Shonan Festival 2014

Why wait until summer to hit the beach? The annual Shonan Festival, held during Golden Week, offers an early excuse to head to the Kanagawa coast. There'll be a range of events and activities taking place during the two-day event, which unfurls along Chigasaki's Southern Beach (named after local heroes Southern All Stars). Take your pick from a beach sandal throwing contest, surfboard races, flea markets, dancing, live music, delicious beach food and a whole lot more. Note that this year, the popular Chigasaki Aloha Market will take place on May 10 & 11 at Chigasaki Park (by the baseball field) and the Seishonen Kaikan building.