History / Culture / Tour Spots in Kanagawa Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Kotoku-in Temple (Kamakura Daibutsu)

4.5

3055 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 4-2-28

A Pure Land Buddhist temple founded by the great priest Honen. The 11.3 meter tall, 121 ton giant copper Buddha statue known as the Kamakura Daibutsu, a National Treasure, is the temple’s principal object of worship and depicts a seated Amitabha. The original daibutsu was made of wood and was destroyed by a typhoon. The copper form of the current statue first began to be cast in 1252. This figure, too, was damaged by typhoons and earthquakes but was repaired each time, leading to its current excellent condition. The interior of the statue can be viewed and from here visitors can see evidence of the repairs that have been made.

Kotoku-in, the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) Temple - the landmark of Kamakura. I took a bus from the train station which is also a bus terminal, in fact several buses go past that area. Had to pay an...
Hasedera Temple

4.5

1733 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Hase 3-11-2

Hasedera Temple is located around five minutes’ walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line. Besides the Kannon Hall, which houses an impressive statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) with eleven heads, the temple complex also includes six other main buildings, including the Amida-do, Taikoku-do, and Benten-do buildings. Hasedera Temple is situated in one of the most scenic parts of Kamakura, and there is an observation platform with spectacular views of Kamakura’s streets and coastline. With beautiful trees and flowers that change with the seasons, the Hasedera Temple has been called “Kamakura’s Western Paradise,” and is affectionately known as the “temple of flowers.”

Really great place to visit in Kamakura its a must see! The temple is beautiful however it also has a fantastic view next to it of the coastline which is great for some photos. There is also a...
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

4.0

1615 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yukinoshita 2-1-31

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was called the guardian deity of the samurai of Kamakura. The story of the shrine began when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi transferred the division of the kami (deity) from Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto, where he prayed for good fortune in warfare, to Yuigahama and re-enshrined Hachiman kami as the clan deity of the Minamoto clan after the Oshu region was pacified. Later, when Minamoto no Yoritomo entered Kamakura under the banner of reviving the Minamoto clan, the shrine was moved to its current location, and was later reorganized into two shrines, the upper and lower shrines, befitting the Kamakura shogunate's sosha (headquarters). The shrine is still popular today as a shrine associated with the samurai Genji clan and Minamoto no Yoritomo, and is sometimes counted as one of the three major Hachiman shrines. Yabusame (traditional horseback archery) ritual is held every year in spring and fall, performed by the samurai archer dressed in traditional hunting costumes from the Kamakura period. It is spectacular.

Huge compound surrounded by a few gardens, long flight of stairs to the top but cant go into the temple itself so its just walking around on the outside. Theres also a Maruyama Inari Shrine...
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

4.0

1011 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Shinyokohama 2-14-21

This food theme park, which opened in the Shin-Yokohama district in 1994, was built around the concept of being able to eat ramen from all over the country without having to fly there. The interior, which recreates a Showa-period retro townscape, hosts famous ramen shops from not just all over Japan but from around the world. Attractions other than eating ramen include a gallery featuring exhibits on the history of ramen, a museum shop that offers souvenir ramen kits, a retro candy shop, events including live music, street performances, and picture story shows, and more. It is located a five-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station.

This is a small museum that re-creates the old Tokyo alleys full of ramen shops. There is some text information about ramen and its history but most of it is in Japanese only. It takes 10-15 minutes...
Fujiko F Fujio Museum

4.5

622 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Tama-ku Nagao 2-8-1

A museum in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture which exhibits drawings by the manga artist Fujiko F Fujio, as well as related materials. Standing displays of color drawings from the museum’s collection of approximately 50 thousand are changed on a regular basis and include examples from popular series such as Doraemon, Perman, and Kiteretsu Daihyakka. Special exhibits are also held regularly which give visitors the chance to view rare drawings and other materials never allowed to leave the museum. The museum also has many other points of note, including a recreation of the artist’s work desk, an area where visitors can read the actual manga, and a popular gift shop.

