Introduction to Kanagawa Prefecture
Located next to Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture is a large city with a population of approximately 13 million. Being adjacent to Tokyo, it has easy access to Tokyo and is popular as a base for business and sightseeing. It is also an attractive tourist destination with abundant nature, history, and culture that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In particular, Yokohama is a representative city of Japan and a bustling tourist destination with Minato Mirai, Yokohama Chinatown, commercial facilities where you can enjoy shopping, etc., and hotels ranging from casual to luxurious, satisfying every need. It is conveniently accessible by train from Narita International Airport to Yokohama in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and from Haneda Airport in about 30 minutes. Further afield, you can visit Kamakura, a city where you can learn about history and culture, and Hakone, famous for its hot springs.
Geographic location
Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of Honshu, facing Sagami Bay to the east and Tokyo Bay to the west. The prefectural capital is Yokohama City.
History & culture
Kanagawa Prefecture is a fascinating area for history enthusiasts, as it preserves the history of the Kamakura and Edo periods.
- Kamakura Period: Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture is where the Kamakura Shogunate was established. This place is very famous in Japanese history and is home to many Buddhist temples including the Great Buddha of Kamakura and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. At Kenchoji Temple and Engakuji Temple, you can enjoy beautiful flowers as well as history, and at the Zenarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, there is mysterious water that is said to increase many times over when money is washed and returned.
- The impregnable Odawara Castle: Odawara Castle in Odawara City is another famous historical spot. Despite being under heavy attack by the Takeda and Uesugi armies, both famous Japanese warlords, the castle was able to repel each attack and is said to be an impregnable castle that was never occupied.
- Western-style architecture from the Meiji era: Around Bashamichi and Kannai Stations in Yokohama, there are places where Western-style architecture from the Meiji era still remains. Although there are many modern buildings around the area, there are still buildings with a sense of history.
Tourist attraction
Kanagawa Prefecture offers the following tourist attractions.
Great Buddha of Kamakura
It is a 13.3-meter-high bronze statue of the Great Buddha in Kamakura. It is the second largest Buddha in Japan.
Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine
This shrine is located in Kamakura City and was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is said to grant various wishes.
Yokohama Chinatown
Located in Yokohama City, this is the largest Chinatown in Japan. There are many different kinds of restaurants, ranging from those where you can eat and drink steamed meat buns, baked small basket lunches, and desserts, to those where you can enjoy a full course meal of authentic Chinese cuisine. It is a spot where you can experience an exotic atmosphere even though you are in Japan.
Hakone
It is a hot spring resort rich in nature. It is accessible from Shinjuku Station by Odakyu Line in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and is a very popular tourist destination among Japanese people. If you visit Hakone, be sure to visit Lake Ashinoko and Owakudani.
Food culture
Kanagawa’s culinary culture is characterized by a wide variety of dishes that make the most of marine products.
Yokohama Iekei Ramen
Originating in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, this ramen features thick, straight noodles with a pork bone and soy sauce base. The combination of pork bones, soy sauce, and chicken oil gives it a very rich flavor.
Shiumai
This Chinese dish originated in Yokohama City. It is said that Shigekichi Nonami, the first president of Sakiyo-ken, wanted to create a specialty for Yokohama, so he borrowed the wisdom of chefs in the Chinatown and created this dish.
Original New Tantanmen
It is a salt-flavored chicken-based ramen with togarashi (red pepper), garlic, and tokitamago (soft-boiled egg), originating in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The large amount of garlic in this ramen requires that you be careful not to have bad breath, but once you try it, you will not be able to put it down. The spiciness can be adjusted in five levels.
Yokosuka Navy Curry
Yokosuka Navy Curry is a dish that has its roots in a nutritious curry-flavored stew introduced by the Japanese Navy during the Meiji era (1868-1912) as a countermeasure against beriberi. This curry was served on navy warships and later spread throughout the country by soldiers who had completed their military service. Yokosuka City is considered the birthplace of this curry, and today, curry based on the traditional recipe is served as a specialty of Yokosuka City as “Yokosuka Navy Curry. This curry is also used for regional promotion, and Yokosuka City is working to revitalize the city through curry.
