If you’re looking for a destination that offers a blend of traditional and modern Japan, Kanagawa Prefecture is the perfect place for you.
Located just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to a variety of attractions that cater to different interests.
From historical sites to natural wonders, cultural experiences to shopping, Kanagawa has something for everyone.
One of the main draws of Kanagawa is its historical sites.
The prefecture was once home to the Kamakura Shogunate, which ruled Japan from the 12th to 14th centuries.
Today, you can visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a 121-ton bronze statue that has withstood earthquakes, tsunamis, and wars.
If you’re more interested in natural attractions, Kanagawa has plenty to offer.
The prefecture is home to Mount Fuji, which is the highest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can also visit Hakone, a hot spring resort town that is known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
In addition, there are many hiking trails and beaches in Kanagawa that offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Key Takeaways
- Kanagawa Prefecture offers a variety of attractions that cater to different interests, including historical sites, natural attractions, cultural experiences, shopping, and more.
- Historical sites in Kanagawa include the Great Buddha of Kamakura and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
- Natural attractions in Kanagawa include Mount Fuji, Hakone, and many hiking trails and beaches.
Historical Sites in Kanagawa
If you are interested in history and culture, Kanagawa Prefecture is a great location.
Here are some of the most popular ones:
Kamakura
Kamakura is a city located in the southern part of Kanagawa Prefecture.
It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Japan.
It was the political center of Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and it is home to many historical temples and shrines.
Some of the most popular ones include:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: This is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. It was founded in 1063 and is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war.
- Kotokuin Temple: This temple is famous for its Great Buddha statue, which is one of the largest bronze statues in Japan. Built in 1252; it’s 11.3 meters tall.
- Hasedera Temple: This temple has beautiful gardens and a 9.18-meter-tall wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world.
It was established in 1859 and is home to over 600 shops and restaurants.
Some of the most popular attractions in Yokohama Chinatown include:
- Kanteibyo Temple: This temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, the god of war and business. Built in 1873 it’s one of the most popular temples in Yokohama Chinatown.
- Yokohama Mazu Temple: This temple is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea. Built-in 187, it is one of the oldest temples in Yokohama Chinatown.
- Yokohama Chinatown History Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Yokohama Chinatown. It has exhibits on the early Chinese immigrants to Yokohama, the development of Chinatown, and the Chinese Zodiac.
Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle is a castle located in the city of Odawara.
It was built in the 15th century and was an important stronghold during the Sengoku period (1467-1603).
The castle was destroyed in the Meiji period (1868-1912), but it was rebuilt in the 1960s.
Some of the most popular attractions in Odawara Castle include:
- Main Keep: This is the tallest building in the castle and offers great views of the surrounding area.
- Castle Museum: This museum has exhibits on the history of Odawara Castle and the Sengoku period.
- Castle Park: This park is located around the castle and has cherry blossom trees, a tea house, and a traditional Japanese garden.
Natural Attractions in Kanagawa
Kanagawa Prefecture is home to some of Japan’s most beautiful natural attractions.
From the stunning views of Mount Fuji to the serene beaches of Miura Peninsula, there is plenty to see and explore.
Here are some of the top natural attractions in Kanagawa:
Hakone
Hakone is a popular tourist destination in Kanagawa.
This mountainous town has some great hot springs, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and picturesque landscapes.
Hakone is also home to Lake Ashinoko.
A crater lake that was formed by a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago.
Visitors can take a sightseeing cruise on the lake and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Other popular activities in Hakone include hiking, visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and exploring the ancient cedar forests.
Enoshima Island
Enoshima Island is a small island located off the coast of Kamakura.
It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its beautiful beaches, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and historical landmarks.
Visitors can explore the Enoshima Shrine, which dates back to the 5th century, and the Enoshima Aquarium, which is home to over 20,000 marine animals.
Also check out the Enoshima sea candle, which is the lighthouse.
The island is also known for its delicious seafood, which can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Miura Peninsula
The Miura Peninsula is a scenic area located south of Yokohama.
It is known for its beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, and picturesque fishing villages.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing at the sandy beaches of Zushi and Hayama.
The peninsula is also home to Jogashima Island, which has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its unique rock formations.
Other popular activities in the Miura Peninsula include visiting the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and exploring the historic Kamakura City.
Cultural Experiences in Kanagawa
If you are interested in learning about the cultural heritage of Kanagawa Prefecture, you can visit several museums and historical sites.
Here are a few cultural experiences you can enjoy in Kanagawa:
Ramen Museum
Since it opened in 1994, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum in Kanagawa has become a big attraction for both people who love ramen and people who have never tried it before.
The museum is all about ramen, from how the noodles are made to the different kinds of broth soup.
It also has a number of noodle shops that serve ramen from different parts of Japan.
In the small but full room of the museum, people can learn about the history of ramen noodles in Japan, including how popular instant ramen became.
The Ramen Factory, where people can make their own ramen noodles from scratch, is one of the best parts of the museum.
It takes about 90 minutes to make the noodles because you have to mix the dough, roll it out, cut it into noodles, and boil them.
Cup Noodle Museum
The Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, Kanagawa is a one-of-a-kind museum that tells the story of instant noodles and how they were invented.
The museum has fun, interactive exhibits and hands-on classes that show how instant noodles have changed over time.
There are many things to do at the museum, like make your own cup noodles, design and package your own instant ramen or make your own noodles from scratch.
The My Cup Noodles Factory is one of the most famous parts of the museum.
Here, visitors can make their own cup noodles by choosing their favorite soup, toppings, and packaging.
Then, visitors can take their personalized cup noodles as a unique gift back home.
