Kanagawa is a prefecture located in the southern part of the Kanto region of Japan. The prefecture has many attractions, including Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, home to popular spots such as the waterfront district of Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama Chinatown, and the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Kanagawa also has historic destinations such as Kamakura, a small coastal town that has preserved its traditional Japanese buildings. You can stroll, shop, and take photos almost anywhere in town. In short, there are plenty of places to visit in Kanagawa.
1. Great Buddha of Kamakura
Great Buddha of Kamakura - Daibutsu
The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kamakura is enshrined at Kotoku-in Temple and is one of the most important symbols of Kamakura. It is Japan's second-tallest bronze Buddha statue, after the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Originally, the statue was not standing outside as it is today; it was housed within a temple building. However, at some point during the 14th and 15th centuries, typhoons destroyed much of the temple's buildings, and no new hall was ever built over the statue again. It is quite rare to see a Buddha statue displayed so prominently in the open air.
2. Lake Ashinoko
Photo by Kentagon from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LakeAshi_and_MtFuji_Hakone.JPG [CC by-sa 2.0]
3. Yokohama Air Cabin
Photo from https://yokohama-air-cabin.jp/
Photo from https://yokohama-air-cabin.jp/
Yokohama Air Cabin is Japan's first urban cable car in central Yokohama. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city, thanks to its fully glass-walled cabins that let you take in unobstructed views on all sides. It runs year-round. The cable car connects Sakuragicho Station with Canal Park. The fare is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children from age 3 to elementary school age.
4. Romancecar Museum
Photo from www.odakyu.jp/romancecarmuseum
Photo from www.odakyu.jp/romancecarmuseum
Romancecar Museum in Kanagawa Prefecture won't disappoint fans of classic Japanese trains. It's the first permanent exhibition of Odakyu's elegant and distinctive Romancecar series, with plenty of trains to admire. There are also various zones with shops and a clubhouse, so you can easily spend a whole day here.
5. Yokohama Cosmo World
photos by aotaro from flickr.com/photos/aotaro/24053647886(cc by 2.0 )
photos by Matt Watts from flickr.com/photos/blackthought/55163538(cc by 2.0 )
Cosmo World is located near Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama. It's considered one of the symbols of Yokohama. Although the park isn't as large or elaborate as Japan's most famous amusement parks, it packs in plenty of great rides, both indoor and outdoor. Admission is also more affordable than the big-name parks, and it's very easy to reach.
6. Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is located in the heart of Yokohama. If you love Chinese culture and food, or are curious to see how impressive a Chinatown in Japan can be, this is the place to visit. It's one of Yokohama's most famous attractions.
7. Sagamiko MORI MORI (formerly Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest)
photos by Reginald Pentinio from flickr.com/photos/reggiepen/16024730693( cc by 2.0 )
Photo from sagamiko-resort.jp
Sagamiko MORI MORI (formerly Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest) is a small amusement park located beside Lake Sagami. It has various rides and play areas with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The resort also offers other facilities, including indoor and outdoor onsen baths, water bike rentals, a campsite, restaurants, and accommodation.
8. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Stairs leading up to the shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most famous shrine in Kamakura. Built nearly a thousand years ago, it is one of the oldest shrines in the city. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, a deity revered by the Minamoto clan and by samurai. It was founded around 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, an ancestor of Minamoto Yoritomo, Kamakura's first shogun. It's an important landmark that shouldn't be missed if you visit the city.
9. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, also known as the Doraemon Museum, is located in a suburb of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Fans of the famous blue robot cat will love this place. The museum is here because this is where the manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio — the pen name of Hiroshi Fujimoto — worked. His best-known creation is Doraemon, a legendary manga about a robotic cat from the 22nd century who travels back in time and becomes friends with a group of children. Note that tickets cannot be purchased at the entrance; you must book in advance to visit the museum.
10. Shinyokohama Raumen Museum
Shinyokohama Raumen Museum is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. This is a must-visit for anyone who loves ramen, as it offers a comprehensive look at the history of ramen in Japan. The interior itself features charming, nostalgic decor. Best of all, the museum gathers nine of the best ramen shops from all over Japan in one place, so you don't have to travel far and wide to find them — each one has been carefully selected for its outstanding flavor.
11. Engaku-ji Temple
Engaku-ji Temple is located in Kamakura, one of Kanagawa's most popular tourist destinations. It's the second most famous Zen temple in Kamakura. The temple is built on a hillside and is divided into two main sections. The lower section is the entrance, marked by the Sanmon main gate, while the upper section houses the Butsuden hall, home to a finely carved wooden Buddha statue. Engaku-ji Temple was built in 1282 by Hojo Tokimune, who held the highest power in Japan during the Mongol invasions.
12. Hakone Open Air Museum
photos by Kentaro Ohno from flickr.com/photos/inucara/8464082663(cc by 2.0 )
Hakone Open Air Museum is located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. This is one of Japan's most nature-oriented museums, blending art with the surrounding landscape. Sculptures are displayed across a spacious area, surrounded by beautiful views of valleys and mountains. It's especially stunning during autumn leaf season. It's a relaxing way to enjoy art in a truly natural setting. In addition to the outdoor sculptures, there's also an indoor museum featuring galleries of paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramic works.
Special Hotel Deals in Kanagawa
Agoda.com offers a wide range of great-value accommodations, with discounts of over 70%.
Tickets and Passes for Kanagawa
Tickets or passes for various activities usually come with discounts when purchased through an agency, offering better rates for transport, attractions, and dining. Buying tickets in advance can help you save a lot.
