Sagami Sea, Marine research site in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Sagami Sea is a body of water in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, sitting between the Miura Peninsula and the Izu Peninsula. Several rivers, including the Sagami and the Hikiji, drain into it, carrying freshwater and nutrients from inland areas down to the coast.
In 1923, a powerful earthquake originated beneath these waters near Izu Oshima Island, causing severe destruction across the region. The event prompted a deeper understanding of the geological forces at work beneath Japan's coastal areas.
This sea has long supported fishing communities along its shores, shaping local food traditions and livelihoods in the surrounding coastal towns. The catch from these waters remains central to regional cooking and commerce.
The sea can be reached from several coastal towns in Kanagawa Prefecture, and the shoreline varies from open beaches to rocky stretches depending on where you go. Weather can shift quickly, so it is worth checking local conditions before heading out to the water.
Despite its relatively small size, this sea is home to a surprisingly high share of Japan's total marine species. Scientists link this to the meeting of ocean currents that bring together waters of different temperatures and nutrient levels in the same area.
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