Kanagawa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Kanagawa, Japan. Learn about its culture, customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Kanagawa

Kanagawa is a prefecture located in Kanto, in Japan, in East Asia, in Asia. It is home to a diverse range of attractions, including cultural sites, natural wonders, and outdoor activities that cater to both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking to experience the rich history and traditions of Japan or to hike through lush forests and scenic mountains, Kanagawa has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Kanagawa

When it comes to exploring Kanagawa, visitors have plenty of options to choose from. Below, we’ve listed some of the best places to visit in the region, including cultural attractions and natural wonders:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kanagawa has several museums and historical sites that offer insight into its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

  • Kamakura: known for its iconic Great Buddha statue and historical temples and shrines such as Hasedera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
  • Enoshima Island: home to the Enoshima Shrine, a complex of several shrines and temples dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten.
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum: a massive sculpture park dotted with over 100 works of art from both local and international artists.
  • Yokohama’s Chinatown: a bustling Chinese-Japanese neighborhood packed with restaurants, shops, and traditional landmarks.
  • Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: a historic building complex that now serves as a cultural and shopping hub.

Natural Attractions of Kanagawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

One of the highlights of Kanagawa is its natural scenery, which is dotted with mountains, forests, and coasts. Here are a few natural wonders that are worth visiting:

  • Mount Fuji: while technically located in neighboring Yamanashi prefecture, Mount Fuji can be seen from various points in Kanagawa, including Hakone and Odawara.
  • Hakone National Park: a vast national park that boasts hot springs, hiking trails, and viewpoints overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
  • Miura Peninsula: a scenic peninsula that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, including at Cape Inamuragasaki.
  • Oiso Long Beach: a picturesque beach boasting crystal-clear waters, white sand, and stunning sunsets.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kanagawa

Kanagawa is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the most popular trails include:

  • Hakone Hiking Trails: a series of interconnected hiking trails that offer incredible views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and surrounding mountains.
  • Mount Takao: located just outside of Tokyo, Mount Takao offers a range of hiking trails, with the most popular route taking around 90 minutes to complete.
  • Samurai Trail: a historical trail running through Kamakura that takes visitors past old samurai houses, temples, and shrines.

Best Things to Do in Kanagawa: Activities and Tours

Aside from its natural attractions and cultural landmarks, Kanagawa is also home to several activities and tours that cater to all interests. Some of the best things to do in the region include:

  • Hakone Ropeway: a cable car journey that offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
  • Owakudani: a sulphuric valley in Hakone that offers stunning views and a unique natural phenomenon where eggs are boiled and turned black by the hot springs.
  • Fish Market Tour in Yokohama: a unique opportunity to explore one of the largest fish markets in Japan and learn about its history, culture, and trade.
  • Tea Ceremony Experience in Kanazawa: a cultural experience that offers visitors the chance to participate in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kanagawa

For visitors looking to make the most out of their trip to Kanagawa, we’ve put together a comprehensive itinerary that takes you through some of the region’s highlights:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival and check-in at hotel in Yokohama
Day 2 Visit Yokohama’s Chinatown and Red Brick Warehouse
Day 3 Explore Kamakura and its historical temples and shrines
Day 4 Take a day trip to Hakone and experience its hot springs and scenic views
Day 5 Go hiking on the Samurai Trail and visit the Great Buddha
Day 6 Visit Enoshima Island and its various shrines and temples
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Kanagawa

Kanagawa has a rich food and drink scene, with many local specialties that are worth trying out. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kamaboko: a type of fish cake made from pureed fish paste and served in various ways.
  • Yokohama-style Ramen: a regional variation of ramen that features a soy sauce-based broth and chewy noodles.
  • Odawara Yakisoba: a type of stir-fried noodles cooked with soy sauce and a variety of vegetables and meats.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Kanagawa is known for producing some of the best sake in the country, with several breweries dotted around the region.
  • Shonan Beer: a local craft beer brand that offers a range of unique brews, including a strawberry milk stout and a yuzu ale.

Where to Stay in Kanagawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kanagawa offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best areas to stay in the region include:

  • Yokohama: a bustling city that offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, for a variety of budgets.
  • Hakone: a popular destination for its hot springs and scenic views, Hakone offers several luxury ryokans and hotels, as well as budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.
  • Kamakura: a laid-back town with several guesthouses and ryokans that offer a more traditional experience for visitors.

What to Buy in Kanagawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Kanagawa can bring home several souvenirs and local products that are unique to the region. Some of the best items to consider include:

  • Kamaboko: a popular snack in the region that comes in various flavors and can be easily packed for travel.
  • Yokohama Curry: a type of curry that originated in Yokohama and features a unique blend of spices and ingredients.
  • Kanagawa Postcards: a set of postcards featuring scenic views and landmarks from around the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Kanagawa

As with any destination, it’s important to be mindful of the local culture and customs when visiting Kanagawa. Some things to keep in mind include:

  • Remove Shoes Inside: When entering certain places such as ryokans (traditional inns) and some restaurants, you may be required to remove your shoes and leave them at the entrance.
  • Respect for Temples and Shrines: When visiting Kamakura and the surrounding region’s temples and shrines, respect the customs and don’t take photos with flash, and don’t wander off into restricted areas.
  • Bow when Greeting: In Japan, a slight bow is a common way to greet others, especially when meeting someone for the first time.

