Stories
of Casa CABaN HAYAMA
Story vol.7
The World of the Mountains
of Hayama
22, Dec 2025
The Contrast Between Verdant Hills
and the Blue Sea
Hayama, known for its impressive views of the sea, has another side to it: the world of the Mountains of Hayama. There are various theories about the origin of the town’s name: Hayama (葉山), but one suggests it comes from the word “ha-yama (端山),” meaning “the edge of the mountains.”
A stroll along the shoreline reveals how the hills rise close to the sea—you begin to understand the name, seeing where the land and water meet. The lush green of the mountains, the deep blue of the ocean. The abundance of the mountains is what keeps the sea vibrant. Water flowing down from the mountains carries nutrients and organic matter to the ocean, nurturing a rich marine ecosystem.
Hayama is a place where mountain and sea resonate. As you surrender yourself to the landscape, you become aware of how life is sustained by the delicate balance of nature. When you gaze out at the sea, you can simultaneously feel the presence of the mountains—and perhaps such harmonious beauty is what defines Hayama. During your stay at Casa CABaN HAYAMA, we invite you to also experience the natural charm of Hayama’s mountains.
Feeling the Breath of the Mountains
Among Hayama’s gentle peaks, the most well-known are Mount Sengen, Mount Mitsugaoka (also called Omine), and Mount Sokka.
Their elevations—118 meters, 140 meters, and 189 meters respectively—are modest, yet once you step onto the trails, the quiet of the forest envelops you.
A soft breeze stirs the leaves and brushes against your skin.
Birdsong loosens the heart, the earth beneath your feet feels warm and alive, and your breathing gradually deepens. Though these are low mountains, the trails are gentle, and the journey to the summit is never harsh. Still, the sense of clarity and accomplishment that greets you at the top is truly special.
The mountains calm the mind and sharpen the senses.
A short hike of about twenty minutes from Casa CABaN HAYAMA leads to Mount Sengen or Mount Mitsugaoka (Omine), where you can gaze down upon the town of Hayama—a place nestled between mountain and sea,
where nature and human life blend together in quiet harmony.
The Headwaters Tell the Story:
The Depths of Hayama
In Hayama, a town blessed with rich mountain landscapes, the rivers hold a beauty that captivates the heart. The Morito River, which originates from the Futagoyama mountain range and flows out to Morito Beach, is a symbol of the natural richness of the area.
Following the trail that runs along the river upstream, you begin to feel the air shift as the forest deepens around you. What unfolds is a secluded world often described as one of the most untouched and mystical places on the Miura Peninsula.
The trees are tall, their branches and leaves overlapping to filter light into delicate patterns on the forest floor. In the clear water flowing near your feet, small fish swim in schools, while the quiet rhythm of life echoes through the stillness.
This forest is also home to rare birds such as the Japanese paradise flycatcher and the blue-and-white flycatcher, whose brief appearances feel like fleeting glimpses into the ancient memory of the land itself—moments in which the depth and intensity of life become almost tangible.
From Mountain to Sea:
A Cycle of Living Energy
Descending from the mountains and stepping out onto the shoreline, you may feel the energy that quietly gathered within you along the forest trails begin to expand—spreading through your whole body the moment the view opens to the sea. There is a saying: “Mountains recharge you, the sea purifies you.” In the mountains, you absorb the grounding strength of the earth and recover a calm, steady breath.
At the sea, the excess is washed away, leaving the mind and body gently reset. Both are forms of nature’s healing power, each with its own distinct character, working together in a way that feels perfectly balanced.
Hayama is a rare place that offers the blessings of both mountain and sea. Here, where the energies of the earth and ocean breeze meet, you may find your mind and body harmonizing with the rhythm of nature.