From the glimmering waterfront of Yokohama to the quiet temples of Kamakura and the misty onsen valleys of Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan unfolds as a journey through contrast and calm. Here, sleek observation towers rise beside red-brick warehouses, while forest trails lead to shrines where incense drifts in the sea breeze. The prefecture blends city sparkle, cultural depth, and mountain serenity, all just a short train ride from Tokyo. Whether you crave harbor lights, coastal walks, or the soothing rhythm of hot springs, Kanagawa captures the balance of modern Japan rooted in timeless tradition.
Quick Facts: Kanagawa, Japan
Time ZoneUTC+9, Japan Standard Time
Nearby DestinationsTokyo, Kawasaki, Chiba, Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima, Yokosuka
Average TemperatureWinter 3–11°C, Spring 10–20°C, Summer 23–31°C, Autumn 12–22°C
Cash or Card?Cards and IC cards widely accepted, small eateries and shrines may be cash only. ATMs in convenience stores
Destination Overview
Why Visit Kanagawa?
Kanagawa delivers three trips in one. In Yokohama you get a sparkling bayside skyline, cutting-edge museums, and the country’s largest Chinatown. Kamakura trades height for history with cedar-lined lanes, wooden halls, and coastal strolls. Hakone brings volcanic drama, open-air art, ropeways, and steaming onsen with Fuji views on clear days. Trains connect each pocket in under two hours, so you can stack city, coast, and mountains with minimal logistics.
Best Time to Visit Kanagawa
- Spring – March to May brings cherry blossoms at temples and gardens, mild 10–20°C days, and popular hanami events. Crowds peak on weekends.
- Summer – June sees rainy spells, July and August are hot and humid. Beaches from Enoshima to Zushi buzz with festivals and fireworks. Book coastal stays early.
- Autumn – September to early December is sweet-spot season. Hakone’s maples blaze, typhoon risk tapers, and evenings turn crisp.
- Winter – Clear skies and empty queues, cooler 3–11°C temps. Best visibility for Fuji over Lake Ashi. Some coastal shops shorten hours around New Year.
Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration
Difficulty: Easy for independent travel with extensive English signage and frequent trains.
Recommended: 3 to 5 days for first timers, or 6 to 7 days if you want a ryokan stay, hikes, and deeper food exploration.
Essential Travel Information
Visa & Entry
Many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short stays, with permitted durations varying by country. Always confirm requirements before you fly. Start with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa pages, then pre-register immigration and customs on Visit Japan Web for faster arrivals.
MOFA Visa • Visa Exemption List • Visit Japan Web
Money & Realistic Daily Costs
- Budget: ¥7,000–12,000 per day, hostel or business hotel, transit passes, street food, casual noodles
- Mid-range: ¥15,000–30,000 per day, city hotels or simple ryokan, sit-down dinners, key attractions
- Luxury: ¥40,000–90,000+ per day, top hotels or full-service ryokan with half-board, private experiences
Language & Communication
English is common at hotels, museums, and major stations. Download offline maps and a translation app. eSIMs are widely available at airports and in convenience stores. Wi-Fi is free at many stations and tourist centers in Yokohama and Hakone.
Getting There & Around
Air, Rail, Bus: From Haneda Airport, Keikyu trains reach Yokohama in about 25 minutes. JR Tokaido Line and Shinkansen serve Shin-Yokohama for Hakone connections. Odakyu Rail links Shinjuku to Enoshima, Kamakura, and Hakone with money-saving passes.
Local transport: In Yokohama, use the Minatomirai Line, JR Negishi Line, and City Subway. For Kamakura and Enoshima, ride the scenic Enoden between Kamakura and Fujisawa. In Hakone, the Hakone Freepass covers eight transport modes including cable car, ropeway, buses, and the Lake Ashi cruise.
Useful links: Hakone Freepass • Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass • Enoden Timetable
Top Things to Do in Kanagawa
Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites
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Kotoku-in, Great Buddha of Kamakura
Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura 248-0016
Admission and timing: Adults ¥300, Children ¥150. Apr-Sep 8:00–17:30, Oct-Mar 8:00–17:00. Optional interior of statue ¥50, last entry earlier.
