7 Things to Do in Kanagawa Prefecture

Just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture offers a delightful mix of ancient temples in Kamakura, relaxing hot springs, and beautiful coastal beaches. With thriving cities like Yokohama rich in culture and history, Kanagawa is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Yokohama

Yokohama, just a short trip from central Tokyo, is definitely the highlight of Kanagawa Prefecture. The city has something for everyone, from the trendy Motomachi area and Japan's largest Chinatown to the lively Minato Mirai 21 waterfront. You can explore historic brick warehouses, stroll along the romantic seaside promenade, and take in the views from the iconic Ferris wheel. There's a real charm to Yokohama that makes it a must-visit!

Enoshima

Enoshima is a delightful summer escape filled with lush gardens, shrines, and caves to explore, plus a fantastic day spa. Just a quick trip across the water, you'll find beautiful sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or surfing.

Hakone

Hakone is a serene retreat famous for its soothing hot springs and the breathtaking beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji rising majestically behind the lush hills and forests. A must-see is the iconic lakeside shrine, marked by its striking red torii gate partially submerged in the water.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a historic temple town, boasting most of Kanagawa's prominent Buddhist temples. While the Great Buddha and its picturesque stone steps are major attractions, there's much more to discover. Nestled by the sea, Kamakura features stunning beaches and scenic hiking trails. It's also famous for its vegetarian cuisine, which draws inspiration from the traditional diet of monks.

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle, the pride of Odawara City, was once the stronghold of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Although the current castle tower and gates are only remnants of its original grandeur from the Kamakura Period around 1200 AD, the castle has undergone several restorations over the years. Today, Odawara Castle is celebrated as one of Japan's finest castles.

Cape Kannonzaki

Located on the Boso Peninsula, Cape Kannonzaki is renowned for its vibrant hydrangeas in the summer, beautiful beaches, and stunning seaside views. Key attractions in the area include the Kannonzaki Lighthouse, the Yokosuka Museum of Art, and Hashirimizu Shrine. This picturesque cape is situated in the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture, just southeast of Yokosuka.

Mount Oyama

Mount Oyama makes for an excellent day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. This accessible mountain is well-prepared for adventurers of all fitness levels, so you won’t have to worry about finding toilets, food, or water along the way. After hiking or taking the cable car to the halfway point, you can relax, grab a snack, visit the shrine, or explore the deer park. If you're up for a challenge, a complete hike to the summit—without the cable car—takes about five hours.

In Conclusion

Whether you're planning a day trip from Tokyo or a longer stay, Kanagawa Prefecture offers a wealth of exciting activities and intriguing places to discover.