The Shonan area is centered around Enoshima along the coast of Sagami Bay, and lies just 50 kms southwest of Tokyo.

It usually refers to the beach areas around Oiso, Hiratsuka, Chigasaki, Kamakura and Hayama. This area pulls in plenty of surfers, tourists and trendy young folks from across Japan and overseas who are attracted by its mix of old and new, as well as, its mountains and ocean.

In the summer, uminoie otherwise known as beach huts, attract a lot of visitors, because of they serve delicious meals during the day and light up the area with music and drinks after the sunset.

The area has been used as a model for scenes in various anime and described in songs by famous Japanese artists.