Comprehensive Guide to the Charms of Kanagawa's Growing City "Fujisawa" and Brand Areas "Kamakura," "Zushi," and "Hayama"
The Shonan area, just an hour from Tokyo, offers an attractive blend of nature and urban amenities, making it highly appealing for real estate investment, house purchases, and apartment acquisitions. While known for its upscale residential areas, Shonan also boasts scenic tourist spots and trendy shopping districts, providing an ideal living environment for singles and families alike.
With the recent increase in remote work and a growing desire for nature-rich environments, real estate demand in the Shonan area has surged. The region is poised for further development, including station-front redevelopment projects and improvements to local public transportation. There's a growing interest in purchasing houses and apartments in this area, indicating its promising future.
Among the Shonan area, "Fujisawa City," "Kamakura," "Hayama," and "Zushi" are particularly popular, each with its unique charm. These areas offer a perfect balance of rich nature and urban functionality, providing convenience for work and shopping. They are also highly favored by expatriates living in Japan.
This article will detail the appeal of second home purchases and real estate investments in the Shonan area, focusing on each region. Whether you're single or have a family, you'll gain insights into the allure of the Shonan real estate market, which combines natural beauty with urban convenience.
Four Attractions of Fujisawa City: A Growing Urban Center Popular Among Families
Fujisawa City, a growing urban center in Kanagawa Prefecture, stands out in various surveys as one of the most popular areas in Shonan. Let's explore its characteristics and reasons for its popularity.
1. Top-Ranking in Multiple Indicators
Fujisawa City harmoniously blends the tranquil atmosphere of an ancient capital with a sophisticated modern lifestyle, making it an exceptionally livable city. It ranks top in the Shonan area across numerous indicators, offering an ideal environment for families with children.
The crime rate is low at 3.71 incidents per 1,000 people, compared to the national average of 4.5, making it a safe city. The average income is 4.71 million yen (national average: 2.91 million yen), among the highest in the Shonan area, indicating a comfortable lifestyle for many households.
In terms of healthcare, Fujisawa boasts 12.0 hospital beds and 3.6 doctors per 1,000 people, top-level figures in the Shonan area. The city also prides itself on extensive urban park areas, with the highest park area per capita in Shonan. Additionally, it has a relatively high number of high schools and universities, ensuring excellent educational facilities.
2. Abundant Tourist Attractions and Natural Beauty
Fujisawa City is known as the "Gateway to Shonan," both geographically and as a transportation hub. It's an attractive city where vibrant streetscapes harmonize with nature-rich environments, including the Shonan coast overlooking majestic Mount Fuji, the lush Shonan plains, and Enoshima Island, a popular power spot.
Visitors can enjoy nature in various ways, from swimming at Shonan Beach to strolling on Enoshima Island. Other attractions like the New Enoshima Aquarium and Fujisawa City Baseball Stadium make it ideal for weekend leisure activities.
3. Family-Friendly Living Environment
Fujisawa City is particularly popular among families with children. It offers a living environment where the whole family can enjoy life, with excellent educational facilities, safe playgrounds, and convenient amenities.
The city boasts a 100% air conditioning installation rate in public elementary and junior high schools, a 0.9 student-to-computer ratio for educational PCs, and 100% fiber-optic internet connectivity in educational institutions. The abundance of private schools, each with unique educational philosophies and curricula, attracts education-conscious families. There are many lush parks and green spaces separated from roads, providing safe play areas for children.
Fujisawa has the highest number of supermarkets and convenience stores in the Shonan area, along with large shopping malls and specialty stores, ensuring all daily necessities are easily accessible. Cultural facilities like Fujisawa Civic Hall and Fujisawa City Art Space offer numerous opportunities to engage with arts and culture.
Currently, the city is implementing the "Fujisawa City Comprehensive Guidelines for Municipal Management 2024," an administrative-led regional promotion plan. This initiative aims to create a sustainable community through community revitalization and foster an environment where children can thrive. With its array of attractive features, Fujisawa City is indeed an ideal place for families with children.
