Kanagawa, Japan is located next to Tokyo, and there are a lot of places to visit – the old capital; Kamakura, a small island; Enoshima, a capital of Kanagawa; Yokohama, a castle in Odawara, hot springs in Hakone, etc. Let’s explore things to do in Kanagawa!
Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan
Information
The population of Kanagawa prefecture is 8,976,954 (in 2019) which is the 2nd most next to Tokyo in Japan. Yokohama city, Kawasaki city, and Sagamihara city are very big cities in Kanagawa.
Seaside
The south part of Kanagawa is on the ocean, so that you can have seafood and good ocean views, too.
Just want you to know this: you SHOULD RUN far away from ocean as far as you can, and go higher place (it must be more than 3rd floor), if earthquakes happens when you are around ocean side.
I don’t want to get you scared but it is better to know.
Enoden Train Line
Enoden Train has started running in 1902, and still working. It’s running slow actually because the train rail goes in between private houses. Also you can have a beautiful view from train.
I would recommend you to get on a ride, and visit Enoshima and Kamakura!
Enoshima
It’s a small island that you can go on a day trip from Tokyo! Also you can access to Kamakura by Enoden Line which runs next to the coast, and brings you an amazing experience. It gets packed with people especially on the weekend in summer.
Enoshima island Guide – Spots for Food & Sightseeing, Route | Shonan Area
Exploring the Old Capital in Kamakura
In the Kamakura era, there was a government here so that there are many old shrines and temples. The most famous temple would be a big buddha. Especially, it is beautiful on the season of hydrangea and autumn!
Yokohama
Yokohama is a capital of Kanagawa prefecture. There was one of 5 ports that Japanese government opened for trading with USA in 1585, so that there are still many things effected by culture from other countries. I personally like the red bricks warehouse there where hold a lot of events.
Yokohama Minatomirai – must go Shops, Photo spots, Restaurants, etc.
Hakone
It is easy to get there from Tokyo, like it takes 1h + 15mins by Romance car train in Odakyu Line from Shinjuku.
Ashinoko Lake and Hakone Shrine
There is Ashinoko lake, and you can also have a view of Mt. Fuji from some places. There are many hot springs in Hakone, and it is nice a getaway from busy concrete jungle on weekend 🙂
Odawara
Castle
Odawara castle is one of most famous castles in Kanagawa, there is not much stuff around though.
You can get to know its history inside castle, also go up to the top of this castle which is fun 🙂
Kamaboko (Food)
Kamaboko is fishcake, one of Kanagawa specialties. They also have a Kamaboko museum too. It might not be a first place that I would recommend on your first trip, but it might be fun to go if you have a spare time to explore, or you want to go see a castle.
Yokosuka + Sarushima island
It’s not famous place that many tourists visit. There is US navy base, so there are a lot of non-Japanese people and stores/restaurants in English too.
Sarushima is an unpopulated island where you can go by boat from Mikasa, Yokosuka.
Kanagawa is right next to Tokyo but not many people visit on their trip. Hope you can find your way to explore it 🙂
