Introduction
Looking for a relaxing family outing near Tokyo? Zushi is one of our favorite destinations for a half-day trip with our toddler. With beautiful ocean views, family-friendly parks, cozy cafés, and delicious local restaurants, it’s easy to enjoy a slow morning before heading home for nap time. This itinerary is based on our own visits and is designed for families traveling by car with babies or young children.
Before You Go
👶 Recommended Age
1–5 years old Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the parks, ocean views, and relaxed pace of this itinerary.
🚼 Stroller Friendly
Mostly yes, but it depends on where you go. Parks and Zushi Marina are stroller-friendly, but some seaside paths and rocky shoreline areas around Kotsubo may be easier to explore with a baby carrier.
💴 Budget
¥3,000–¥8,000 per family (excluding transportation) The parks are free to visit, so your main expenses will be food and drinks.
⏰ Time Needed
About 4–5 hours This itinerary is perfect for families with young children who still take naps in the afternoon.
Half-Day Itinerary
Itinerary by train + foot
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast or coffee at Breather Coffee, Misaki Donut, or Cafe Kujirakumo |
| 9:00 AM | Enjoy playing at the Zushi Beach |
| 11:00 AM | Lunch at kids-friendly Restaurant |
| 12:30 PM | Head home before afternoon nap |
Itinerary by a Car
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast or coffee at Rainbow Bakery or Malibu Farm |
| 10:00 AM | Let kids play at Kotsubo Seaside Park or Kotsubo Iijima Park |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch at Malibu Farm or Kotsubo Udon |
| 12:30 PM | Head home before afternoon nap |
Zushi Day Trip by Train & On Foot
If you’re visiting Zushi by train, it’s easy to enjoy a relaxing half-day exploring the beach, cafés, and restaurants on foot. Most of the spots below are within walking distance of Zushi Station, making this itinerary perfect for travelers without a car.
Start with Coffee or Breakfast
Breather Coffee
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Breather Coffee is a cozy specialty coffee shop just a short walk from Zushi Station. The café has only a few counter seats, so finding a seat can be difficult during busy hours. If it’s full, simply grab your coffee to go and continue your morning walk toward the beach.
Best for: Specialty coffee, takeout
Misaki Donuts
Originally from Misaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, Misaki Donuts is a popular local donut shop known for its fluffy, handmade donuts. Although it’s a little farther from Zushi Station, it’s worth stopping by if you have a sweet tooth or want a snack before heading to the beach.
Best for: Local sweets, takeout snacks
Café Kujiragumo
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Located between Zushi Station and Zushi Beach, Café Kujiragumo is a lovely place to slow down before exploring the coast. The café serves specialty coffee, homemade bagels, and other light breakfast options. It opens as early as 6:30 AM, making it one of the best places for an early morning visit. Unlike some smaller cafés, there is indoor seating available if you’d like to relax before your walk.
Best for: Breakfast, specialty coffee, homemade bagels
Relax at Zushi Beach
Zushi Beach is one of Kanagawa’s most popular beaches for swimming, windsurfing, and relaxing by the ocean. For families with young children, the wide sandy beach is perfect for digging, building sandcastles, and simply playing by the water. If your child enjoys playing in the sand, don’t forget to bring a bucket and shovel. One helpful tip: Japanese beaches can be surprisingly sandy, so bringing a picnic blanket is usually much more comfortable than using a bath towel on the ground.
Lunch Near Zushi Beach
Several family-friendly restaurants are located just across from Zushi Beach, making it easy to enjoy lunch after a morning outdoors.
Otoya
Otoya is a popular Japanese restaurant chain offering healthy set meals and a reliable kids’ menu. Children can choose from dishes such as omurice (Japanese omelet rice), curry, and udon noodles. Our toddler especially loves both the curry and udon, making this an easy family lunch option.
Best for: Japanese home-style meals, toddlers, affordable family lunch
La Ohana
La Ohana is a Hawaiian-style restaurant with a bright, tropical atmosphere.The kids’ menu includes options such as a Loco Moco Plate and Kids’ Poke Bowl. The regular portions are quite generous, so our family often orders two main dishes and shares them with our toddler. One combination we enjoy is the Loco Moco together with the Salt Lemon Pasta, plus the pancake dessert set.
Best for: Family lunch, Hawaiian food, generous portions
Yumean
Yumean is a Japanese family restaurant offering a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes. The children’s menu includes several options such as rice meals and udon, making it a great choice for picky eaters. Some locations also have traditional tatami seating, which is especially convenient for babies and toddlers who like to crawl or stretch out during meals.
Best for: Japanese family dining, toddlers, tatami seating
Relaxing Half-Day in Zushi by Car
Zushi is a wonderful destination for a slow-paced half-day trip with young children. With scenic coastal parks, family-friendly cafés, and beautiful ocean views, it’s easy to enjoy a relaxing morning before heading home for nap time.
Start Your Morning with Breakfast or Coffee
Rainbow Bakery
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Rainbow Bakery is a small local bakery that opens at 8:00 AM, making it a great first stop before exploring Zushi. Although there isn’t an eat-in space, you can pick up freshly baked bread and pastries to enjoy at a nearby park or by the ocean.
Good to know: Takeout only.
Malibu Farm Zushi
Located inside Zushi Marina, Malibu Farm is a waterfront restaurant originally from Malibu, California. The relaxing ocean views and bright atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful breakfast spots in the area. The restaurant also opens at 8:00 AM, making it perfect for an early start.
Best for: Breakfast, brunch, ocean views, relaxing atmosphere
Let Kids Play by the Sea
Kotsubo Seaside Park
Kotsubo Seaside Park is a small playground located right next to the ocean. Although you can’t access the beach directly from this park, it’s a great place for toddlers and young children to burn off some energy before lunch. On sunny days, keep in mind that the playground equipment can become very hot, and there is limited shade, so be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks.
Kotsubo Iijima Park
Kotsubo Iijima Park is another beautiful seaside park lined with palm trees, giving it a relaxed coastal atmosphere. At one end of the park, you can walk down to the shoreline. However, the beach is covered with pebbles and rocks rather than sand, so sturdy shoes are recommended for both adults and children. It’s a lovely spot for enjoying ocean views and taking family photos.
Enjoy Lunch Around Zushi Marina
Malibu Farm Zushi
If you’re looking for a slightly more special lunch, Malibu Farm is an excellent choice. The restaurant serves dishes made with local Kanagawa ingredients, including Yamayuri Pork, Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) Acqua Pazza, and Ashigara Beef Sirloin Steak.A kids’ plate is available for children up to six years old. However, if you’re ordering a lunch set, sharing with your toddler may also be enough depending on their appetite. The waterfront setting makes it a relaxing place to enjoy lunch before heading home.
Kotsubo Udon
Kotsubo Udon is a small, family-friendly local restaurant serving handmade udon noodles.
The restaurant offers a children’s udon menu (half-size noodles), traditional tatami seating, and child-sized chairs, making it a comfortable option for families.
Good to know: Cash only.
Mom’s Tips for Visiting Zushi
If you’re visiting Zushi with babies or toddlers, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Bring plenty of water and encourage everyone to stay hydrated, especially during summer.
- Sunscreen and hats are essential. A hat clip can be very helpful on windy beach days.
- Playground equipment can become extremely hot under the summer sun.
- There is limited shade in many seaside parks, so plan regular breaks indoors if visiting during warmer months.
- If you’re eating outdoors near the beach, keep an eye out for black kites (tobi) and other birds. They are known for swooping down to grab food from visitors, so avoid leaving food unattended and stay aware while eating.
