Discover Kanagawa: Where Ancient Temples Meet Modern Marvels

Looking for the top things to do in Kanagawa during your trip to Japan?

Just half an hour from Tokyo, this coastal prefecture layers samurai history, natural scenery, and international culture into one compact area.

One moment you can explore thirteenth century temples in Kamakura, the next you can be tasting street food in Yokohama’s Chinatown or soaking in Hakone hot springs with Mount Fuji in view.

Few regions offer such a wide range of experiences within such easy reach.

Historical Sites in Kanagawa

Kamakura

Once Japan’s political capital from 1185 to 1333, Kamakura packs over 100 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines into a compact coastal city.

The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple remains the star attraction.

This bronze statue stands 11.3 metres tall (13.35 metres including base) and weighs 121 tons.

Cast in 1252, it originally sat inside a wooden hall until a tsunami in 1498 swept the building away.

For 20 yen, you can climb inside the hollow statue through a door in its back.

Centuries of pilgrim graffiti on the interior walls tells its own story.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine dominates central Kamakura.

Founded in 1063 for Hachiman, the god of war, this complex served as the Minamoto clan’s spiritual centre.

The grand stone stairs, lined with old ginkgo trees, once led samurai looking for divine favour before battle.

Hasedera Temple houses a different treasure: a 9.18-metre tall wooden statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy.

Temple records claim monks carved it in 721 from a massive camphor tree.

The grounds also contain hundreds of small Jizo statues placed by parents mourning lost children.

Yokohama Chinatown

When Yokohama port opened in 1859, Chinese merchants arrived to facilitate silk and tea exports.

Today’s Chinatown squeezes over 600 shops and restaurants into a compact district where ornate gates mark every entrance.

Kanteibyo Temple (rebuilt 1871) honours Guan Yu, a third-century general who became the god of prosperity.

Entrepreneurs queue here seeking business blessings.

Masobyo Temple (opened 2006) celebrates Mazu, goddess of the sea.

Travellers pray here for safe journeys.

Street food drives most visits:

• Nikuman (steamed pork buns) from corner carts
• Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) requiring careful eating
• Mapo tofu with authentic Sichuan heat
• Cantonese roast duck with crackling skin

During Chinese New Year (February), dragon dances wind through packed streets while fireworks light the night sky.

Odawara Castle

Strategic location made Odawara the key to controlling Kanto during Japan’s warring states period (1467-1603).

The castle’s defences included a hilltop position, water moats, dry ditches, and 9 kilometres of walls.

These features helped repel attacks from warlords Uesugi Kenshin in 1561 and Takeda Shingen in 1569.

The Hojo clan’s century of dominance ended in 1590.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi arrived with 200,000 troops but avoided direct assault.

He built his own castle nearby. Instead of fighting, he used psychological warfare.

He hosted tea ceremonies and performances where the starving defenders could see them.

After three months, the Hojo surrendered without a final battle.

Today’s ferro-concrete reconstruction (1960) houses samurai armour and castle models.

The top floor observation deck provides views from Sagami Bay to the Hakone mountains.

Spring brings thousands of cherry trees into bloom throughout the castle park.

Natural Attractions in Kanagawa

Hakone

This mountain resort town combines Japan’s two great pleasures.

Hot springs and Mount Fuji views.

The entire area sits within an active volcanic caldera where sulfurous steam feeds dozens of onsen resorts.

Lake Ashi formed 3,000 years ago when volcanic debris dammed the Hayakawa River.

The 19-kilometre lake gives great photo spots for Mount Fuji.

Clear views depend on the weather, so winter and early mornings are best.

You can find these spots:

• Moto-Hakone’s shoreline
• Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate
• Sightseeing boats styled as historic warships

Owakudani (“Great Boiling Valley”) showcases active volcanism up close.

The Hakone Ropeway carries passengers over sulfur vents and steaming pools.

Local vendors sell kuro-tamago, which are eggs hard-boiled in hot springs until their shells turn black.

Each supposedly adds seven years to your life.

Hot spring options range from public baths (1,000-3,000 yen) to luxury resorts with outdoor pools facing Mount Fuji.

Note: most traditional onsen prohibit tattoos.

Enoshima Island

This tidal island packs beaches, shrines, and caves into half a day’s exploration.

Escalators (Escar system, 360 yen) save your legs for the beach rather than the climb.

Enoshima Shrine consists of three separate buildings at different elevations, traditionally believed to date from the 6th century.

The Sea Candle lighthouse (500 yen) offers sunset views of Mount Fuji from its 60-metre observation deck.

