Drawn to its quiet elegance. The sea, the mountains, and a heritage of villa living that have shaped Hayama
Hayama, on the western side of the Miura Peninsula, is a seaside town surrounded by mountains and known as a historic villa retreat, home to an Imperial Villa. From beach walks and cruising to art in nature, it offers many ways to enjoy a leisurely stay. Quiet and understated, Hayama has a way of drawing people back—especially those familiar with the world’s finest resorts. Here, we explore its scenery, history, and distinctive way of life.
Quiet moments in harmony with the coast
.webp)
The easiest way to discover Hayama’s charm is simply to walk by the sea. Along a coastline of sand and rock, the view shifts subtly with every step.
At Isshiki Beach, the sea opens out before you while green hills rise behind. Away from the summer crowds, the shore becomes especially serene. On clear days, Mount Fuji appears across the water, while at dusk the changing sky casts its colors over the sea.
A morning walk, an evening by the sunset—the same beach offers a different mood with every visit. Finding the place and time that feel entirely your own is one of Hayama’s quiet pleasures.
A tradition of refined retreat, nurtured by the Imperial Villa and Hayama’s villa culture
.webp)
Hayama has been cherished as a villa retreat since the Meiji era, thanks to its mild climate and scenery of sea and mountains. The Hayama Imperial Villa, established in 1894, further shaped its identity as a place of rest and refinement.
Today, that history lives on at Hayama Shiosai Park, created on the former grounds of an Imperial Villa annex. Visitors can enjoy a Japanese garden framed by Mount Sangaokayama and black pines along the coast.
A stroll through the garden or a quiet pause in the shade reveals the enduring character of Hayama: calm, restorative, and quietly refined.
Closer to the sea, by yacht or cruise
.webp)
Hayama offers an effortless closeness to the sea. At Hayama Marina, yachts and boats reflect the town’s enduring maritime culture.
Sightseeing cruises reveal the coastline from a new perspective, while dining by the marina is a pleasure in itself. SUP and sea kayaking are also enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing time to build a deeper connection with the water.
As visits become more frequent, attention naturally turns to the wind, the waves, and the quiet changes of each day.
A day immersed in nature and art
.webp)
Hayama offers more than the sea. From 118-meter Mount Sengen, a short hike brings views across the town and Sagami Bay, and on clear days, Mount Fuji.
For art, the Museum of Modern Art, Hayama offers exhibitions and a sculpture garden overlooking Isshiki Beach, bringing art and landscape together.
A day in the mountains or at the museum—the freedom to choose with the weather and your mood gives a longer stay its natural sense of ease.
The tranquility of Hayama, with the city still within reach
.webp)
Hayama is reached by bus from JR Zushi or Keikyu Zushi-Hayama stations, or by car via the Zushi or Yokosuka interchanges. With no railway station in town, the best way to come and go depends on your own rhythm of life.
Spend weekends at a second home, or stay for a few days while working remotely, with morning and evening walks by the sea. Hayama allows you to stay connected to the city while making the sea and mountains part of everyday life.
For dual-base living or workations, its nature, resort heritage, and culture can all be enjoyed at your own pace. The more often you return—and the longer you stay—the more naturally Hayama becomes another place to call your own.