The Shonan coast in Kanagawa Prefecture, about an hour south of Tokyo by train, has something for just about everyone. Some head to Chigasaki to ride the waves or to Enoshima to luxuriate in its spa. Others explore the hills and temples of Kamakura or just get away from it all in sleepy Hayama. Few make the journey solely to eat, but at the end of the day (and in the middle, too) we all need sustenance. Here are a handful of simple, casual places worth knowing about that are close to or on the waterfront.
Il Chianti Cafe
The small island of Enoshima has long been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, and its bustling narrow streets still retain their retro charm. You can stop at the tourist shops for squid crackers and soft-serve ice cream in myriad flavors, including the Shonan specialty, shirasu (whitebait). But locals in the know tend to head straight to the island's peak, where the outdoor cliff-top terrace at Il Chianti Cafe boasts one of the finest views along the coast. The menu is surprisingly extensive, and the cooking is rather better than you'd expect. With a carafe of vino, a few antipasti and a seafood pizza on the table, there are few better places where you can spend a sunny lunchtime.