🕓 2023/1/28
#Tourist Destination
About Kanagawa Prefecture
Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the southwestern part of the Kanto region, a place where a wide variety of attractions are condensed. Its origins date back to the end of the Edo period, when the Port of Kanagawa was opened in 1859 (Ansei 6). This was the location where the shogunate established the Kanagawa Magistrate’s Office in connection with the port opening, marking the beginning of present-day Kanagawa Prefecture.
Kanagawa Prefecture covers a total area of 2,416.17 square kilometers, occupies a corner of the metropolitan area, and has a total population of approximately 9.23 million (as of May 1, 2023). The diversity of the region is evident from its geographical characteristics.
The eastern part of the prefecture, centered on Yokohama City, sees a vibrant influx of businesses and forms part of the Keihin Industrial Zone. On the other hand, the western part features the Tanzawa Mountains surrounded by lush greenery, extending to the Ashigara Mountains and Hakone Mountains, with Odawara City — a castle town of the historically significant Odawara Castle — spreading across the Ashigara Plain through which the Sakawa River flows.
Kanagawa Prefecture also possesses many attractions in terms of tourism. Visitors can enjoy beautiful urban scenery at Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and Motomachi/Yokohama Chinatown. Additionally, mountain and seaside resort destinations such as Hakone and Enoshima attract tourists from all across Japan.
Top 3 Selected Tourist Destinations in Kanagawa Prefecture
Samukawa Shrine
● Appeal
Samukawa Shrine is known for its spacious grounds and lush green surroundings, providing visitors with a serene atmosphere. Beautiful nature spreads around the shrine, allowing visitors to calm their minds. The shrine’s main hall and worship hall are excellent examples of traditional Japanese architecture, and their beautiful construction captivates many tourists.
In addition to worship, seasonal festivals and events are held, offering opportunities to experience local culture and traditions. The area around Samukawa Shrine is particularly ideal for strolling, with souvenir shops and restaurants lining the approach, providing enjoyable experiences for visitors.
● History
The history of Samukawa Shrine is very ancient, and while the exact date of its founding is unclear, it is said to have been enshrined as a deity protecting the ancient provincial capital. Through its long history, Samukawa Shrine has undergone numerous renovations and restorations to reach its current form. Particularly during the Edo period, it received the protection of the shogunate and established its position as an important shrine attracting many worshippers.
Within the grounds, there are several important cultural properties that speak to the shrine’s history and cultural significance. Samukawa Shrine has also had a significant influence on the local community as the center of faith for local residents over many years.
● Access
- Address: 3916 Miyayama, Samukawa-machi, Koza-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- By car: Parking available nearby.
- By train: About a 15-minute walk from “Samukawa Station” on the JR Sagami Line.
- Google Maps: Samukawa Shrine
- Official website: Samukawa Shrine Official Site
Owakudani
● Appeal
Owakudani is a spectacular natural landscape in Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, created by a volcanic eruption approximately 3,000 years ago. The area is famous for its strong sulfur smell, smoke-emitting fumaroles, and hot springs. Tourists can visit this area via the Hakone Ropeway and observe sulfur crystals, hot mud, and rising steam — evidence of active volcanic activity — up close.
Another major attraction of Owakudani is its famous “kuro-tamago” (black eggs). These are eggs boiled in sulfur-containing hot springs, and legend has it that eating one extends your life. Visitors can enjoy these special eggs at restaurants and souvenir shops in Owakudani.
From Owakudani, magnificent views of the Hakone Mountains and Lake Ashi can also be enjoyed. It is one of Hakone’s most representative tourist spots where you can feel the power and beauty of nature.
● History
Owakudani was formed by the volcanic activity of the Hakone volcano approximately 3,000 years ago. Around 3,000 years ago, a phreatic eruption occurred at the Hakone volcano, causing a landslide. Subsequently, around 2,900 years ago, a small-scale pyroclastic flow occurred, forming Mount Kammurigatake. The deposits from these volcanic activities formed the area now known as Owakudani.
Formerly called “Ojigoku” (Great Hell), it was renamed “Owakudani” (Great Boiling Valley) ahead of the visit by Emperor Meiji and Empress in 1873 (Meiji 6). Since then, the area has been developed as a tourist destination and has attracted many visitors. Even into the 2000s, volcanic activity continues, with occasional effects from volcanic smoke and gases.
● Access
- Address: 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- By car: About 30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station
- By train and ropeway: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Togendai Station, then the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Station
- Google Maps link: Owakudani
- Official website: Owakudani Official Site
3. Kamakura Great Buddha (Daibutsu)
● Appeal
The Kamakura Great Buddha (Kotoku-in Temple) is a historic temple in Kamakura City, Japan, with a magnificent bronze Great Buddha seated at its center. This Great Buddha boasts an overwhelming scale with a seated height of approximately 11.3 meters and a weight of approximately 121 tons, making it one of Japan’s most iconic tourist attractions recognized worldwide.
Around the Great Buddha, there are spacious gardens where visitors can feel the fusion of history and art in a tranquil atmosphere. It is also possible to enter the interior of the Great Buddha, offering a unique opportunity to see its massive structure up close.
● History
Although it may not match the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara in terms of size, it has preserved its original form from the time of construction nearly intact and holds significant value in the history of Japanese Buddhist art. According to the “Azuma Kagami,” construction began in 1252, with fundraising carried out by the monk Joko. The original hall housing the statue was damaged by storms in 1334 and 1369, and by a major earthquake in 1498. Later, during the mid-Edo period, it was restored with the support of Nojima Shinzaemon, a merchant from Asakusa. Today, the Kamakura Great Buddha continues to be an object of devotion for many Buddhists.
Kotoku-in is a temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect, with Honen Shonin as its founder. Honen Shonin wished for the salvation of all people and taught devotion to Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). The core teaching of the Jodo sect is that by placing one’s faith in Amida Buddha, people will be welcomed into the Pure Land paradise.
● Access
- Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- By car: Parking available nearby.
- By train: About a 5-minute walk from “Hase Station” on the Enoshima Electric Railway.
- By bus: About 10 minutes by bus from Kamakura Station East Exit.
- Google Maps: Kamakura Great Buddha (Google Maps link)
- Official website: Kamakura Great Buddha Official Site