokyo. During summer, fireworks festivals and beach events bring the coastline to life, creating the kind of environment where people naturally spend more time outdoors.

Beyond the beaches, Chigasaki’s location also makes weekend trips easy. Hakone’s mountains and hot springs are within reach, while Kamakura’s temples and hiking trails are only a short drive or train ride away. This balance between oceanfront relaxation, community-oriented living, and accessibility is what makes Chigasaki one of Kanagawa’s most appealing coastal cities to call home.

MARKET TREND

Growing Demand
 (relaxed coastal lifestyle, easy access to Tokyo and Yokohama)

CONDOMINIUM (50sqm)

¥25M – ¥65M
(depends on area)

DETACHED HOUSE (90sqm)

¥45M – ¥120M+
(depends on area)

POPULATION

~247,000 residents in Chigasaki City
(~123 million of Japan`s total population overall)

ANNUAL INCOME

¥4.0M – ¥9.0M+

COMMON RESIDENTS

Families, surfers, creatives, remote workers, retirees, Tokyo/Yokohama commuters, and lifestyle-focused residents seeking a slower pace near the ocean.

JOB TYPES FOR EXPATS

Remote work, IT, education, hospitality, tourism, design, creative industries, English education, and commuter-based corporate jobs in Tokyo and Yokohama.

CO WORKING SPACES

10+

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

A relaxed but increasingly modern work environment supported by strong rail access, growing remote-work infrastructure, tourism, and the broader Shonan economy. Many residents balance coastal living with careers based in Tokyo or Yokohama.

RESTAURANTS (Michelin Guide)

Growing gourmet scene featuring seafood, Italian cuisine, bakeries, surf cafés, and hidden neighborhood spots throughout the Shonan coastline, alongside select Michelin-recognized restaurants in the wider Shonan/Kamakura area.

VIBE

Relaxed coastal living, surf culture, local community atmosphere, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, and easy city access — combining beach-town energy with suburban comfort.

WELLNESS

Surfing, cycling, beach jogging, paddleboarding, yoga, hiking, camping, and weekend trips to nearby areas such as Kamakura, Enoshima, and Hakone

WHERE IS CHIGASAKI?

Map pin

Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Train

Chigasaki Station 

JR Lines (Tokaido Line, Sagami Line)

Airplane

Access Times (to/from Chigasaki Station)

Haneda Airport: 65 minutes by train
Narita Airport: 150 minutes by train

POPULAR SPOTS
IN CHIGASAKI

Chigasaki Beach

Chigasaki Beach

Chigasaki Beach is the heart of the city’s coastal lifestyle and one of the most well-known beaches in the Shonan area. Popular with surfers, joggers, and families alike, the beach offers wide ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere that defines daily life in Chigasaki. The iconic Southern C monument has become a local landmark and a favorite photo spot, especially during sunset. In summer, the coastline comes alive with beach events and fireworks festivals that attract visitors from across Kanagawa.

Satoyama Park

Satoyama Park

Prefectural Chigasaki Satoyama Park offers a completely different side of the city, showcasing peaceful greenery, walking trails, open fields, and seasonal flowers. Designed to preserve the natural satoyama landscape traditionally found in rural Japan, the park is popular with families, cyclists, and residents looking for a quieter escape from the coastline. Its spacious environment and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the city’s favorite outdoor destinations year-round.

Southern Street Shopping District

Sazanstreet Shopping Arcade

Named in honor of Southern All Stars — one of Japan’s best-selling bands of all time, with over 70 million records sold — this charming shopping arcade runs straight from Chigasaki Station toward the beach, lined with family-run cafés, bakeries, and tea shops that have served the neighborhood for decades. Keisuke Kuwata, the band’s legendary frontman, was born and raised right here in Chigasaki, and the city’s deep connection to his music is felt everywhere you walk. Song title plaques are embedded along the arcade, and a tiny fan-built “Sazan Shrine” sits tucked inside — small details that speak to how authentically this community has woven its local hero into everyday life.

Komayose River 03
五虎将軍, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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