Kanagawa, just south of Tokyo, packs extraordinary variety into a small area: Japan’s largest Chinatown in Yokohama, the ancient Buddhist city of Kamakura, the seaside resort town of Enoshima, and the classic views of Mt. Fuji across Sagami Bay.
Top Attractions
1. Kamakura Great Buddha
The Kotoku-in’s giant bronze Buddha sits serenely in the open air — 13.35 meters tall, one of Japan’s most iconic images. Kamakura was Japan’s political capital in the 12th century and is rich with temples and hiking trails through bamboo forests.
2. Yokohama
Japan’s second largest city has a cosmopolitan, port-city energy unlike anywhere else. Yamate’s Western-style villas, the neon of Chinatown, the sleek Minato Mirai waterfront, and the Cup Noodles Museum make it a full day’s destination.
3. Hakone
Hakone is famous for its hot springs, ryokan, and on clear days, jaw-dropping views of Mt. Fuji across Lake Ashi. The open-air sculpture museum (Hakone Open Air Museum) is one of Japan’s finest.
Food & Drink
Yokohama claims to be the birthplace of Japanese Chinese food (Chuka ryori). Kamakura is known for its Shirasu (whitebait) dishes. Hakone offers mountain hot spring cuisine with locally foraged ingredients.
Getting There
Kamakura is 1 hour from Tokyo on the Yokosuka Line. Yokohama is 30 minutes. Hakone is 85 minutes on the Odakyu Romancecar.
