Region
Kanto
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Yokohama
Population
8,489,932

Kanagawa

Seaside, shrines and so much more

A blend of nature and city life

Home to some of the most iconic views in Japan, Kanagawa is not to be missed. Whether you gaze at Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko or walk along the beach from Enoshima to Kamakura at sundown. A trip to Kanagawa will keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a good balance of nature and a slower, city life then Kanagawa is a great day trip option.

Just a few hours from Tokyo depending on where you’re coming from, it’s one of the most accessible destinations leaving much for you to explore at your own pace.

Yokohama

Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama is a city of diverse districts. The futuristic seafront of Minatomirai is full of international shops and restaurants while further along at Motomachi-Chukagai is Japan’s largest Chinatown.

Foreigner friendly bars in Yokohama!

You’ll need to don your stretchy pants for a visit to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, a food theme park of nine restaurants selling ramen from different regions of Japan.

If you’ve not had your fill of noodles yet then there’s also the Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum. The experience of walking around the city is so much more relaxed than neighboring Tokyo. You can easily spend a day or so just going at your own pace and eating your way through the city with most options within walking distance.

Hakone

Hakone Kanagawa Mt. Komagatake Ropeway

Mt. Komagatake Ropeway in Hakone

If you head west, stopping by Odawara to see the famous castle, you’ll enter the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and arrive at Hakone, one of Kanto’s most popular hot spring resort towns. Gorgeous views of Mount Fuji are hard to miss, but you might be fighting for a photo opportunity among the crowds of weekend-trippers from Tokyo.

Board the ropeway to Owakudani Valley and try out the famous black eggs that are said to lengthen your life by seven years. It’s best to stay during the week when you’ll have the postcard-perfect scenery all to yourself.

Kamakura

Daibutsu. The Great Buddha of Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura

The impressive stone Buddha at Kotukuin Temple.

Often referred to as the “Kyoto of East Japan,” Kamakura is a treasure trove of shrines and temples. For standouts, Kotokuin temple is known for its enormous bronze statue of Buddha sitting serenely in the open air. Access the biggest temples via Hase station and stroll around the streets lined with traditional shops selling hato-sabure, a special dove-shaped biscuit unique to the Kamakura region.

Hop on the historic Enoden train to Enoshima Island for beaches, surfing and local shirasudon, tiny white fish harvested along the coastline served with just about anything (including ice cream).

Start your own adventure with the destinations listed below!

Trivia

Top 10 Foreigner-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Yokohama

Yokohama is for (beer) lovers.

More

Places to visit

Kamakura

A spiritual seaside getaway close to Tokyo with shrines, temples and big buddha.

Hakone Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan.

Hakone Museum of Art

A ceramics museum with a beautiful Japanese garden and handicraft shop.


5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Kanagawa

Volcanic eggs, massive pork buns, and fish ice cream.

Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival in Kanagawa Japan

Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival

Early sakura in Kanagawa!


See the impressive stone Buddha at Kotukuin temple., Kamakura

Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

If size matters, Kamakura’s bronze-cast idol proves that bigger is better.

Kawasaki Halloween Parade

Kawasaki Halloween Parade

Don’t get the blues over drinking being banned in Shibuya, Kawasaki is where the real ghouls party.


anatanowarehouse

Anata no Warehouse

A dystopian arcade you don't want to bring the kids to.

Poop Museum Yokohama poop game

Unko Museum Yokohama

Welcome to Japan’s first poop museum.


Pikachu Outbreak Yokohama

Yokohama Pikachu Outbreak

Gotta catch Japan's cutest summer festival.

Kanamara Penis Festival in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kanamara Penis Festival

Celebrate fertility with penis-themed goodies at this wild annual festival in Kanagawa.


Secret Retro Base

Tired of temples? Go to this secret games base in Kamakura and get your Mario Bros. on.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 15, 2015: Yokohama's Chinatown district at night. It is the largest Chinatown in Japan.

Yokohama Chinatown

If you can deal without the Great Wall or the Terracotta Army, then you can get on with your life knowing that there’s a not-so-little slice of China just half an hour away from Tokyo.


A train of the Enoshima Electric Railway (or Enoden) arriving at Enoshima Station.

Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)

Round, round, get around…

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

The Cup Noodle Museum may have the better location, but this buried gem of deliciousness will make you fall in love with Ramen all over again.


Uchiki Pan Bakery

Only in Yokohama, this local bakery favorite is unassuming but consistently delicious.

Hokoku-ji Temple

Soothe your soul in the sea of bamboo while sipping expertly prepared green tea.


Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Wash your hard-earned cash in a money-multiplying spring.

Inamuragasaki Beach

Dark sand and endless ocean: Catch a wave in Kamakura.


Inamuragasaki Park

Romanchikku! A famous seaside location for anime and TV dramas, coupled with panoramic bay views.

Hase-dera Temple

From caves, to ocean views, to grand statues, this Kamakura temple is worth much more than just a quick look.


Monument for LARA

Two stones in Yokohama tell a big story of generosity and spirit.

Panorama view at Yokohama minato mirai bayside in evening

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Find some of the coolest bars, restaurants and seasonal events and relive over 100 years of Yokohama history.


Hakone Checkpoint

Check in at Hakone's historic gate.

Owakudani

Be Queen (or King) of dragons at this volcanic attraction.


Hakone Open Air Museum

As if the natural beauty of Hakone wasn’t inspiring enough.

Gora Park and Hakone Craft House

It may be cold outside but it’s blazing hot in here.


Enoshima Sea Candle

An iconic lighthouse that doubles as a viewing tower, the Enoshima Sea Candle keeps watch over Sagami Bay.

Odawara Castle

Odawara

No need to venture far from Tokyo for epic history, stunning nature and exceptional seafood.


Mt.Fuji and Enoshima View from Inamuragasaki coast of Kamakura.

Enoshima

For a summer getaway from Tokyo, there's no better than Enoshima.

Japan landscape with Mount Fuji - Lake Shoji (Shojiko) and the famous volcano. Part of Fuji Five Lakes in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Hakone

Competition for the most beautiful region of Japan is fierce but Hakone is a serious contender.


Lake Ashinoko

Surrounded by forest, mountains and clear blue sky, Lake Ashinoko is a picture-perfect retreat.

Kencho-ji 24,2012: Kenchoji Temple Kara-Mon is photoed from the front.Repair was completed in May, 2011. The figure at the time of reconstruction was reproduced.

Kenchoji Temple

Leader of the temple pack.


Meigetsuin Temple

A not-so-secret garden.

Yokohama is Tokyo's chic and cosmopolitan neighbor.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a quirky city with an ocean view and enough personality to make even it’s big brother Tokyo jealous.


Eating Instant Noodles with a Plastic Fork

Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum

So enjoyable they capitalized the name.

Other Destinations in Kanto

chiba city Japan

Chiba

There’s a lot more to Japan’s international gateway than you might expect.

Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture Japan

Gunma

Within toe-dipping distance of Tokyo, Gunma's onsen haven is the perfect bathing escape.

Fukuroda Falls, Ibaraki

Ibaraki

Full of interesting sights, Ibaraki prefecture should natto be underestimated.

Tunnel of Ema at Hikawa Shrine Saitama 2

Saitama

If you’re looking for a no-hassle escape from the city life, Saitama is the place to run to.

Tochigi

Hear Tochigi, see Tochigi, speak (about) Tochigi.

Tokyo Skyline Japan Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

From glittering skyscrapers to rickety ramen shacks, Tokyo is a dazzling mix of the ultra modern and traditional.

This Month’s Top Spots

Nagoya City Aichi Park

Aichi

Aichi prefecture is the dynamic capital of Japanese industrialization.

Tokyo Skyline Japan Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

From glittering skyscrapers to rickety ramen shacks, Tokyo is a dazzling mix of the ultra modern and traditional.

Tap into Tokyo’s Manga and Anime Scene

Tokyo, Japan - August 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The well known electronics district specializes in the sales of video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.

Akihabara

Ah, Akihabara. Where to even begin? Electric town. Cool Japan. Anime Center. Themed cafes. The list is...

Manhole cover in Ghibli museum, Tokyo-Japan.

Ghibli Museum

A whimsical wonderland that is heartbreakingly charming.