Hiratsuka: Views, Culture and Local Delights

In Hiratsuka, coastal and mountain views meet traditional festivals, leafy places to stroll and local specialties. You can shape your stay around a range of interests: take in the scenery, enjoy a cultural program or discover seasonal produce. For families, this variety offers plenty of ideas, without requiring every day of the holiday to be the same.

Viewpoints and time in nature

Shonan-daira is a plateau about 180 meters high and a scenic viewpoint. From there, you can see across the Shonan coast to the Tanzawa Mountains, Mount Fuji, and the mountains of Hakone and Izu. In spring, visitors come to see the cherry blossoms and azaleas; the area also serves as a green walking course. If you especially enjoy landscapes and flowers, you can make these experiences the focus of your stay.

Hiratsuka Sea Terrace, a park by the sea, offers a different view of the coastal landscape. From the observation terrace and waterfront terrace, you can look out toward Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, in the direction of Enoshima and Izu. In Shonan Kaigan Park, a large lawn invites you to play ball, run and walk with pets. These options offer different experiences: the terraces draw your attention to the scenery, while the lawn provides space for outdoor activities.

Festivals, history and a route through Hiratsuka

The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival takes place every year in early July. The festivities include magnificent Tanabata decorations and various events. Its history began in July 1950 with a reconstruction festival intended to promote commerce. In July 1951, the first Tanabata Festival under its new name was held, modeled on the Sendai Tanabata Festival. If you want to explore Hiratsuka through this tradition, it offers a clear cultural focus for planning your trip.

Sakitori Shrine also brings together history and nature: the ancient shrine is mentioned in the Engishiki register from the Heian period. Its grounds are home to large cherry and zelkova trees, as well as old cedars. Its historical significance and variety of trees make it another place to explore for travelers who appreciate cultural and scenic experiences as well as festivals.

The Shonan Hiratsuka Seven Gods Pilgrimage is a route of about 10 kilometers through Hiratsuka, taking approximately three hours to walk. You can factor this longer walk into your day’s plans. Guided tours are offered by local volunteers and take place on the 7th of each month, except in July and August. You can choose between walking the route on your own and joining a guided tour on the specified days.

Seasonal produce and local ingredients

The Shonan Strawberry Picking Center offers 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking, with free refills of condensed milk. If you enjoy discovering local food, you can also explore what’s on offer at Asatsuyu Hiroba, where fresh seasonal agricultural produce and local ingredients are available. Asatsuyu Kobo makes gelato from Hiratsuka milk and seasonal local vegetables. Together, these offer a variety of culinary experiences—from picking strawberries to sampling regional ingredients and gelato.

These interests can help you decide what kind of trip you want, without limiting you to just one way of exploring.

If you’d like to discover more places: Ebina, Naka District, Hayama, Yugawara, Hadano, Atsugi, Yokohama, Yamato.

For the broader travel overview: Kanagawa Prefecture.