Shonan/Kamakura Area Resident Survey | 63.2% Answer "I Want to Keep Living Here" Despite "Rainy Season Challenges"

# ~The Reality of Shonan Living: Accepting Laundry, Humidity, and Tourist Crowds~

Garage Standard Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director: Toshizumi Hotta), which operates "roomap," a real estate service specializing in the Shonan and Kamakura areas, conducted a survey on "the reality of life and living comfort during the rainy season" targeting 1,121 residents aged 20-60 living in the Shonan region.

While the Shonan and Kamakura areas, which combine abundant nature with good access to central Tokyo, have attracted attention as relocation and dual-residence destinations, the rainy season requires seasonal ingenuity in daily life due to humidity and tourist congestion.

The survey reveals that despite these challenges, more than 60% of residents feel the area is "easy to live in" and want to "continue living here in the future." We uncover why this area continues to be chosen by examining the real realities of daily life.

【Survey Overview】

・Survey Theme　　　：A survey on living during the rainy season and the reality of livability in the Shonan and Kamakura areas

・Survey Period　　　：May 28, 2025 to June 4, 2025

・Survey Target　　　：Residents aged 20-60 in the Shonan and Kamakura areas of Kanagawa Prefecture

・Valid Responses　　：1,121 people

・Survey Method　　　：Internet survey

・Survey Organization：Garage Standard Co., Ltd. (roomap)

【Q1】What do you pay attention to in your home during the rainy season? (Multiple answers possible)

"Living well with ocean breezes" is the key to Shonan living.

For residents of the Shonan area, "humidity" and "laundry" are particularly conscious concerns when managing homes during the rainy season. While the environment is close to the sea with good ventilation, many properties are older buildings, making humidity and mold prevention a fundamental theme in daily life.

In fact, 49.4% answered that they take "anti-mold and humidity measures (dehumidifiers, cleaning, etc.)," and 47.7% also handle "indoor drying of laundry and drying measures"—both reaching nearly half of respondents.

This result shows that people living in Shonan practice "thoughtful approaches to comfortable living" suited to the seasons within their daily routines. They accept and arrange the natural environment. This reveals a way of living in homes that is characteristically Shonan.

【Q2】What troubles you during the rainy season? (Multiple answers possible)

"Clothes won't dry" (55.7%) and "Room odors and mold are concerning" (47.4%)—concerns related to "humidity" have emerged as living challenges unique to the Shonan and Kamakura areas.

While the location is close to the sea with good ventilation in most cases, the high humidity from prolonged rain and ocean breezes during the rainy season directly impacts laundry and indoor environments. Many voices reported stress directly linked to daily household chores, such as damp odors and mold growth.

This goes beyond a simple weather issue and indicates that differences in livability arise from housing structure, ventilation, and layout design. In the future, humidity countermeasures are expected to become an increasingly important criterion for "choosing where to live in Shonan and Kamakura."

【Q3】What points about your current living environment satisfy you? (Multiple answers possible)

Voices such as "I can relax and unwind in a calm environment" (47.0%) and "I can refresh myself by touching nature" (28.5%) were commonly heard, revealing that even during the rainy season with its many constraints, the "comfort" of the Shonan and Kamakura areas is being truly felt.

Even as outdoor activities decrease, having nature right outside one's home leads to voices like "I enjoy walks even on rainy days" and "rain sounds have become healing for me." The harmony between urban and natural environments in this area underpins a "satisfaction with life" that isn't easily swayed by weather, characteristic of this region.

【Q4】On the other hand, are there points that dissatisfy you? (Multiple answers possible)

As a real aspect of living in the Shonan area, voices were raised about "summer traffic congestion and large numbers of tourists" (31.4%), "humidity and mold" (25.7%), and "impacts of salt damage" (22.1%).

The liveliness of a tourist destination and the unique natural environment of the seaside require small adjustments and adaptations in daily life. However, conversely, this might be said to be part of a Shonan-style lifestyle—living with the seasons and nature.

A "sense of distance from nature" that is difficult to obtain in urban areas brings pleasant stimulation and harmony to daily life—such impressions were frequently shared.

【Q5/Q6】Overall, do you find the Shonan and Kamakura areas easy to live in? / Do you want to "continue living" in this area in the future?

"Both livability and desire to continue living exceed 60%—an overwhelming result!"

※ "I think it's easy to live here" 65.5% ("Strongly agree" 20.5% + "Somewhat agree" 45.0%)

※ "I want to continue living here" 67.1% ("Strongly agree" 27.2% + "Somewhat agree" 39.9%)

Behind more than 60% of respondents answering "easy to live in" and "want to continue living here" despite seasonal stress from the rainy season lies the power of a town where you can sense "breathing room to enjoy life." Even when there are minor inconveniences and challenges from coexisting with nature, many people perceive that "there is comfort and happiness to be gained beyond that," and we can see they resonate with the lifestyle itself.

Summary

"After all, I still love Shonan and Kamakura."

The essence of "a town where people want to live," revealed through the reality of the rainy season"

This survey revealed that despite rainy season-specific challenges such as humidity, mold, and tourist congestion, many residents answer that they find it "easy to live in" and want to "continue living here in the future."

While there are negative aspects, voices such as "I'm healed by nature" and "I can live a calm life" are also frequently heard, and Shonan and Kamakura are being reevaluated as a unique area where you can sense "breathing room in life" despite being near the city.

This town has a charm that makes even daily minor inconveniences acceptable—such "honest feelings about living" emerged from the survey results.

Particularly noteworthy is that more than 60% answered they want to "continue living in this town." The fact that Shonan and Kamakura are supported not only as a tourist destination but also as a place for daily life will serve as a hint for those considering moving or starting dual-residence living.

Going forward, Garage Standard Co., Ltd. will continue to listen to the real voices of residents and work to provide services that support better living in Shonan and Kamakura.