Misaki tuna
Misaki Port on the Misaki Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture is famous for its fresh and delicious tuna. It is a great place for sightseeing because of the variety and quality of tuna landed from all over the world, and the many restaurants and stores that sell the tuna. Each type of tuna has a completely different flavor of flesh and fat, so it is important to understand exactly what kind of tuna you are looking for. Not all of the tuna in Misaki is high-end Japanese tuna, so be sure to check carefully.
Activities
Many activities can be enjoyed in Kanagawa.
Shonan Coastal Walk
You can enjoy swimming and surfing on the beautiful beach. The beach is lined with fashionable restaurants and has a great atmosphere, making it a great spot for families and couples alike. In summer, the beach is crowded with many people. You can also take a walk on the Enoden and stroll along the Shonan Coast.
Tour of power spots
Enoshima and Kamakura are famous as power spots for good luck. Perhaps because they are historical places, they have mystical power. It is recommended to visit these power spots in combination with a walk along the Shonan coast.
Eating and walking in Kamakura
Why not buy some sweets at a stylish cafe near JR Kamakura Station or buy a light meal and eat it while strolling around? As a popular spot among young Japanese people, sightseeing in Kamakura will be a very meaningful time for you.
Hakone Sightseeing
Hakone, accessible in about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Shinjuku, offers a variety of tourist attractions such as Owakudani, a sightseeing spot near the crater, a day spa, museums, a sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, and a barrier station, making it a fun place to spend a whole day. Then stay overnight in the hot spring resort of Hakone-Yumoto and enjoy the delicious food and hot springs. Experience the Japanese hospitality.
Seasonal Recommendations
Kanagawa offers seasonal attractions.
Spring
Cherry blossoms in Kamakura: The cherry blossoms that decorate the mountains, temples and shrines of Kamakura are spectacular.
Sea of Enoshima: In spring, the sea is clear and recommended for snorkeling and diving.
Summer
Summering in Hakone: Hakone is at a higher elevation in Kanagawa Prefecture and has cooler summers. A sightseeing boat ride on Lake Ashi is also a pleasant experience.
Sea bathing in Shonan: In summer, the beaches in Shonan are crowded. It is recommended to take the train on holidays, as the roads in the area are very congested.
Autumn
Autumn Foliage in Hakone: The mountains of Hakone change color and offer beautiful scenery.
Kamakura Autumn Leaves: The autumn leaves that decorate the temples and shrines in Kamakura are also spectacular.
Winter
Hakone Onsen: It is Japanese culture to take a hot spring bath in the cold winter. Spend a relaxing time at one of Hakone’s elegant hot springs.
Yokohama Illuminations: Illuminations that adorn the streets of Yokohama are a wintertime tradition.
Local Culture
Kanagawa Prefecture’s culture is represented by local festivals, the art scene, and religious observances.
Festival
Kamakura Festival: Every year, from the second to third Sunday of April, various events are held around Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine.
Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Minato Festival The Yokohama Parade: This is a standard event during Golden Week (around May 3). This lively parade features many spectacular marching bands and dance teams.
Traditional crafts
Kamakura Carvings: These beautiful products are made by skilled craftsmen who carefully carve detailed patterns of flowers and grasses, making them not only easy to use but also a pleasure to appreciate.
Odawara lanterns: These lanterns were useful to travelers crossing the Hakone Mountains in ancient times, and could be folded up small and tucked away in one’s pocket.
Transportation
Kanagawa Prefecture is easily accessible from Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport. It is accessible from Tokyo within an hour by train.
Railway
It is easily accessible from Tokyo by JR line, Keihin Kyuko line, Odakyu line, or Tokyu line. Although it is possible to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Yokohama, it is usually recommended to take the train for cost reasons.
Express Bus
You can also take a limousine bus from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. If you have time and money to spare, limousine buses are an option, as trains can be crowded and require transfers.
Lastly
Kanagawa Prefecture is a tourist destination with many different attractions and is located adjacent to Tokyo. You can enjoy history, culture, nature, gourmet food, and much more. Please visit. My home is close to Haneda Airport and I would be happy to assist you guys if you need a guide. See you in Japan someday!