Kanagawa Prefecture, located just south of Tokyo, offers a blend of historic sites, modern attractions, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the vibrant city life of Yokohama to the tranquil beauty of Hakone, Kanagawa is a diverse region that caters to all kinds of travelers. Here are recommended spots in Kanagawa, each promising a unique and memorable experience.
Yokohama Cosmo World
- Address: 2-8-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays), 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekends), please note it varies by season and day
- Closed Days: Irregular closing days
- Admission Fee: Free admission; pay per ride
- Website URL: Yokohama Cosmo World
Yokohama Cosmo World, located in the vibrant Minato Mirai district, is an amusement park famous for its iconic Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21, offering breathtaking views of Yokohama Bay. The park is divided into three zones, each catering to different age groups, making it a perfect family destination. With no admission fee and a pay-per-ride system, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including roller coasters and themed rides, against the backdrop of Yokohama’s futuristic skyline.
Yokohama Chinatown
- Address: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7; individual shop hours vary
- Closed Days: Varies by shop
- Admission Fee: Free; dining and shopping costs vary
- Website URL: Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, offers a colorful and bustling experience with its myriad of shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Established in the 1850s, it’s a vibrant community where visitors can indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine, explore traditional temples, and enjoy seasonal festivals. The ornate gates at each entrance and the beautifully decorated streets make it a fascinating place to explore and experience the rich cultural heritage of China in Japan.
Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
- Address: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
- Closed Days: Tuesdays and Year-end holidays
- Admission Fee: ¥500 for adults; additional cost for cup noodle making
- Website URL: Cup Noodles Museum
The Cup Noodles Museum celebrates the innovative spirit of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen. This interactive museum allows visitors to learn about the history of instant noodles, participate in hands-on workshops to create their own Cup Noodles, and explore a wide variety of noodle dishes from around the world. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages, highlighting creativity and the impact of one simple culinary idea on global food culture.
Sankeien Garden
- Address: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Closed Days: December 29 to 31
- Admission Fee: ¥700 for adults
- Website URL: Sankeien Garden
Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese-style garden, features historic buildings from across Japan, set amidst expansive natural landscapes. Created by silk trader Tomitaro Hara, it opens up to beautiful scenes for each season, from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn leaves. With its tranquil ponds, meandering streams, and ancient structures, Sankeien provides a peaceful escape from the city, offering a glimpse into Japan’s architectural and cultural beauty.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
- Address: 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 222-0033, Japan
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed Days: None
- Admission Fee: ¥380 for adults
- Website URL: Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is the world’s first food-themed amusement park, dedicated to the beloved Japanese dish, ramen. It showcases ramen from different regions of Japan, allowing visitors to taste and compare various styles. The museum’s interior is designed to mimic the streets of Tokyo in 1958, creating an immersive atmosphere for exploring the evolution of ramen and its cultural significance in Japan.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
- Address: Hakkeijima, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006, Japan
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (The island is open until 10:30 p.m., but each attraction closes at a different time)
- Closed Days: None
- Admission Fee: One-day pass is ¥5,600
- Website URL: Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an all-in-one amusement park that combines an aquarium, amusement rides, shops, and restaurants on a scenic island. It features one of the largest aquaria in Japan, where visitors can observe a wide variety of marine life. The park also offers thrilling rides and interactive animal shows, making it a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages.
Kawasaki Factory Night View
- Address: Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
- Business Hours: Varies by tour operator
- Closed Days: Varies by tour operator
- Admission Fee: Varies by tour
- Website URL: N/A
The Kawasaki Factory Night View offers an unexpected, yet mesmerizing, industrial beauty through guided tours of Kawasaki’s coastal industrial zone. These tours showcase the intricate mazes of pipes and towers, illuminated at night, creating a futuristic landscape often compared to scenes from science fiction movies. It’s a unique experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of Japan’s industrial prowess.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Address: 2 Chome-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan
- Business Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Varies by season)
- Closed Days: Open year-round
- Admission Fee: Free
- Official Website URL: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, located in Kamakura, is a significant Shinto shrine with a history spanning over 1,000 years. As the spiritual heart of Kamakura, it plays a vital role in the city’s cultural and religious life, hosting numerous festivals and ceremonies. The shrine’s impressive approach and serene grounds, coupled with its historical significance, make it a must-visit for those exploring Kamakura’s rich heritage.