Iwaya Caves stretch 152 metres into sea cliffs.

Monks once used these wave-carved chambers for religious training.

Today, visitors explore with provided candles while electric lights ensure safe footing.

Miura Peninsula

South of Yokohama, this peninsula offers varied coastal experiences.

Zushi Beach draws summer crowds with gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers.

Hayama Beach attracts an upscale crowd to beach clubs and the yacht harbour.

Jogashima Island at the peninsula’s tip showcases dramatic rock formations carved by typhoon waves.

Hiking trails lead to hidden coves where fishermen harvest seaweed and dive for shellfish.

Cultural Experiences in Kanagawa

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Opened in 1994 as the world’s first ramen-themed park, this museum brings together famous shops from across Japan.

No need to travel to Sapporo for miso ramen or Kyushu for tonkotsu.

The first floor chronicles ramen’s evolution from Chinese noodles to Japanese soul food.

Below, two basement floors recreate 1958 Tokyo.

This was the year instant noodles were invented.

Nine ramen shops operate within this nostalgic streetscape.

Mini portions (half-sized bowls) let you sample multiple styles:

• Admission: 380 yen
• Mini bowls: 600-900 yen each
• Vending machine tickets eliminate language barriers

Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama

This interactive museum celebrates instant ramen’s invention.

The highlight is designing your own cup noodles.

My Cup Noodles Factory (500 yen): Design your cup, choose from 4 soup bases and 12 toppings, seal your creation.

Chicken Ramen Factory (1,200 yen, booking required): Make noodles from scratch using traditional techniques.

Kawasaki Daishi Temple

Founded in 1128, this temple specialises in warding off evil.

Over three million visitors come during New Year, making it one of Japan’s top hatsumode destinations.

The temple’s Nakamise street sells:

• Daruma dolls (paint one eye when making a wish, the other when fulfilled)
• Protective amulets
• Karimanju (fried sweet buns), the temple’s century-old signature snack

Sankeien Garden

This 175,000-square-metre traditional garden in Yokohama showcases Japan’s architectural heritage.

Silk trader Tomitaro Hara built it in 1906.

He moved historic buildings from Kyoto and Kamakura to make an open-air museum of Japanese architecture.

The garden features:

• A three-storey pagoda from Kyoto (1457)
• Tea houses offering traditional ceremonies
• Seasonal displays: plum blossoms (February), cherry blossoms (April), autumn maples (November)
• Evening illuminations during peak seasons

Admission: 700 yen adults, 200 yen children.

The inner garden requires an additional 100 yen but includes the most important historical structures.

Food and Drink in Kanagawa

Regional Specialties

Hayama Beef: This local wagyu, raised in limited quantities on the Miura Peninsula, features excellent marbling.

Restaurants serve it as sukiyaki (thin slices in sweet soy broth) or grilled steaks.

Sagami Bay Seafood: The bay’s 500+ fish species include local treasures:

• Shirasu-don: Tiny raw sardines over rice (only when boats land fresh catch)
• Nama-shirasu: If you see this on a menu, order immediately

Kamakura Sweets:

• Matcha soft-serve from local tea suppliers
• Hato sabure (dove-shaped cookies), sold since 1894
• Purple sweet potato ice cream near the Great Buddha

Shopping in Kanagawa

Minato Mirai

Yokohama’s waterfront district blends history with retail therapy:

Red Brick Warehouses: Former customs houses now hosting boutiques and seasonal events.

The December Christmas market fills courtyards with German-style huts.

Queen’s Square and Landmark Plaza: Connected by covered walkways, offering everything from Uniqlo to luxury brands.

Cosmo Clock 21: The giant Ferris wheel offers night views of Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji.

Kamakura Komachi Street

This 360-metre pedestrian street connects Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.

Over 250 shops include:

• Traditional bamboo crafts
• Hand-forged samurai letter openers
• Indigo-dyed textiles
• Purple sweet potato everything (ice cream, croquettes, chips)

Transportation in Kanagawa

Getting Around

Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden): Operating since 1902, these green carriages squeeze between houses, emerge onto beaches, and glimpse Mount Fuji between stations.

Hakone Tozan Railway: Japan’s only mountain-climbing train uses three switchbacks to gain 445 metres elevation.

June brings hydrangeas blooming at window level.

Shonan Monorail: This suspended monorail between Ofuna and Enoshima offers unique views during its 14-minute journey.

Hakone Free Pass: It costs 5,700 yen for two days from Tokyo.

This pass covers trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and boats.

You’ll save money with just one ropeway ride and a lake cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions