Yokohama, just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, is a blend of historical buildings, beautiful parks, and a scenic port that welcomes foreign cruise ships. Its famous "Minato Mirai 21" district and the world’s largest Chinatown showcase the city's unique charm
Video by City of Yokohama, © City of Yokohama.
Kawasaki, located near Tokyo, is a major industrial city that developed post-WWII in the Keihin Industrial Zone. With growing inland development, it is also known for Kawasaki Daishi, a temple popular for New Year’s visits
Video by Kawasaki City, © Kawasaki City.
Kamakura, surrounded by mountains and sea, is where Japan's first samurai government was established under Minamoto no Yoritomo. Famous temples like Hase-dera and Meigetsu-in attract many visitors in the rainy season for their hydrangeas. Known as the "Little Kyoto" of Kanagawa
Video by Kamakura City, © Kamakura City.
Fujisawa, a residential city near Tokyo, is a tourist favorite for Enoshima Beach and Enoshima Island. The Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) runs through the city, with many visitors stopping at the famous railway crossing near Kamakura High School, featured in the manga Slam Dunk
Video by Fujisawa City Tourist Association, © Fujisawa City Tourist Association.
Hakone, shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years, is known for its hot springs, Lake Ashi, and beautiful landscapes. A popular retreat since the Meiji era, it offers a range of experiences, from relaxing in hot springs to exploring art museums and nature, all just a short trip from Tokyo
Video by Hakone Tourist Association, © Hakone Tourist Association.
Minato Mirai 21 is a major Yokohama tourist spot, offering shopping complexes, art museums, luxury hotels, parks with ocean views, cherry blossoms, and beautiful nightscapes. Its unique cityscape blends modern architecture with a foreign charm
Video by Minato Mirai 21 General Incorporated Association, © Minato Mirai 21 General Incorporated Association.
Yokohama Chinatown, formed after the port opened, is now one of the largest in the world with over 600 shops. It's known for its pailou gates, built with feng shui, and temples like Kanteibyo and Maso Shrine, dedicated to prosperity and various deities
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Sankeien is a large 180,000-square-meter Japanese garden opened in 1906 by businessman Hara Sankei. It is famous for seasonal flowers like plum, cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves, making it a key spot for experiencing Japanese culture in Yokohama
View on Google MapsThe Kawasaki Municipal Nihon Minka-en, also known as the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, showcases traditional Japanese farmhouses and buildings from various regions. Visitors can explore these preserved historic structures, gaining insight into rural life and architecture from Japan's past
Video by Kawasaki City, © Kawasaki City.
The Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is dedicated to the works of Fujiko F. Fujio, creator of "Doraemon." Located in Kawasaki, it features original artwork, character displays, and interactive exhibits celebrating his beloved characters and stories
Video by Fujiko-Museum Co., Ltd, © Fujiko-Museum Co., Ltd.
Kawasaki Daishi, founded in 1128, is a famous temple revered for its power to ward off evil. Especially popular during New Year's, it attracts visitors from across Japan seeking blessings for protection, family safety, good health, and longevity
Video by Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple, © Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple.
Meigetsu-in is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenchoji school, founded in the Muromachi period by Uesugi Norikata, a Kanto deputy. Along with Hase-dera, it is famous as the "Hydrangea Temple," with about 2,500 hydrangea plants lining the approach, known as "Meigetsu-in Blue"
View on Google MapsKencho-ji, founded in 1253 by Hojo Tokiyori, is Japan's first Zen training monastery, established with Chinese Zen master Lanxi Daolong. It remains the top-ranked of Kamakura’s Five Mountain temples and is known for its scenic paths and hilltop views
Video by Kenchoji Temple, © Kenchoji Temple.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, with a history dating back to 1063 CE. It is known for traditional events like yabusame (horseback archery) and the hamaya (protective arrow), preserving samurai culture
View on Google MapsKakuon-ji, founded in 1218, is a serene temple in Kamakura known for its moss-covered grounds and historical significance in Kamakura Buddhism. It houses important cultural treasures and offers a peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere
Video by Kakuonji Temple, © Kakuonji Temple.
Houkoku-ji is a Zen temple in Kamakura, famous for its serene bamboo grove. Known as the "Bamboo Temple," it offers a tranquil atmosphere for visitors, along with a traditional tea house and historical significance as a Rinzai Zen temple
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Kotokuin is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect founded by Honen, known for the Great Buddha of Kamakura, built in 1252. This bronze statue was crafted to pray for the peace of both the warrior government and the people
View on Google MapsHase-dera is the 4th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage and one of the most popular temples in Kamakura. Known as the “Temple of Flowers,” it offers scenic views of the sea and features a famous hydrangea path in early summer
Video by Hase-dera, © Hase-dera.
Odawara Castle was the stronghold of the Hojo clan, who ruled the Kanto region during the late 15th century. Today, it serves as a park with reconstructed castle towers and is famous for cherry blossoms, wisteria, and ancient trees over 500 years old
Video by Odawara City, © Odawara City.
The Pola Museum of Art opened in 2002 in Hakone’s Sengokuhara, blending with the surrounding forest using an underground structure. It holds a collection of 10,000 pieces, focusing on Western art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso
Video by POLA Museum of Art, © POLA Museum of Art.
