Kanagawa Travel Guide: Sights, Food & When to Go

Kanagawa (神奈川県) is a prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan. Its capital is Yokohama; it has a population of about 9.2 million and an area of 2,416 km². Kanagawa contains Yokohama, Kamakura and the hot-spring resort area of Hakone.

Kanagawa lies immediately south of Tokyo and includes Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city and one of the first ports opened to foreign trade in the 1850s, whose waterfront Minato Mirai district and historic Chinatown reflect that international past. The prefecture also contains Kamakura, the seat of Japan's first samurai-led shogunate in the 12th and 13th centuries and home to the Great Buddha and dozens of historic temples, and Hakone, a mountainous hot-spring resort area with views toward Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Kanagawa's coastline includes the surfing beaches of Shonan and the naval port city of Yokosuka. Its mix of major urban centers and accessible nature makes it one of the most visited prefectures outside Tokyo itself.

Key facts

Japanese name神奈川県
RegionKanto
CapitalYokohama
Population~9.2M
Area2,416 km²
How it ranks43rd of 47 by area, 2nd by population, about 3,808 people per km² (3rd densest)
Known forYokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Shonan
Best forDay trips from Tokyo, Onsen lovers, History lovers
Suggested stay2–3 days
Where to stayHakone and Yokohama
Best time to visitSpring and autumn are ideal for exploring; summer is popular along the Shonan coast.
Cherry blossomsearly April in a typical year
Autumn leaveslate November to early December in a typical year
Main festivalsKamakura Festival (April)

Why go to Kanagawa

  1. Kamakura's Great Buddha and temples
  2. Hakone: hot springs with Mount Fuji views
  3. Yokohama's waterfront and Chinatown

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring; summer is popular along the Shonan coast.

  • Kamakura Festival (April): A week of processions and horseback archery honouring Kamakura's samurai-era history.

What to see in Kanagawa

1. Great Buddha of Kamakura

A monumental bronze Buddha statue dating from the 13th century.

Iconic · Time needed: 1 h · Tip: Go early on weekends

2. Kamakura temples

A historic samurai capital packed with shrines, temples and hiking trails.

Iconic · Time needed: Full day · Tip: Hasedera for hydrangeas in June

3. Hakone

A mountainous hot-spring resort with views toward Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi.

Iconic · Time needed: 1–2 days · Tip: Hakone Free Pass loop

4. Minato Mirai, Yokohama

Yokohama's modern waterfront district of towers, shopping and harbour views.

Local favourite · Time needed: Evening · Tip: Night views from the ferris wheel

5. Yokohama Chinatown

One of the largest Chinatowns in Asia, dating from the port's 1850s opening.

Iconic · Time needed: 2 h · Tip: Street food crawl

6. Enoshima

A small tidal island near Kamakura known for its shrine, caves and coastal views.

Local favourite · Time needed: Half day · Tip: Sea candle at sunset

What to eat

Yokohama-style Chinese food, shirasu, Kamakura sweets and Hakone specialties are popular.

  • Shirasu-don: Baby sardines on rice, Kamakura's specialty
  • Kuro-tamago: Black eggs boiled in Owakudani's springs
  • Nikuman: Steamed buns in Chinatown
  • Sanma-men: Yokohama's thick-noodle ramen

Souvenirs (omiyage): Hato Sable cookies, Hakone yosegi woodwork

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1: Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hasedera, Komachi-dori; Enoshima at sunset
  2. Day 2: Hakone loop: Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise, ryokan overnight

Getting there and around

From Tokyo25 min to Yokohama · 1h30 to Hakone
From Osaka2h10 to Shin-Yokohama
By airHaneda → Yokohama: 30 min

Yokohama and Kamakura are easily reached from Tokyo; Hakone is served by rail, cable cars and buses.

Key cities and areas: Y, o, k, o, h, a, m, a, , ·, , K, a, m, a, k, u, r, a, , ·, , H, a, k, o, n, e, , ·, , F, u, j, i, s, a, w, a

Travel times are approximate fastest options; always check current timetables.

Nature and landscape

Bayfront cities, beaches, historic Kamakura and volcanic Hakone make the prefecture unusually diverse.

Practical tips

  • The Hakone Free Pass covers trains, cable cars and boats
  • Fuji views are clearest in winter mornings
  • Yokohama is easy for an evening from Tokyo

Combine with nearby prefectures

  • Tokyo (28 km): Neighbourhoods that feel like different cities
  • Yamanashi (100 km): The classic Mount Fuji views from the Five Lakes
  • Shizuoka (125 km): The best close-up views of Mount Fuji

See a route: Kanagawa → Tokyo → Yamanashi · Explore all 47 prefectures on the map

Frequently asked questions

Is Kanagawa worth visiting?

Yes — especially for day trips from tokyo, onsen lovers, history lovers. Kamakura's Great Buddha and temples. Hakone: hot springs with Mount Fuji views. Yokohama's waterfront and Chinatown.

How many days do you need in Kanagawa?

Plan 2–3 days. A good base is Hakone and Yokohama.

How do you get to Kanagawa from Tokyo?

25 min to Yokohama · 1h30 to Hakone. From Osaka: 2h10 to Shin-Yokohama. Times are approximate: check current timetables.

When is the best time to visit Kanagawa?

Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring; summer is popular along the Shonan coast.

What food is Kanagawa famous for?

Shirasu-don, Kuro-tamago, Nikuman, Sanma-men. Popular souvenirs: Hato Sable cookies, Hakone yosegi woodwork.

Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Japan47.org, by Francesco Consalvo. Facts and travel times are approximate and can change.

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