11 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Yamakita Town, Kanagawa | Welcome to Kanagawa’s Treasure Trove

Kanagawa's Representative Tourist Spots bring to mind places like the bustling Yokohama area, the charming Shonan coastal area, the historically rich Odawara area, and the relaxing hot springs of Hakone and more. However, this guide might pleasantly surprise you by offering a different image of Kanagawa.
The Yamakita Town and Nishitanzawa area are truly nature's treasure trove. You'll find numerous breathtaking views that will captivate your eyes and fill you with wonder and awe. You might even catch yourself exclaiming, "Is this really Kanagawa?"
In this travel guide, the first half introduces the tourist spots around Tanzawa Lake in the Nishitanzawa area of Yamakita Town, while the latter half covers tourist spots near Yamakita Station. Whether you have plans to visit or not, Yamakita Town is sure to become a top choice on your list. Now, let’s dive into the recommended tourist spots in Yamakita Town.

1. Tanzawa Lake

Tanzawa Lake is one of Kanagawa Prefecture's representative tourist destinations. Located in Nishitanzawa, Yamakita Town, this artificial lake was created in 1978 with the construction of Miho Dam, serving as an essential water reservoir for the people of Kanagawa. The lake harmonizes beautifully with its surrounding scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors.
The trees around Tanzawa Lake showcase vibrant seasonal changes, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful autumn foliage, delighting visitors year-round. In some areas, you can catch glimpses of the majestic Mount Fuji, making it a picture-perfect location. Tourists often find themselves snapping countless photos here.
Recreational activities such as boating, cycling, fishing, and camping are available, ensuring a fulfilling experience. In the summer, events like the "Canoe Marathon in Tanzawa Lake" and the "Tanzawa Lake Fireworks Festival" are held, while the "Tanzawa Lake Half Marathon" takes place in autumn. Visitors can tailor their experience to their schedule.
There are also restaurants that feature local delicacies like yamame trout, smelt fish, wild boar hot pot, and venison sashimi. Tanzawa Lake serves as a perfect starting point for exploring Nishitanzawa in Yamakita Town. With a spacious parking area, it's a highly convenient destination.

2. Tanzawa Lake Memorial Hall

On the shores of Tanzawa Lake, you'll find the "Tanzawa Lake Memorial Hall," a facility where you can learn about the history of the lake's creation. This building was established to commemorate the birth of Tanzawa Lake and features photo exhibits and video screenings, offering insights into the history of Nishitanzawa in Yamakita Town. The rooftop serves as an observation deck, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery.
The souvenir shop is well-stocked, and the adjacent "Miho House" is a relocated and restored traditional house from the Yosuke area, which was submerged during the construction of Miho Dam. A visit here provides a deeper understanding of the Nishitanzawa region.

3. Miho Dam

Next is Miho Dam, located at Tanzawa Lake in Yamakita Town. The dam is named after the former Miho Village, which now lies submerged under Tanzawa Lake due to the dam's construction. As you drive north along the prefectural road toward Tanzawa Lake, you can catch a glimpse of this impressive structure from your car window. The massive concrete dam, surrounded by green lawns, creates a striking balance of ruggedness and natural beauty.
Completed in 1978, Miho Dam is a rock-fill dam equipped with five flood gates. The scale of these gates makes this dam unique, even on a national level, and it’s sure to amaze enthusiasts. Since the dam doesn’t release water year-round, witnessing this spectacle during your visit would be incredibly lucky. Enjoy the awe-inspiring sight.
Additionally, there’s a park below the dam featuring a 1/50 scale miniature model of the dam, where visitors can also enjoy a simulation of the water release.

4. Yushin Valley

Known as the "Hidden Gem of Tanzawa," Yushin Valley is a breathtaking spot where the clear blue waters of the Kurokura River create a stunning phenomenon known as "Yushin Blue." The cobalt blue and emerald green hues sparkle under the sunlight, offering an unforgettable experience. You might find yourself thinking, "I can't believe such a place exists in Kanagawa" Truly, this is one of Yamakita Town's most cherished and remote tourist destinations.
However, accessing this mystical location isn’t easy. It requires a two-and-a-half-hour hike through mountain trails from the nearest parking lot or the Kurokura bus stop. Therefore, it's recommended to start your journey in the morning. The trail is not well-maintained, and the eight tunnels along the route lack lighting, so a flashlight is essential. Additionally, since weather conditions can change quickly in the area, it’s advisable to bring rain gear.
Note: As of December 2023, access to Yushin Valley is closed due to a landslide in October 2022. Please check the Yamakita Town official website for the latest updates.

5. Nishitanzawa Kanagawa Prefectural Forest

The Nishitanzawa Kanagawa Prefectural Forest is a serene woodland filled with cedar, cypress, and Japanese beech trees, offering a perfect space for relaxation. You can enjoy the calming effects of negative ions, listen to the chirping of wild birds, and read under the dappled sunlight for a peaceful holiday. As you ascend, you'll encounter beautiful beech forests and clusters of goyo azaleas. The forest also features paths leading through mitsumata thickets to one of the hiking routes up Hinokiboramaru, the fourth-highest peak in the Tanzawa Mountains.
To access the forest, there is a signpost indicating the turnoff on the way to Yushin Valley. Note that vehicle access is not permitted, so it’s essential to consider weather conditions and sunset times when planning your visit.

