Mitsuishi Coast, a scenic spot in Manazuru Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, features three massive rocks jutting out into the sea. On New Year’s Day, many people gather to witness the sacred sunrise between these rocks, adorned with sacred rice-straw ropes called Shimenawa.

Spring brings opportunities for tidepooling and marine life encounters. The area is also recognized internationally for its marine biodiversity.

Getting there: About 5 minutes on foot from Bamba-ura parking lot (free) on National Route 135 on the Manazuru Peninsula.

Photographed: Late December 2019, 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM

Temperature: 2°C (35.6°F)

Text/Kenji Sakamoto
Photo/Kenji Sakamoto
Translation/Yumiko Sushitani