Sarushima (Monkey Island)
- Address: 1 Sashima, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Ferry schedule varies
- Closed Days: Ferry service affected by weather conditions
- Admission Fee: ¥500
- Official Website URL: Sarushima Ferry
Sarushima, or Monkey Island, is Yokosuka’s uninhabited natural island accessible by ferry, offering a unique blend of history and nature. It’s known for its role as a fortification in the past and now welcomes visitors to its lush landscapes, barbecue spots, and beaches. With no monkeys in sight, despite its name, Sarushima provides a peaceful retreat for picnicking, swimming, and exploring historical ruins.
Hakone Shrine
- Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7
- Closed Days: N/A
- Usage Fee: Free
- Official Website URL: Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine, nestled along the shores of Lake Ashi in the Hakone region, is a tranquil and spiritual site enveloped by dense forest. Known for its iconic torii gate that appears to float on the lake, the shrine offers a picturesque setting that blends natural beauty with spiritual significance. It’s a popular destination for both worshipers and tourists, providing a serene atmosphere for reflection and exploration.
Odawara Castle
- Address: Jonai, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: December 31 to January 1
- Usage Fee: ¥510 for adults (castle tower)
- Official Website URL: Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle, in the heart of Odawara City, stands as a testament to Japan’s feudal past. Once a stronghold of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period, the castle has been beautifully restored, offering visitors insights into the life and times of samurai warriors. The castle tower houses a museum, and the grounds offer stunning views, especially during cherry blossom season.
Meigetsu-in (Meigetsu-in Temple)
- Address: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed Days: Open year-round
- Usage Fee: ¥500 (Admission fee may vary during hydrangea season)
- Official Website URL: Meigetsu-in
Meigetsu-in, known as the “Temple of the Clear Moon,” is a Zen temple in Kamakura, famous for its lush hydrangea path in June. This temple embodies tranquility and beauty, with its well-kept gardens, serene karesansui (rock garden), and a circular window framing the changing seasons—a perfect spot for meditation and contemplation amidst nature’s embrace.
Zaimokuza Terrace
- Address: 5-8-25 Zaimokuza, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Please verify as hours may vary by season)
- Closed Days: Wednesdays (Subject to change; please check ahead)
- Usage Fee: Varies by restaurant and shop within the terrace
- Official Website URL: Zaimoku Terrace
Zaimokuza Terrace offers a modern escape with its beachfront cafes and restaurants, overlooking the scenic Zaimokuza Beach in Kamakura. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the sea breeze while savoring local cuisine or a cup of coffee. The terrace blends contemporary leisure with the traditional charm of Kamakura, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Hase-dera (Hase Temple)
- Address: 3 Chome-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (July – Mar), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Apr – Jun)
- Closed Days: Open year-round
- Usage Fee: ¥400 for adults
- Official Website URL: Hase-dera
Hase-dera, located in Kamakura, is renowned for its massive wooden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple’s terraced gardens offer spectacular views of the coastal city and its seasonal flowers, including hydrangeas and cherry blossoms. With its spiritual ambiance, stunning views, and cultural significance, Hase-dera provides a peaceful and enriching experience for all who visit.
Kanagawa Prefecture seamlessly integrates the beauty of nature with the depth of historical and cultural significance. From the strategic fortifications of Odawara Castle to the peaceful environs of Meigetsu-in and the spiritual and historical riches of Kamakura and Hase-dera, Kanagawa invites visitors to immerse themselves in experiences that echo through time. Whether exploring ancient temples set against the backdrop of natural beauty or delving into the vibrant life of modern attractions, Kanagawa offers a journey that is both enlightening and enchanting. Ensure to check the latest information and guidelines through official sources and enjoy the diverse and rich offerings of Kanagawa Prefecture to the fullest.