6. Nakagawa Onsen

Next is Nakagawa Onsen, a perfect spot in Nishitanzawa, Yamakita Town, to soothe your fatigue after sightseeing. Located further along the prefectural road beyond Tanzawa Lake, this onsen is known as one of Takeda Shingen's hidden hot springs. During the Sengoku period, Takeda Shingen and his followers reportedly healed their battle wounds from conflicts with Hojo Ujiyasu at Nakagawa Onsen. Its alkaline simple spring water is said to have numerous benefits, including relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, fatigue recovery, and general health improvement. It’s also rumored to have beautifying effects.
Popular inns such as Shingekan, Tokinosumika, and Aono Sanso offer day-use hot springs, while the public hot spring Bunanoyu is an easily accessible option for a quick soak. After hiking or sightseeing, a visit to one of these onsen spots is highly recommended.
The surrounding area is rich in nature, with the clear Nakagawa River flowing through, offering opportunities for fishing and barbecuing along the riverbanks. In autumn, the area is enveloped in vibrant fall foliage, while in winter, it is beautifully blanketed with snow. It’s the perfect retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests at the inns can also enjoy local delicacies such as river fish and wild boar hot pot. Be sure to visit Nakagawa Onsen in Yamakita Town for an unforgettable experience.

7. Nishitanzawa Visitor Center

The Nishitanzawa Visitor Center, located north of Tanzawa Lake, serves as an information hub for the Nishitanzawa area of Yamakita Town. Visitors can find the latest regional news, sightseeing highlights, hiking updates, and event details here. The center also features exhibits on the history of Nishitanzawa, and the friendly staff are available to answer a variety of questions. Additionally, the center hosts nature observation tours and mountain climbing workshops a few times a year, which you can participate in.
The center marks the trailheads for Mount Hinokiboramaru and Mount Azegamaru, making it an ideal spot for pre-hike preparations, final gear checks, and meeting points. Remember to submit your hiking registration before heading out. Access to the center is available via bus or car from JR Yaga Station in Yamakita Town. For the latest updates, visit their official website.

8. Hontana Falls

Hontana Falls, located approximately 90 minutes on foot northwest of the Nishitanzawa Visitor Center, is a spectacular waterfall with a height of about 60 meters. The trail leading to the falls is rugged and not well-maintained, so visitors are advised to proceed cautiously. There are sections where you need to cross streams, so take extra care during high water levels. Signboards are placed along the way to help guide you.
As you approach, Hontana suddenly emerges among the trees, offering an awe-inspiring sight. Surrounded by the invigorating spray of the waterfall and a wealth of negative ions, the 90-minute trek will feel well worth it. To the right of Hontana, there is another waterfall, adding to the stunning scenery.
Additionally, don’t miss visiting Shimojana Falls nearby, which boasts a height of 40 meters. Its open surroundings provide a remarkable sense of freedom. Both falls offer a secluded and breathtaking experience. When visiting Nishitanzawa in Yamakita Town, make sure to explore Hontana and Shimojana Falls.

9. Shasui Falls

Shasui Falls, one of Yamakita Town's most iconic landmarks, is a magnificent three-tiered waterfall located near JR Yamakita Station. The first tier has a height of 69 meters, the second is 16 meters, and the third is 29 meters. Unfortunately, visitors can only view the first tier, but its powerful presence is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Shasui Falls has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, Kanagawa's Top 50 Scenic Spots, and one of the Top 100 Exquisite Waters of Japan, with drinkable spring water available nearby. In the summer, the Shasui Falls Festival takes place, featuring dynamic taiko drum performances and a fire festival, making it a great time to visit.
Historically, this location is where a famous monk from the Kamakura period underwent a rigorous 100-day waterfall ascetic training. A statue of the Buddhist deity Fudō Myō-ō, established by the monk, is nearby and worth visiting. Immerse yourself in the refreshing negative ions and rich history during your trip to Yamakita Town.

10. Railway Park

Railway Park, located south of JR Yamakita Station and en route to Shasui Falls, features a large preserved steam locomotive. The park commemorates Yamakita Station’s historical significance as a key railway hub. Established during the opening of the Tōkaidō Line in 1889, Yamakita Station brought prosperity to the town. Although it later became part of the Gotemba Line, the locomotives that once operated here have been preserved.
At night, the steam locomotive is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that gives the impression it could come back to life at any moment.
The park is also renowned for its cherry blossom-lined pathway, attracting many visitors during the hanami season. A popular walking route begins at Yamakita Station, passes through Railway Park and the cherry blossom path, and continues to Kawamura Castle Site Historical Park, another notable attraction.

11. Kawamura Castle Ruins Historical Park

Finally, let’s introduce Kawamura Castle Ruins Historical Park, briefly mentioned earlier. During the Heian period, this site was home to the castle of the Kawamura samurai clan. In the Sengoku period, it became one of the strongholds of the Hōjō clan, serving as a crucial base against the Takeda clan of Kai Province. The castle was eventually abandoned during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Odawara campaign.
Today, the area has been transformed into a park, representing one of Yamakita Town's most prominent recreational spots. From the 225-meter-high hill, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Sakawa River and the surrounding townscape. When visiting Yamakita Town, take a moment to feel the breeze atop the hill while soaking in the scenery. Its proximity to JR Yamakita Station also makes it an ideal spot to explore while waiting for a train.

Summary of Yamakita Town's Tourist Spots

We’ve introduced 10 carefully selected must-visit tourist spots in Yamakita Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. From the serene beauty of the Nishitanzawa region around Lake Tanzawa to attractions near JR Yamakita Station, these destinations are bound to inspire a visit.
While Kanagawa Prefecture is often associated with urban landscapes, Yamakita offers a natural retreat with places like Yushin Valley and Shasui Falls. It’s the perfect starting point for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Kanagawa. Create beautiful memories and collect stories worth sharing with others during your trip.
This concludes the introduction to Yamakita Town's recommended tourist destinations.

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11 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Yamakita Town, Kanagawa | Welcome to Kanagawa’s Treasure Trove