Most visitors come here with children. But if you love Doraemon, you can certainly enjoy this place. You can reach this place by riding a Doraemon-decorated shuttle bus from Noborito station. The...
Hakone Grasunomori Museum (Hakone Venetian Glass Museum)

4.0

882 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Sengokuhara 940-48

Located in Sengokuhara district, Hakone, the Hakone Grasunomori Museum (Hakone Venetian Glass Museum) is Japan’s first museum dedicated to Venetian glass. It actually comprises two museums: the Venetian Glass Museum itself, which has on display around 100 masterpieces of the delicate, finely-wrought Venetian glass for which there was a vogue among the noble families of Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries, and the Modern Glass Museum, which displays Venetian glass dating from the 19th century onwards. Particularly worth seeing is the approximately 10-meter-long crystal glass arch over the bridge between the garden and the Museums; the arch is made from around 160,000 pieces of crystal glass, which sparkle in the breeze. The Hakone Grasunomori Museum offers glassmaking experience activities (including sandblasting, etc.), with participants being able to make their own pieces to take home as a souvenir.

We dined in the restaurant for lunch. The chicken wasn’t cooked well, but the rest of the food was very good and dessert was especially good with cheesecake, panna cotta and dense chocolate cake...
Hōkokuji Temple

4.5

706 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 2-7-4

The Hōkokuji Temple (famous in Japan as the “Bamboo Temple”) was founded in 1334 on the orders of Ashikaga Ietoki, the grandfather of Ashikaga Takauji (the first Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate). Visitors can drink tea in the Kyuko-an teahouse while viewing the bamboo grove. The writing table that the literary giant Kawabata Yasunari used while writing “The Sound of the Mountain” is preserved in the Hon-do (Main Hall). Zazen meditation sessions are held in the Kasho-do hall on Sundays; beginners are welcome.

Beautiful temple and shuttle this visit between the big Buddha and walking street will be perfect for a full day outing. We drove and lucky to get car park. Parking is limited and stroller friendly.
Yokohama Arena

4.0

182 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Shinyokohama 3-10

This multipurpose event arena, first opened in April 1989, can accommodate up to 17,000 people. Able to host concerts, ceremonies, and a variety of other events, Yokohama Arena has also been selected as one of the 100 best event halls in Japan. Yokohama Arena offers a full suite of features, including giant video monitor systems, sound systems suitable for a variety of events, and universally designed facilities. The surrounding area includes convenience stores, restaurants, and hotels as well.

コロナ非常事態宣言解除後感染対策をしっかりして催し物を再開し、以来一度も感染者を出していないと聞いており、こんなときだが安心して入場できた。当方コンサートで利用したが、室内だがグッズ売場が入場口の真裏でかなり離れており、利用者が隔離されるような格好になっていた。ホール内に入る際に検温があり消毒させられたが、グッズ売場までどこにも触る機会がないにも関わらずまた消毒させられ、さらに販売窓口で販売員...
Daihonzan Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple

4.0

513 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Kawasaki-ku Daishichou 4-48

This temple is in Daishi-machi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City. Founded in 1128, its official name is Shingonshu Chisanha Kongosan Kinjoin Heikenji. It's also known as Yakuyoke Daishi for wiping away bad luck. They also hold various events with roots in the area. Many visitors come here for their first temple visit of the year when lots of stalls open on the grounds and the approach to the temple.

I had a few hours to kill before heading to the airport so I hopped on a train and headed to Kawasaki to visit the Daishi Heiken Temple. This temple complex is big and well worth at least an hour of...
Kenchoji Temple

4.5

537 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 8

A 15 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station. This celebrated Buddhist temple, the head temple of Rinzai Kenchoji Buddhism, is the first of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura) and was also Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple. The temple was founded by Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, and the monk Lanxi Daolong. The highlight of the temple is its garden, which was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site in 1932. The ancient Chinese junipers growing in front of the temple and the garden pond behind the abbot’s chamber are particularly famous for their beauty. The temple also periodically holds sutra copying and zazen meditation sessions which enable average people to experience Zen training.