4. Excellent Access to Central Tokyo
Fujisawa City boasts excellent transportation links, with multiple train lines including the JR Tokaido Line and the Odakyu Enoshima Line. The average travel time from terminal stations to Tokyo Station is just 44 minutes, the shortest in the Shonan area, ensuring superb access to central Tokyo.
Fujisawa offers an ideal environment for those seeking convenience for shopping and commuting on weekdays and natural beauty on weekends. The high rental demand, particularly from families commuting to central Tokyo, promises stable rental income for property investors.
Three Charms of Kamakura: An Ancient Capital Rich in History and Culture
Kamakura, abundant in natural environments and historical heritage, is also attractive for its livable conditions. Let's explore the characteristics and reasons for its popularity.
1. High-Quality Living Environment
Kamakura boasts a high standard of living, harmoniously blending history and modernity. The crime rate is low at 2.23 incidents per 1,000 people in the Shonan area, indicating a safe and stable living environment. In terms of healthcare, Kamakura leads the Shonan area with 12.0 hospital beds and 3.6 doctors per 1,000 people.
Economically, Kamakura has the lowest unemployment rate in the Shonan area and boasts a top-level fiscal capability index of 1.07. Located about 50km from central Tokyo, it's within commuting distance, taking about an hour by train.
Kamakura also tops the Shonan area in park area per capita, offering a lush green environment. With well-developed educational facilities, there's high demand for rental properties among families and students.
2. Rich Historical Value and Cultural Appeal
As the birthplace of the Kamakura Shogunate, Kamakura is home to numerous shrines, temples, and historical sites, offering a rich historical and cultural experience. The city retains a strong ancient capital atmosphere, attracting many domestic and international tourists.
Kamakura features many of Japan's representative historical buildings and cultural properties popular among foreign tourists, such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kotoku-in Temple (home to the Great Buddha). Some structures boast over 1,200 years of history, testifying to Kamakura's deep historical and cultural roots.
Over 60% of the city area is designated as buried cultural property sites, with foundations of buildings from the Kamakura period (about 800 years ago) and tools and daily necessities used by people of that time buried underground, making it an archaeologically significant region. Traditional cultures and performing arts are preserved and passed down under the Ancient Capitals Preservation Act, including traditional performing arts like Kamakura Takigi Noh and crafts such as Kamakura-bori (woodcarving) and Kamakura glass.
3. Blessed with Rich Natural Environment
Kamakura is a treasure trove of nature, featuring a shining coastline, lush mountains, and spacious parks. On clear days, the Kamakura coastline offers spectacular views of the vast Pacific Ocean against the blue Shonan sky.
Visitors can enjoy various nature-based leisure activities, including beach walks, swimming, and surfing. The lush mountains offer opportunities for hiking and cycling. Numerous spacious parks provide places where children can play freely and adults can relax in a verdant environment.
Three Charms of Hayama: A Town of Rich Nature and Sophisticated Lifestyle
Facing Sagami Bay and known as the birthplace of yachting in Japan, Hayama is a sophisticated town where residents can enjoy rich nature amidst a relaxed lifestyle. Let's explore its characteristics and reasons for popularity.
1. Comfortable Living Environment
Hayama is known for its livability, harmoniously blending rich natural surroundings with a tranquil atmosphere. The crime rate is remarkably low at just 1.61 incidents per 1,000 people. This figure is well below the general "safe" threshold of under 5 incidents, proving that Hayama is a secure place to live.
The town features numerous lush parks and nature-rich walkways, offering spacious playgrounds where children can play freely and interact with nature, making it popular among families with children. While offering good access to urban centers, Hayama maintains a quiet environment, allowing residents to enjoy both "urban convenience" and "peaceful living surrounded by nature."
Hayama's popularity across a wide age range is a significant advantage for real estate investors, as it allows for investment without limiting the target demographic.
