Kanagawa · 27 Places · Best March-May, September-November
Kanagawa Prefecture is a diverse region south of Tokyo offering everything from the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama to the ancient temples of Kamakura and the volcanic hot springs of Hakone. It combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, including stunning views of Mount Fuji and the rugged Shonan coastline.
Kanagawa Prefecture lies just south of Tokyo and is home to Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama, as well as historic Kamakura with its iconic Great Buddha. The prefecture offers an extraordinary range of experiences: from the neon-lit streets of Yokohama's Chinatown to the serene Zen temples of Kamakura, and from the geothermal hot springs of Hakone with its iconic views of Mount Fuji to the surf beaches of the Shonan coast. With excellent train connections making Tokyo accessible in under 30 minutes, Kanagawa combines the benefits of a world-class destination with convenient urban infrastructure.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The iconic 13.35-metre bronze Great Buddha of Amida, cast in 1252, is Japan's second-tallest bronze Buddha and one of Kanagawa's most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can enter the hollow interior of the statue for an additional fee.
Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine, founded in 1063 and rebuilt by shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The grand approach lined with stone lanterns and lotus ponds leads to a striking vermilion main hall on a hilltop.
The largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world, with over 600 restaurants, shops, and temples in a dense labyrinthine quarter. The ornate Kanteibyo Temple at its heart is a spiritual anchor for the Chinese community.
Yokohama's futuristic waterfront district featuring the Landmark Tower, Cosmo World amusement park, the Cup Noodles Museum, MARK IS shopping mall, and one of Japan's most beautiful nighttime cityscapes.
Japan's first open-air art museum, established in 1969, set across 70,000 sqm of landscaped grounds. Features over 120 sculptures by Rodin, Henry Moore, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Japanese masters, plus five indoor galleries including a dedicated Picasso Pavilion with 300 works.
An active volcanic area created by the eruption of Mt. Hakone 3,000 years ago. Famous for its sulfurous vents, bubbling pools, and the kuro-tamago — black eggs hard-boiled in the volcanic springs, said to add seven years to your life.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Lakeside luxury resort on the shores of Lake Ashi with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Features Western and Japanese rooms, multiple restaurants, and outdoor hot spring baths.
Check rates on Booking.comJapan's oldest Western-style hotel (est. 1878), steeped in history and retaining its elegant Victorian-era architecture. A national registered cultural property with beautiful Japanese gardens, outdoor pool, and onsen.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury 5-star hotel in Yokohama's waterfront district, steps from Yamashita Park and Chinatown. Elegant rooms with harbor views, a rooftop bar, and a full-service spa.
Check rates on Booking.comIconic 31-story tower at the heart of Minato Mirai with spectacular harbor and skyline views. Features Japanese and international restaurants, a health club, and stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
One of Yokohama Chinatown's most historic and beloved restaurants, operating since 1892. Famous for its rich, braised pork belly (kakuni), Peking duck, and fresh dim sum. Multi-story with private dining rooms.
A Chinatown institution since 1884, Heichinrou is renowned for its elegant atmosphere and traditional Cantonese cooking. The Chinatown set lunch is a popular value option.
Popular chain serving Nagasaki-style champon noodles — a hearty ramen-like dish with vegetables, pork, and seafood in a rich broth. A quick, satisfying, and affordable meal.
Eight ramen shops from across Japan in one retro-styled 1950s streetscape. Sample Sapporo miso, Hakata tonkotsu, Tokyo shoyu, and more. Mini-size bowls (500 JPY) allow you to try multiple styles.
Originator of the Yokohama ie-kei (home-style) ramen — a thick, creamy tonkotsu-shoyu hybrid with firm noodles, sliced pork, and spinach. This style has spawned hundreds of imitators across Japan.
Hugely popular sushi chain known for enormous portions at fair prices. Fresh seasonal fish, generous toppings spilling off the rice, and a lively counter atmosphere. Expect queues at peak times.
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Excellent rail network connects all major destinations
Daily spend by tier in JPY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $250 |
| Food (per day) | $15 | $40 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $10 | $15 | $20 |
| Daily total | $60 | $150 | $400+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Japan.
Japan is earthquake-prone. Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety: drop to your knees, take cover under a sturdy table, hold on, and stay away from windows. Many hotels display evacuation routes.
Typhoon season runs July–October. Monitor forecasts via the Japan Meteorological Agency (jma.go.jp) or the Safety Tips app. If a typhoon warning is issued, stay indoors, avoid coastal and river areas.
Coastal areas including Kamakura, Enoshima, and Yokohama have tsunami risk after major earthquakes. Know the location of tsunami evacuation signs (blue signs with wave icon) and move to higher ground immediately if a warning is issued.
Hakone's Owakudani volcanic valley occasionally restricts access due to increased sulfuric gas emissions. Check Kanagawa Prefecture's official hazard level before visiting. Those with respiratory conditions should take extra precautions.
Traffic drives on the left in Japan. Pedestrians cross at designated crossings only; jaywalking is uncommon and can be dangerous in busy Yokohama intersections. Be alert for cyclists on footpaths.
Summers (July–September) can be dangerously hot and humid (30–35°C). Drink water regularly, wear sunscreen, seek shade during midday, and be alert for heat stroke symptoms. Convenience stores are everywhere and sell cold drinks cheaply.
Pickpocketing is rare in Japan but can occur in crowded tourist spots like Yokohama Chinatown and Kamakura during peak season. Keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag. Lost property is frequently turned in to police boxes (koban).
Japan has very low scam rates. Be cautious of touts near some Yokohama nightlife areas who may invite you into overpriced bars or clubs. Reputable establishments do not solicit on the street.
Stand behind the yellow tactile line on train platforms. Priority seats near train doors are reserved for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers — vacate them if needed. Do not eat on local trains (fine on shinkansen).
Hakone and Kamakura hiking trails can become slippery after rain. Wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and download offline maps before setting out. Some trails near Owakudani may be closed without notice.
Yokohama has excellent hospitals; Yokohama City University Hospital and Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital both have international patient departments. In emergencies dial 119 for ambulance/fire, 110 for police.
Remove shoes when entering temples, traditional ryokan, and some restaurants. Tattoos may restrict access to some onsen. Avoid speaking loudly on trains or public transport. Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.
Download the free 'Safety Tips' app (JNTO) for real-time earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.
Entry requirements follow Japan rules. Most Western visitors can enter visa-free for 90 days. A valid passport required. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Kanagawa is the Japanese Yen (JPY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Kanagawa: Japanese. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Kanagawa include Kotoku-in Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Yokohama Chinatown (Chukagai), Minato Mirai 21, and Hakone Open-Air Museum (Chokoku no Mori). Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Kanagawa has one of Japan's best public transportation networks, with an extensive web of trains, subways, buses, and ferries connecting all major destinations. The Suica or Pasmo IC card is essential for seamless travel. Most sightseeing within the prefecture is easily done by train.