The Kenchoji is one of Kamakura’s most important Zen temples and has many great historic sites and nature spots to offer. From the mysterious Butsuden Buddha Hall, a garden designed by a Zen master...
Samukawa-jinja Shrine

4.0

267 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kouzagunsamukawamachi Miyayama 3916

This shrine in Miyayama, Samukawa Town, Koza County, Kanagawa Prefecture has a roughly 1,600 history. Called Sagaminokuni Ichinomiya, its guardian deity is the only in the nation to protect from calamity whatever direction it comes from. As such, historical figures like Minamoto no Yoritomo, Takeda Shingen, and members of the Tokugawa clan worshiped there. Many visitors come for a variety of annual festivals, including the Musayumi Festival on the 8th of the New Year, the Kokufu Festival on May 5, and the Hamaorikoshiki Festival on July 15.

I didn’t find this shrine worth going out of your way to see. I was finished in 10 minutes. Try Mishima or Hakone for a less right-wing oriented experience. To see the garden at the back, it seems...
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine

4.0

438 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Sasuke 2-25-16

Popularly known as “Zeniarai Benzaiten,” the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is located in the Sasuke district of Kamakura City. According to legend, the shrine was founded when, in the evening of the Day of the Snake in the Month of the Snake in 1185, Minamoto no Yoritomo was told in a dream that “If you pray to the Shinto deities and to the Buddha at this spring, peace will come to the land.” Subsequently, after the local ruler Hojo Tokiyori washed coins in the spring while praying for the prosperity of his clan, the belief spread that washing coins in the spring inside the cave would cause that money to increase. This practice is believed to be particularly effective if performed on the day of the temple festival dedicated to the goddess Benten, so the Shrine is usually thronged with worshippers on that day. The spring at the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is classed as one of the “Five Famous Springs of Kamakura.”

We actually found the place accidentally on our way back to the Kamakura station. It is really nice and something special made in a cave and with the water flowing from the stone down. The nicest...
Engakuji Temple

4.5

499 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 409

Located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, this is the head temple of Rinzai Engakuji Buddhism. The temple is also considered the second of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was built by the eighth shogun regent Hojo Tokimune in order to spread Zen Buddhism and impartially memorialize, without distinction between enemy and ally, those who died in the Mongol invasions of Japan. Today, the temple is still used to train Zen priests; ordinary people can also experience weekend zazen meditation sessions and other Zen training here as well. In addition, the Butsunichian and Nyoian temples on the grounds have a café and “amamidokoro” Japanese-style sweets café where customers can enjoy matcha powdered green tea and sweets.

I dont know if it was just a peculiarity of when I visited, but a lot of the buildings were closed off, including (disappointingly) the one that claims to house the finger relics of the Buddha...
Yokosuka Museum of Art

4.5

196 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokosukashi Kamoi 4-1

This museum is located in Yokosuka City's Kannonzaki Park. In addition to the various exhibition areas, there is a Mountain Plaza and an Ocean Plaza facing the forest and the sea, letting guests view the ocean or do some forest bathing. The museum annex and the Rokuro Taniuchi Hall displays work by Rokuro Taniuchi, an artist who does the cover of the Weekly Shincho magazine. Events such as art markets and workshops are held from time to time.

The Art museum focuses on contemporary art in Japan. This includes artists of new and old. Allow about two hours to see everything that the museum offers. Wear walking shoes because the art work...
Meigetsu-in Temple

4.0

432 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Yamanouchi 189

A Rinzai Kencho-ji Temple Buddhist temple located in Kamakura. The temple’s honorific mountain name is Fukugensan. The temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple and during the rainy season the approach to the temple is covered with French hydrangea blossoms. The temple was once a sub-temple to the Zenko-ji Temple, but this temple was abolished in the early years of the Meiji period and now only the Meigetsu-in remains. A large circular window is built into the head priest’s chamber which gives a spectacular view of the garden. The window represents the cosmos and the mind and the unique view it provides has made it a popular subject for photographs.

The Meigetsuin is also known as the Hydrangea Temple since its covered in beautiful blue hydrangea flowers during Japans rainy season in June. Many visitors will come to see the hundreds of...
Enoshima Shrine

4.0

343 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima 2-3-8

Located on Enoshima Island, Enoshima Shrine actually comprises three individual shrines dedicated to different aspects of the goddess Benten: the Okutsuno-miya dedicated to Takiri-bime-no-mikoto, the Nakatsuno-miya dedicated to Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto, and the Hetsuno-miya dedicated to Tagitsu-hime-no-mikoto. A statue of Benten with eight arms (which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by Kanagawa Prefecture), and a statue of Benten with a Biwa lute, are on public display in the Hoan-den hall.