Best visiting time: Early morning for soft light and fewer tour buses.
The iconic bronze Amida Buddha sits outdoors, serene above pines and sea air. Official site -
Hasedera Temple
Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura
Admission and timing: Adults ¥400, Children ¥200. Apr-Jun 8:00–17:30, Jul-Mar 8:00–17:00, last entry 30 minutes prior.
Best visiting time: Hydrangea season in June, or golden hours for views over Yuigahama Bay.
Terraced paths lead to a wooden Kannon statue and a sea-facing viewpoint. Official guide -
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Admission and timing: Free grounds, museum fees vary. Open daily with seasonal hours.
Best visiting time: Late afternoon when lanterns glow on the main approach.
Kamakura’s central shrine anchors the old samurai capital. Visitor info -
Sankeien Garden, Yokohama
Address: 58-1 Honmoku-san no Ue, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Admission and timing: Typically 9:00–17:00, adults around ¥700. Check current times.
Best visiting time: Spring blossoms and autumn color, plus quiet weekday mornings.
Historic wooden buildings relocated across Japan ring ponds and winding paths. Official page -
Enoshima Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden
Admission and timing: Combination tickets available, evening fees apply during illumination periods. Typical day entry from morning to late.
Best visiting time: Sunset for silhouettes of Fuji in clear seasons.
A lighthouse-style observatory crowns a botanical garden on a breezy island. Tickets -
Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Address: 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
Admission and timing: Adults around ¥1,000, seasonal hours. Renovation closure planned end of 2025, check status.
Best visiting time: Clear winter evenings for sparkling harbor views.
A sky-high deck over Minato Mirai’s glittering waterfront. Official info -
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Admission and timing: 9:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. Adult tickets typically around ¥1,600.
Best visiting time: Mid-morning before bus groups, or late afternoon light.
Sculpture gardens and a dedicated Picasso pavilion in a mountain valley. Official site -
Yokohama Chinatown
Admission and timing: Free neighborhood, shops and temples have individual hours.
Best visiting time: Late afternoon to evening when neon signs blaze.
Japan’s largest Chinatown packs 300 plus eateries and shops into a color-splashed grid. Guide
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
- Kishamichi Promenade – A sunset stroll on an old harbor rail bridge linking Sakuragicho to World Porters, with skyline reflections.
- Yokohama Air Cabin – Short gondola hop over the canal between Sakuragicho and Unga Park, great for first-timers. Tickets sold on site and online. Official site
- Zeniarai Benten – Wash a coin in a cave spring on a forested hillside in Kamakura, then hike to the Daibutsu trail.
- Odawara Fish Market Morning – Combine with the Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum for tasting and hands-on workshops. Kamaboko info
- Motomachi backstreets – Yokohama’s European-influenced shopping lane hides coffee stands, vintage shops, and patisseries.
Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Make your own Cup Noodles – Reserve a slot, draw on your cup, choose soup and toppings. Museum admission ¥500, make-your-own ¥500 per cup, workshops extra. Open 10:00–18:00, closed most Tuesdays. Official details
- Enoden Window Ride – Trundle inches past seaside homes on the nostalgic green train between Kamakura and Enoshima. Check timetables. Official timetable
- Hakone Onsen Day – Soak at Hakone Yuryo, a day-use hot spring near Hakone-Yumoto, from around ¥1,600 for public baths, private rooms extra. Official site
Best Photo Spots
- Osanbashi Pier rooftop decks for skyline and cruise ships at blue hour
- Enoshima Sea Candle boardwalk for Fuji silhouettes after winter sunsets
- Hasedera upper terrace for sea and temple roofs in one frame
- Kishamichi Promenade rails with Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel beyond
- Lake Ashi torii and ropeway cabins drifting over Owakudani
Where to Stay in Kanagawa
Best Areas or Neighborhoods
- Minato Mirai, Yokohama – Easiest base for first visits, walkable to museums, malls, Ferris wheel, and harbor promenades. Suits couples and families. Night views are superb.
