If You’re Touring Ayase, Start Here! 9 Must-See Spots to Visit

Located next to Ebina City on the Sagamino Plateau, Ayase City is one of the newest areas in Kanagawa Prefecture. With its abundant fields and greenery, the peaceful scenery of Ayase includes opportunities to spot wild birds and fireflies.
Ayase is also a city that actively supports location services for filming, so you might recognize scenes from famous dramas or movies filmed here! While it's fun to tour the filming locations around Ayase, this time we want to highlight the classic sightseeing spots that are perfect for first-time visitors.
To truly get to know Ayase's charm, start with these 9 tourist destinations! Be sure to check them out before you head out.

1. Gosha Shrine

The first tourist attraction we introduce in Ayase is Gosha Shrine. It is said that this shrine was established when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, during his expedition to the eastern provinces, enshrined five local deities including Amaterasu Omikami.
Within the shrine grounds, you'll find the “Yamato Takeru Mikoto Sitting Stone,” believed to have been sat upon by the hero during his campaign, as well as the sacred tree “Giant Chinquapin Tree.” Both the sacred tree and the main hall, along with the ridge tag, are designated cultural properties of Ayase City. With five local deities enshrined here, you might just feel their powerful presence while sightseeing.
By the way, the landscape stamp at the nearby “Ayase-Chu Post Office” features the Yamato Takeru Sitting Stone and the sacred tree from this shrine.

2. Kanigaya Park

Located in the southwest of Ayase City near Fujisawa City, Kanigaya Park is a park developed by making use of the terrain—lowlands, slopes, and plateaus.
In the lowland area, there's a marsh garden nourished by spring water, where you can admire about 19,000 plants including iris and Japanese irises. It's also a great spot for birdwatching, with birds like kingfishers and Eurasian wrynecks. Why not try taking your best shot using the walking trails?
From the observation deck, you can enjoy views of Lake Tanzawa and Mt. Fuji, especially captivating at sunset. With different birds and plants visible by season, Kanigaya Park is a place you’ll want to visit more than once.

3. Miharashiba (Scenic Viewpoint)

This one’s for train enthusiasts! Located at the southernmost part of the Mekujiri River running through Ayase, “Miharashiba” offers a close-up view of passing Shinkansen trains.
Because the area in front is farmland, there's nothing to obstruct your view—allowing you to see far and wide. If you're lucky, you might even spot the eye-catching yellow “Doctor Yellow” train!
Depending on the season, you can also enjoy blooms like rapeseed and poppies at Miharashiba. Sit back on a bench and enjoy the scenery of Ayase City at your leisure.

4. Shiroyama Park

Hayakawa Castle was once the stronghold of Shibuya Shigekuni, a vassal of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The ruins have long been called “Shiroyama” and are now developed into Shiroyama Park.
This is the largest park in Ayase City, featuring remnants like moats and embankments, as well as plazas, a flower and tree garden, a cooking area, and a Japanese garden. In late March, the cherry blossoms—selected as one of the “Top 100 Flower Spots in Kanagawa”—are in full bloom, and around May, about 500 rose bushes also reach peak beauty.
The park also hosts a “Candle Night” event every year on the nights of the summer and winter solstices, with about 2,000 candles lighting up the grounds. It's a great opportunity to reflect on energy conservation and environmental issues.

5. Ayase Grand Summer Festival

Dance your heart out in Ayase during summer! Held every August, the “Ayase Grand Summer Festival” is a major event featuring Awa Odori, Bon Odori, and Yosakoi dances that you can join in and enjoy.
Other highlights include marching bands, traditional music performances, and mikoshi (portable shrine) parades. The festival finale is a fireworks show—expect to be awestruck by the starmine fireworks launched from just 400 meters away!
Though Ayase has no train station, it is accessible by car or bus and is absolutely worth the visit.

6. Koryo Park

Koryo Park, located in the northeast of Ayase near the Atsugi Air Base, features a baseball field used for youth leagues, a Japanese garden, and a rose garden.
Families with children will enjoy “Wanpaku Plaza,” where there’s a large ship-shaped playground. There’s also a water play area and a hill where kids can slide down using cardboard.
The roses and cherry blossoms are major attractions here. The rose garden boasts 28 varieties and about 900 bushes, offering not only visual delight but also a sweet fragrance.
Across the street is “Nagamine Natural Forest,” perfect for a nature walk to enjoy even more of Ayase’s greenery.

7. Ho-onji Temple

Did you know there’s a temple in Ayase known for its “Helping Kannon”? Ho-onji Temple, founded in 1602 by Zen master Chogan Sonshuku, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple with a principal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The “Helping Kannon” gained fame due to the experience of Zen master Taigaku Togen, who saw the Kannon while deployed to Taiwan and returned safely. During the war, many came to Ayase to worship, hoping for similar blessings.
In the temple grounds, you'll find a Kannon statue carved by Taigaku Togen himself, as well as smaller ones donated by worshippers. On the first Sunday of each month, a Zen meditation session is held in the early morning—why not start your Ayase sightseeing with a calming visit?

8. Ryonan Park

Ryonan Park is the only waterfront park in Ayase City. The east side of the river features a plaza with water and playground equipment, while the west side has sports fields and a cooking area.
In summer, visitors can enjoy water play and large playgrounds. When you’re hungry, it’s the perfect spot for a BBQ with friends and family. Be aware that the cooking area requires a reservation in advance.
Both sides of the park have parking lots, but early arrival is recommended for those driving. It's also a great cherry blossom spot in spring—gather your loved ones and come enjoy Ayase!

9. Atsugi Air Base

Atsugi Air Base is a must-mention when talking about Ayase! Most of the base area is in Ayase City and it is jointly operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy.
It’s the only aviation facility in Kanagawa Prefecture where jet takeoffs and landings are possible. If you’re in Ayase, a visit to the base is highly recommended.
Visitors can explore the museum, view aircraft up close, and even experience maintenance simulations. There’s plenty here even for non-military or aviation fans.
Events like the “Japan-U.S. Friendship Festival” are also held here. Just remember that since it’s a joint U.S. military facility, ID is required to enter.

◎ Summary

From natural beauty to festivals and uniquely Ayase spots, we’ve introduced a wide range of sightseeing highlights. There are still many more intriguing locations to discover, like scenic cycling roads, Adventure Forest, and wasabi fields with fireflies.

Although Ayase City doesn’t have its own train station, it is well connected by buses, and accessible from Shibuya in about an hour via nearby Ebina Station. Touring by local bus like a TV travel show could be a fun and refreshing way to explore Ayase!