Best Time to Visit Kanagawa

The best time to visit Kanagawa depends on what activities you plan to do. Generally, however, the best times to visit are during:

  • Cherry Blossom Season: from late March to early April, when the cherry blossom trees bloom and create a stunning pink landscape.
  • Autumn: from late September to early November, when the leaves change color and offer a colorful spectacle, particularly in Hakone’s mountainous region.
  • Winter: December through February when the snowy landscape adds a touch of magic to the mountains of Hakone and Minakami.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kanagawa

When visiting Kanagawa, it’s important to keep in mind some do’s and don’ts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:

Do:

  • Carry Cash: While many hotels and major stores accept credit cards, many small shops in Kanagawa still prefer cash.
  • Be Polite: In Japan, politeness is highly valued, so be sure to show respect and manners in your interactions with locals, particularly when entering someone’s home or a place of worship.
  • Use Public Transportation: Japan has an extensive network of trains, buses, and subways that are generally efficient and affordable, making public transportation the best way to get around Kanagawa.

Don’t:

  • Tip: In Japan, tipping is not customary, and it may even be considered impolite, so refrain from leaving a tip when dining or getting services in hotels.
  • Wear Shoes Inside: As mentioned earlier, many places require visitors to remove their shoes when entering. Follow signage and remove your shoes in those instances, and carry some clean socks with you for warmth and hygiene.
  • Eat or Smoke when Walking: In Japan, it’s considered impolite to eat or smoke while walking in public. Show consideration and eat or smoke only in designated areas.

Safety and Health

While Kanagawa is a generally safe region, visitors should still take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Kanagawa

  • Stay Alert in Crowded Areas: While Kanagawa’s streets are generally safe, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching can occur in crowded areas, such as train stations and tourist hotspots.
  • Follow Traffic Rules: The roads in Japan can be busy and congested, so when driving, be sure to follow traffic rules to avoid accidents.

Health in Kanagawa

  • Carry Medication: If you’re on prescription medication, be sure to bring enough for your trip, and keep your medication with you at all times.
  • Protect Yourself from the Sun: When hiking or participating in outdoor activities, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Getting to Kanagawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Kanagawa have several transportation options available. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best ways to get to and around the region:

Airports Near Kanagawa

The nearest airport to Kanagawa is the Haneda Airport, which is located in Tokyo and offers several domestic and international flights. From Haneda Airport, visitors can take a direct train to Yokohama or Kamakura, two of the region’s most popular destinations.

Bus Stations Near Kanagawa

Kanagawa also has several bus stations that offer local and regional routes. In Yokohama, visitors can take a bus from the Yokohama station to various neighborhoods and attractions, while in Kamakura, bus routes connect the town with other towns and destinations in the prefecture.

Other Options

For visitors coming from Tokyo, taking the train is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get to Kanagawa. The Japan Rail Pass, which offers unlimited train and bus rides throughout the country, is a popular option among visitors.

How to Get Around in Kanagawa

Kanagawa boasts a well-developed transportation network that allows visitors to get around easily and efficiently. Some of the best ways to get around the region include:

  • Trains: The local and regional trains in Kanagawa connect visitors to most major destinations in the region, with the Japan Rail Pass allowing for unlimited rides.
  • Buses: buses are a convenient option for traveling shorter distances or reaching remote areas that the train does not cover.
  • Taxis: taxis are an option in and around cities but can be pricey. For more budget-friendly options, consider using car-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Kanagawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kanagawa is a central hub for exploring other attractions in nearby regions. Some nearby destinations and excursions to think about include:

  • Tokyo: a bustling city located just an hour away from Yokohama, Tokyo is home to a myriad of attractions, including historical temples and shrines, modern architecture, and shopping districts.
  • Mount Fuji: located in Yamanashi, Mount Fuji is a World Heritage site and the highest mountain in Japan, offering several hiking trails and stunning views.
  • Kusatsu Onsen: famous for its hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma and is one of the most popular hot springs in Japan.

Conclusion

Kanagawa is a dynamic and diverse prefecture that offers visitors an extensive range of attractions, culinary treats, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. From its historical temples and museums to its natural beauty and outdoor activities, Kanagawa is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. With the tips and recommendations outlined in this guide, visitors can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip to this exciting part of Japan.

Odawara Castle Odawara Castle


    Atsugi
    Enoshima
    Fujino
    Miura
    Odawara
    Sagamihara
    Yokosuka