Hakone Museum of Art, opened in 1952, is the oldest museum in Hakone. It showcases ceramics from Japan's six ancient kilns, as well as pottery from the Jomon period to the Edo period, offering seasonal views and special exhibitions
Video by Hakone Museum of Art, © Hakone Museum of Art.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, the first outdoor museum in Japan, harmonizes art with nature. Covering 70,000 square meters, it features many outdoor sculptures, allowing visitors to experience art while enjoying the surrounding environment
View on Google MapsOkada Museum of Art displays about 450 items, including Japanese and East Asian ceramics, Buddhist statues, and paintings from various eras. It gained attention for rediscovering lost works like Utamaro’s "Fukagawa in the Snow" and offers a footbath café using hot spring water
Video by Okada Museum of Art, © Okada Museum of Art.
Hakone Shrine has been a center of mountain worship at Mt. Hakone since its founding in 757 CE. It became a place of reverence for warrior families, including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, from the Kamakura period onward
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The Ten-en Hiking Trail follows the ridges of Mount Ohira (Google Maps) and Mount Tendai (Google Maps), connecting Kenchoji (Google Maps), the top-ranked Kamakura Five Mountain Temple, to Zuisenji Temple (Google Maps), known for its scenic garden. This 2-hour hike features stunning viewpoints, including panoramic views of Mount Fuji from Mount Ohira and vibrant autumn foliage in Shishimai Valley. With a maximum elevation of 159 meters, the trail includes rocky sections, so wearing comfortable clothing and familiar footwear is recommended for safety
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is located in central Japan and features Mount Fuji, Hakone, and the Izu Peninsula. Established in 1936, the park is known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and scenic views, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing
Video by Ministry of the Environment, © Ministry of the Environment.
Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi refers to the 53 stations along the Tokaido road, the main highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period. One of the most notable stops along this route is Hakone, a historic post town known for its beautiful natural scenery and hot springs
Yukake Matsuri in Yugawara is an annual festival held on the fourth Saturday of May. A portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried through town while spectators splash it with hot spring water from barrels, symbolizing blessings and purification
Video by Yugawara Onsen Tourism Association, © Yugawara Onsen Tourism Association.
The Bonbori Matsuri is held annually from the day before the Beginning of Autumn until August 9th. Local artworks are crafted into bonbori lanterns displayed along the shrine's approach and lit at dusk. The festival also features rituals like the Summer Purification Festival, Autumn Festival, and Minamoto no Sanetomo Festival
Photo by Kamakura City Tourist Association, © Kamakura City Tourist Association.
While many countries preserve diverse regional cuisines, Japan also offers its unique culinary journey. This video highlights select dishes, showcasing distinct local specialties and historical influences in the region
Video by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, © Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Yokohama Iekei Ramen originated in Yokohama in the 1970s. It features a rich, creamy pork and soy sauce broth, paired with thick, chewy noodles, and toppings like chashu pork, spinach, and seaweed. The dish is also customizable to suit personal preferences
Shirasu-don in Kamakura is a local dish with a bowl of rice topped with shirasu—tiny whitebait fish, either raw or boiled. Known for its light, fresh flavor, it’s often served with soy sauce, green onions, and ginger
Suzuhiro Kamaboko, founded in 1865 in Odawara, specializes in kamaboko, a traditional fish cake introduced to the region in the 12th century. Made from pureed white fish and steamed into distinctive shapes, it's enjoyed as a delicacy or in soup
Video by Suzuhiro Co.,Ltd, © Suzuhiro Co.,Ltd.
JR EAST, a division of the Japan Railways Group, serves the Tohoku and Kanto regions, as well as parts of Chubu region. Suica, its popular rechargeable smart card, facilitates transportation and cashless payments nationwide. However, it's region-specific and cannot be used for inter-JR region travel, except for special Shinkansen deals via Express Reservations
JR EAST offers various ticket deals and passes catering to different travel needs in eastern Japan. Find your best from the above link
Odakyu Electric Railway operates key rail lines, including the Odawara and Enoshima Lines, and provides bus services to popular destinations like Hakone, Enoshima, and Kamakura. Their EMot platform enhances travel convenience by offering electronic tickets and various travel services
Hakone Freepass BrochureNexco Central, one of Japan's three expressway management companies, offers international car renters unlimited access to the Japan Expressway network for a flat fee, covering most sections, with some exclusions
Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone is a scenic toll road in Kanagawa Prefecture, renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscapes. Opened in 1965, the road stretches approximately 17 kilometers and connects Ashi Lake and the Hakone area, making it popular among both tourists and local drivers
Video by Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone, © Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone.
Kanagawa Prefecture, just a short distance from the capital, offers a perfect blend of convenience and affordability for travelers seeking rich cultural experiences without venturing far. Historically shaped by the Tokaido Road, a key route between Edo (modern Tokyo) and Kyoto, the area still reflects this legacy. Yokohama showcases cosmopolitan charm, Kamakura, often called a "little Kyoto," offers ancient temples and serene landscapes, while Hakone provides tranquil hot springs. Along Sagami Bay, the abundant marine life offers fresh seafood, underscoring the prefecture’s deep connection to both nature and history—all within easy reach of the capital.
Video by Kanagawa Prefectural Government, © Kanagawa Prefectural Government.