- Kamakura & Enoshima – Slower coastal rhythm near temples and beaches. Great for café culture, surfers, and photographers.
- Hakone, Gora or Hakone-Yumoto – Classic ryokan stays with hot springs. Best for onsen lovers and anyone craving mountain air.
Budget Traveler Picks
- Hostels around Sakuragicho – Near Sakuragicho Station • ¥3,000–6,000
- Business hotels in Kannai – Kannai, Yokohama • ¥6,000–10,000
Mid-Range Favorites
- Hotel New Grand – 10 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama • ¥18,000–35,000
- InterContinental Yokohama Grand – 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama • ¥22,000–45,000
Luxury Stays
- Gora Kadan – 1300 Gora, Hakone • ¥120,000–220,000 including kaiseki and onsen
- Yokohama Royal Park Hotel – Landmark Tower, Minato Mirai • Upper-floor rooms with harbor views
Family-Friendly
- Sky-view hotels near Landmark Tower – Walk to kid-friendly attractions like Cosmo World and CupNoodles Museum
Alternative Stays
- Day-use onsen with private rooms – Reserve a couple of hours between hikes for a restorative soak
What & Where to Eat in Kanagawa
Must-Try Dishes
- Sanmamen – Yokohama’s local ramen with a glossy stir-fried vegetable topping over soy-based broth, typically ¥800–1,100. About the dish
- Spaghetti Napolitan – A Yokohama classic of ketchup-based spaghetti with onions and green pepper, ¥900–1,400. Origin traces to Hotel New Grand. Background
- Shirasu Don – Fresh whitebait bowls on Enoshima, raw or boiled depending on season, ¥1,100–1,600.
- Yokohama Shumai – Bite-size pork dumplings popularized by Kiyoken, perfect train snacks, ¥600–1,200 per pack.
- Odawara Kamaboko – Steamed fish cakes from an old castle town, often sampled at Suzuhiro, tasting and classes available.
Restaurants & Cafés by Category
- Budget Eats – Kiyoken Main Store inside Yokohama, 2-13-12 Takashima, quick shumai bento ¥700–1,200.
- Iconic Chinatown – Heichinrou, 149 Yamashita-cho, lunch sets from around ¥4,800, reservations recommended for weekends.
- Coastal Seafood – Tobicchō Enoshima Honten, famous for shirasu bowls, expect queues, ¥1,200–1,800.
- Brunch with a View – bills Yokohama at Red Brick Warehouse, ricotta pancakes around ¥1,800–2,200.
- Ramen Theme Park – Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, admission around ¥450 plus ramen purchases, 2-14-21 Shin-Yokohama. Visitor guide
Street Food & Dietary Tips
- Chinatown’s steamed buns and sesame balls are fresh, but lines move fast. Choose busy windows for turnover.
- Vegetarian options improve around Kamakura, where cafés highlight local vegetables. Ask for “niku nashi” to request no meat.
- Tap water is safe. Ice is generally fine. For gluten-free, seek rice dishes, donburi, or grilled fish, and use a translation card for soy sauce and breaded items.
Local Culture & Etiquette
- Norms – Speak softly on trains, queue neatly, remove shoes in homes and some traditional inns, and avoid phone calls in quiet cars.
- Do’s & Don’ts – Do rinse before entering onsen baths. Do not photograph worshippers up close without consent. Do keep to the left on escalators in Kanagawa.
- Tipping – Tipping is not customary. A simple “Arigatō” is appreciated, and service charge is included in many restaurants.
- Festivals & Events – Spring cherry blossoms, summer fireworks along the bay, autumn illuminations at Enoshima Sea Candle, and temple light-ups in Kamakura.
Practical Tips & Safety
- Health & Safety – Emergency numbers: Police 110, Fire and Ambulance 119. Interpreters can be requested when calling 119 in Yokohama. How to call 119 • Kanagawa Police 110
- What to Pack – Compact umbrella for summer showers, light jacket for coastal breezes, quick-dry towel for onsen, and slip-on shoes for temple visits.