2. Charm as a High-Class Resort Area
Hayama has long been known as a villa area, with many celebrities and wealthy individuals owning second homes here. The presence of an Imperial Villa underscores Hayama's high status. Its refined atmosphere is reminiscent of a luxury resort.
The Hayama-Cho area is lined with sophisticated establishments, including stylish cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals and shopping with ocean views.
Hayama's unique refined atmosphere is perfect for those seeking to spend quality time away from urban hustle and bustle. Popular among those considering second homes, Hayama is also an attractive area for investors due to its potential for high asset value.
3. Unique Charm of Rich Nature and Historical Buildings
Hayama possesses a unique charm, harmoniously blending natural richness with historical ambiance. The beautiful coastline facing Sagami Bay and the lush hills offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Historically, Hayama is dotted with venerable shrines and temples, including Hayama Shrine. Historical buildings from the Meiji to early Showa periods, such as the former Adachi Residence and the Hayama Imperial Villa, still stand. This fusion of nature, history, and culture is a factor that supports Hayama's real estate value in the long term.
Four Charms of Zushi: A Town Combining Urban Convenience and Natural Healing
Zushi is a resort town where rich nature harmonizes with sophisticated townscapes. Let's explore its characteristics and reasons for popularity.
1. Popular as a Bedroom Community for Tokyo and Yokohama
Zushi offers excellent access to urban centers, with about an hour to Tokyo Station and about 30 minutes to Yokohama Station via the JR Yokosuka Line. Combining commuting convenience with a nature-rich environment, Zushi is popular as a livable town and promises stable rental demand.
With high demand as a bedroom community near Tokyo, Zushi is expected to see stable population growth. From a long-term perspective, Zushi can be considered a solid real estate investment destination.
2. Blessed with Natural Environment and Tourism Resources
While serving as a bedroom community for Tokyo and Yokohama, Zushi is also known for marine sports, with attractions like Zushi Beach and Zushi Marina. The central Zushi Beach, popular for swimming and surfing, obtained the international environmental certification "Blue Flag" in 2022.
This certification is a globally recognized proof that the beach meets international standards in water quality, safety measures, and environmental initiatives.
On clear winter days, Mount Fuji can be seen from Zushi Beach, and there are many scenic spots like Hiroyama Park. The town is dotted with stylish cafes, general stores, and historical shrines and temples like Zushi Osaki Shrine and Jinmu-ji Temple, offering unique charms not found elsewhere.
Adjacent to popular tourist destinations like Kamakura and Hayama, Zushi holds various real estate investment possibilities, including long-stay facilities and high-end residential developments.
3. Catering to Diverse Lifestyle Needs
Zushi is popular among a wide range of people for its well-balanced blend of urban convenience and rich natural environment. It offers flexibility to meet the needs of people at various life stages, from singles to families with children and even semi-retirees.
It's particularly popular among families with children due to its well-developed educational institutions and good public safety. At the same time, Zushi is favored by outdoor enthusiasts. With environments suitable for hiking and cycling, it's an ideal place for those seeking a lifestyle in harmony with nature.
According to the "Zushi Town Development Survey" conducted in 2022, 88% of residents responded that they "want to continue living here," and over 90% said they "feel attached to the town." With high resident satisfaction and demand from a wide range of people, Zushi promises stable long-term investment opportunities.
4. Vibrant Community
Zushi is an attractive town that maintains a vibrant community while carefully preserving its historical townscape. Events like fireworks displays and the Zushi Marathon are held throughout the year, popular among both locals and tourists.
The city actively promotes landscape planning to preserve Zushi's atmospheric ambiance. In the high-end residential area of Hiroyama Garden Residential Area, there are building agreements such as lot sizes of 500-1,000 square meters or more and building height restrictions of 8 meters.
Furthermore, a new complex facility is planned in front of Higashi-Zushi Station in 2027. These initiatives reflect Zushi's stance of aiming for new development while preserving traditions, contributing to the long-term maintenance and enhancement of real estate value.
Sep 29, 2024