Be prepared for a trek - this series of three shrines are located progressively higher and higher on the Enoshima Island hill. The seemingly endless climbing of stairs is worth it though! The shrines...
NYK Hikawamaru

4.0

497 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Yamashitachou Yamashita Park area destination

"This cargo and passenger ship was constructed for the Seattle route in 1930. It is a grand vessel, with a total weight of 11,622 tons, and a total length of 163.3 meters. Across 30 years of seafaring, it has crossed the Pacific Ocean 254 times, and carried 25,000 passengers, earning the nickname ""Queen of the North Pacific."" You can tour the passenger room where Charlie Chaplin stayed, or the First-class lounge with gorgeous art deco-styled interiors. In 2016, it became a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property."

My visit to this historic vessel was on a very rainy day in Yokohama. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the ship and learning more about its history. Definitely check out every nook and cranny that you...
Hakone Sekisho, Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall

3.5

427 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Hakone 1

This sekisho (inspection facility), one of more than 50 which were placed around Japan during the Edo period, is the only one in the country which has been completely restored to its original appearance. The structure underwent major renovations to completely restore it in 2007 based on detailed historical materials dating to the time when it underwent large-scale repairs at the end of the Edo period. The adjoining scenic square offers a sweeping view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi and has become a popular place to take amazing photos for posting on Instagram and other social network sites, but take one step into the inspection facility itself and it's like you've gone back in time to the Edo period. The adjoining museum displays some 130 items divided into 13 themes, including a miniature recreation of the traveling daimyo samurai lord processions which were common sights in the Edo period, permits used to pass through the inspection facility and other documents created at that time, records of the strict inspections which were conducted of women leaving Edo, and tools kept at the facility. There are also numerous records of fascinating incidents which occurred, such as the time an elephant passed through the facility.

Visited as part of our bus tour. Free entry, luvly place beautiful views, sadly not the best day weather wise for us. Great shops for gifts etc Worth a visit :)
Hakone-jinja Shrine

4.0

4 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Motohakone 80-1

Since ancient times, this shrine has been patronized by generations of military commanders who came to pray for the earnest realization of their wishes during battle. This shrine is said to be one of the best power spots in the Kanto region where one can “conquer a state when Hakone has your back”. The deity of love, Kuzuryu’s newly constructed shrine is also next to Hakone Shrine. Get off the Izu Hakone bus at “Moto-Hakone” or otherwise get off the Hakone Tosan bus at “Moto-Hakone Port” and the temple is a 10- minute walk away.

In the site of Hakone Shrine, this small museum is located. The museum exhibits not so many items, but their treasures are quite interesting with historical value. Ancient documents, swords, paints...
Yokohama Museum of Art

4.0

307 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Nishi-ku Minatomirai 3-4-1

This art museum is notable for its distinctive symmetrical stonework exterior and for the open atrium of its grand gallery. In addition to seven exhibit halls, the museum boasts an art information center with a collection of more than 110,000 books, artist workshops, and more, making it one of the country's largest art museums. The museum, which has a collection of more than 12,000 works of modern and contemporary art, holds a wide variety of exhibitions. It is located a three-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line.

Thinking thatthis would be a good museum to see and learn from the areas history, well this was the plan. The lines were extremly long, but we had walked all this way, we were tired and wanted to go...

Kanagawa

Around Minato Mirai Yamashita Park / Chinatown / Motomachi Yokohama City (North) Kawasaki Kamakura Miura Peninsula Shonan Central Odawara / Manazurumachi / Yugawara Around Hakonemachi Yokohama City (South)

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Kanagawa Areas

Kanagawa prefecture acts as an extension of the Tokyo metropolis that spills over into coastal towns, most notably Yokohama city, heavily populated and known for its Chinatown and seaside attractions. Just the right distance for a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to some of Tokyo’s most accessible beaches, including around Kamakura, best known for its Big Buddha. Visitors can also travel a little farther afield for a weekend at Hakone onsen town.