Overall, the Cup Noodles Museum is a great place to visit.
Plus it’s great for families with kids who want to have fun while learning something new.
Kawasaki Daishi
Kawasaki Daishi is a Buddhist temple in Kawasaki that dates back to the 12th century.
The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kobo Daishi.
Many people come to the temple to pray for good health, success, and happiness.
The temple grounds have several buildings, including the main hall, the pagoda, and the treasure house.
You can also try the temple’s famous vegetarian cuisine at the restaurant.
The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Setsubun festival in February and the O-bon festival in August.
These are just a few examples of the cultural experiences you can have in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Food and Drink in Kanagawa
When it comes to food and drink, Kanagawa Prefecture has a lot to offer.
From premium beef to fresh seafood, and traditional sweets, there is something for everyone’s taste.
Hayama Beef
Hayama Beef is a premium beef brand from Kanagawa Prefecture.
It is known for its tender texture and rich flavor.
You can find Hayama Beef in many restaurants throughout the prefecture, including in Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone.
Some popular dishes to try include sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steak.
Sagami Bay Seafood
Sagami Bay is located south of Kanagawa Prefecture.
The bay is home to over 500 species of fish and shellfish, including squid, shrimp, octopus, and sea bream.
Some popular dishes to try include sashimi, grilled fish, and tempura.
You can find Sagami Bay seafood in many restaurants throughout the prefecture, including in Yokohama, Kamakura, and Enoshima.
Kamakura’s Matcha Sweets
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that is a popular ingredient in Japanese sweets.
Some popular sweets to try include matcha ice cream, matcha daifuku (a type of mochi filled with sweet bean paste and matcha), and matcha roll cake.
You can find these sweets in many shops throughout Kamakura, including along Komachi-dori Street.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Kanagawa Prefecture has a lot to offer when it comes to food and drink.
Shopping in Kanagawa
From large shopping centers to quaint local markets, there’s something for everyone.
Here are a few shopping destinations you should consider checking out:
Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai is a modern area in Yokohama, the capital city of the prefecture.
It has some fantastic shopping and entertainment.
The area is home to several large shopping centers, including the Landmark Plaza and the Yokohama World Porters.
These centers have a wide variety of stores, ranging from high-end fashion to electronics.
You can also find many restaurants and cafes in the area, making it a great place to spend an entire day.
Kamakura Komachi Street
If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience, Kamakura Komachi Street is a must-visit.
There are a lot of small shops with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to local snacks.
The street is located in Kamakura, a historic city known for its temples and shrines.
It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs.
Yokohama Bay Quarter
Yokohama Bay Quarter is a luxury shopping center located in the Minato Mirai area.
The center has a wide variety of high-end stores, including fashion boutiques and jewelry shops.
You can also find several restaurants and cafes in the center.
If you’re looking for a more upscale shopping experience, Yokohama Bay Quarter is the place to go.
Overall, Kanagawa Prefecture has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping.
Whether you’re looking for a modern shopping center or a traditional market, you’ll find it here.
Transportation in Kanagawa
When it comes to getting around Kanagawa Prefecture, there are several transportation options available to you.
Here are some of the most popular ones:
Shonan Monorail
The Shonan Monorail is a unique and efficient way to travel between Enoshima and Ofuna.
It is the only monorail in Japan that runs over the ocean, providing travelers with stunning views of Sagami Bay.
The monorail is also a great way to get to Kamakura, a popular tourist destination known for its historic temples and shrines.
The monorail has several stations, including Shonan-Enoshima, which is located near Enoshima Island, and Ofuna, which is a major transportation hub.
Enoden Line
The Enoden Line is a charming train line that runs between Kamakura and Fujisawa.
Get some really scenic views of the coast.
The Enoden Line is a great way to explore the historic town of Kamakura, which is home to many temples and shrines, as well as the popular beach town of Enoshima.
The Enoden Line has several stations, including Kamakura Station, which is a major transportation hub, and Enoshima Station, which is located near Enoshima Island.
Hakone Tozan Railway
The Hakone Tozan Railway is a scenic train line that runs through the mountains of Hakone.
It has stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding countryside.
The train line is a great way to explore the hot springs town of Hakone, which is a popular destination for tourists looking to relax and unwind.
The Hakone Tozan Railway has several stations, including Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is a major transportation hub, and Gora Station, which is located near many hot springs resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kanagawa Prefecture known for?
Kanagawa Prefecture is known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and delicious food.
The prefecture is home to the iconic Mount Fuji, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can also explore the historic city of Kamakura, which was once the political center of Japan.
Kanagawa is also famous for its seafood, particularly eel and sushi.
Is it worth visiting Yokohama?
Yes, Yokohama is definitely worth visiting!
As the second-largest city in Japan, Yokohama offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture along with beautiful nature.
Visitors can explore the historic port area, or take a stroll through the futuristic Minato Mirai district.
Yokohama is also home to the famous Ramen Museum, which is a must-visit for any foodie.
How many hours from Tokyo to Kanagawa?
The travel time from Tokyo to Kanagawa varies depending on your mode of transportation and your destination within the prefecture.
What’s more, if you take the Shinkansen [bullet train] from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station, the journey takes around 25 minutes.
By car, the travel time can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.
What are the top things to do in Kanagawa Prefecture?
There are many top attractions in Kanagawa Prefecture, including visiting Mount Fuji, exploring the historic city of Kamakura, and soaking in the hot springs of Hakone.
Visitors can also enjoy a day trip to the beautiful seaside town of Enoshima or take a scenic cable car ride on the Hakone Ropeway.
Foodies will love trying the local specialties, such as eel and Yokohama-style ramen.