- Money Saving – Use the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass for coast and temples, and the Hakone Freepass for mountains. Check Yokohama city passes and event bundles seasonally.
- Emergency Phrases – “Tasukete” (Help), “Byōin wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the hospital), “Keisatsu” (Police), “Kaji” (Fire), “Kyūkyūsha” (Ambulance).
Kanagawa Itineraries
3-Day Express Itinerary
- Day 1 – Yokohama highlights: Sankeien Garden morning, Minato Mirai stroll, CupNoodles Museum activity, sunset at Osanbashi, dinner in Chinatown.
- Day 2 – Kamakura and Enoshima: Kotoku-in at opening, Hasedera view terrace, Enoden to Enoshima, Sea Candle at dusk, shirasu bowls.
- Day 3 – Hakone circuit: Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto, Open-Air Museum, ropeway over Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise, onsen at Hakone Yuryo.
7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Haneda, base in Minato Mirai, bay walk and Ferris wheel.
- Day 2 – Museums and markets: Red Brick Warehouse, Landmark Sky Garden, Yokohama Air Cabin, dinner at Heichinrou.
- Day 3 – Kamakura north trails, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Komachi-dori snacks, sunset at Yuigahama.
- Day 4 – Enoshima island loop, caves, Samuel Cocking Garden, Sea Candle night view.
- Day 5 – Transfer to Hakone, Open-Air Museum, Gora Park, ryokan check-in, kaiseki dinner.
- Day 6 – Ropeway and Lake Ashi, shrine torii, tea on the shore, second onsen night.
- Day 7 – Odawara stop for kamaboko tasting, then back to Yokohama for last-minute shopping and a farewell brunch.
Off the Beaten Path Route
Start at Kanazawa Seaside Line for nature meets industry views, continue to Zushi and Hayama for quiet beaches and café lunches, then head inland to Yamakita for riverside walks. Time a late train to Enoshima for night illuminations before returning to Yokohama.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Kanagawa?
Spring and autumn offer the friendliest mix of weather and scenery. March to April brings blossoms in Yokohama parks and Kamakura temples. Late October to early December delivers crisp air, clear Fuji views in Hakone, and maple colors across the mountains.
How many days do I need in Kanagawa?
Three days covers Yokohama, Kamakura, and a Hakone sampler. Add two to four more days for a ryokan stay, coastal cafes, hikes, and museum time, especially if traveling with kids.
Is Kanagawa safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Trains are frequent and stations are well staffed. Stick to lit streets at night around ports and beaches, and save the Kanagawa emergency numbers 110 and 119. Tourist information centers in Yokohama can assist in English.
What is the best area to stay in Kanagawa?
For first timers, Minato Mirai in Yokohama is central and walkable. For temple and beach access choose Kamakura or Enoshima. For onsen and mountain air pick Gora or Hakone-Yumoto.
How do I get around Kanagawa without a car?
Use IC cards for seamless transfers across JR, private rail, subway, and buses. For value, consider Odakyu’s Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass on the coast and the Hakone Freepass in the mountains.
What foods should I try in Kanagawa?
Start with Yokohama’s Sanmamen and Napolitan pasta, add Chinatown dim sum, Enoshima shirasu bowls, and Odawara kamaboko. Many places post English menus or photos.
Don’t Miss
- Start with Sankeien’s pagoda at dawn, weave through Kamakura’s cedar-scented lanes to the Great Buddha by mid-morning, glide the Enoden along foam-fringed shores, then soak in a Hakone onsen as dusk paints Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi with winter-clear light.
Your Kanagawa Story Starts Here
Kanagawa lets you fold three moods into one trip, a glittering harbor, a temple town by the sea, and a volcanic valley of open-air art and steaming baths. Pick a base in Yokohama, pencil in a temple morning and an Enoden sunset, then reserve one slow Hakone night for an onsen and kaiseki. With smart passes and short train hops, the days flow easily. Choose your dates, book that ryokan, and start sketching your Kanagawa story today.