White, sulfurous steam still rises in Owakudani as a result of Hakone’s volcanic activity. This natural phenomenon is a striking introduction to exploring Kanagawa Prefecture: alongside volcanic landscapes, you’ll find historic sites, regional specialties and urban culture.
Hakone and Odawara: History in Different Forms
In Hakone, nature and history are among the destination’s defining features. Hakone Hachiri is a recognized Japan Heritage site in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hakone Shrine was founded in 757, at the beginning of the Nara period. The approach from Heiwa-no-torii, the Peace Torii gate on Lake Ashi, to the shrine is lined with rows of cedar trees more than 600 years old. Here, the shrine’s founding history meets a long-established avenue of trees.
Odawara Castle offers a different historical perspective. The castle has been designated a national historic site and preserved through reconstruction and restoration. At Odawara Castle Ruins Park, you can see a variety of flowers and plants throughout the year, including cherry blossoms, wisteria, irises and Japanese plum blossoms. The park combines a visit to the castle with changing botanical highlights throughout the year.
Traditional crafts are also among Hakone’s attractions: Hatajuku Parquet Hall displays and sells geometric wood-mosaic art. The prefecture’s craft traditions are also represented by forged blades from Kamakura and authentic sake from the Tanzawa Mountains. Check the latest visitor information before going to Hatajuku Parquet Hall.
Regional Specialties and How They’re Made
Kamaboko has been made since the 12th century. The Odawara variety is made with white fish, egg white, salt and a little sake. On Enoshima, seafood such as shirasu, Ise lobster, sashimi, sazae sea snails and Venus clams is popular with tourists as local cuisine. Shonan shirasu are small white fish with a slightly salty flavor and a soft, airy texture.
Those interested in how kamaboko is made can join a workshop on kamaboko and chikuwa at the Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum, led by master craftspeople. Reservations are required; check the latest visitor information in advance. You can discover another specialty in Owakudani: kuro-tamago, or black eggs, are cooked in the acidic hot mud characteristic of Owakudani. Visitors can eat and shop at Owakudani Kuro-tamagokan.
Yokohama Chinatown is one example of the prefecture’s culinary landscape. In Yokosuka, sukajan jackets tell a different local story: these colorful, hand-embroidered satin jackets originated there in the late 1940s. These examples show how Kanagawa can be explored through its flavors, crafts and regional culture.
Urban Culture, Ships and Seasonal Events
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a cultural and commercial complex in a historic building constructed more than 100 years ago. Seasonal events are held in its event plaza, including the Yokohama Oktoberfest and the Christmas Market. Event schedules may change, so it’s worth checking the dates and program before your trip.
In Yokosuka, the historic museum ship MIKASA tells a maritime story: it was built in England in 1902 and fought in the Battle of Tsushima in 1905. Below deck is a museum with exhibits on the ship’s history. For a hands-on cultural activity in Yokohama, you can take beginner taiko drumming lessons at TAIKO-LAB Shin Yokohama.
The Shonan-Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival features around 300 decorations filling the city center, a Tanabata decoration contest and a parade. The festival is a recurring tradition; check the dates and program for the year before your trip.
Nature and Practical Information
Mount Tounodake has a range of routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. If you’d also like to explore Kanagawa by water, consider the Tokyo Bay Ferry as part of your trip: it connects Kurihama Beach in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, with Kanaya in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture. The crossing takes an estimated 40 minutes. Check the schedule and service status for your travel date before your trip.
Kanagawa Prefecture’s many natural areas are easily accessible from Tokyo; travel times and transport conditions may vary. To choose a suitable base, first prioritize the experiences that matter to you—for example, Hakone’s volcanic landscapes and shrine history, Odawara’s castle and specialties, or the urban culture of Yokohama and Yokosuka. Then check the connections and dates relevant to your trip.
Discover more destinations: Fujisawa, Yokohama, Sagamihara, Odawara, Hiratsuka, Hakone, Atsugi, Ebina, Kamakura, Hadano, Ogimachi, Yamato, Chuo, Isehara, Yokosuka, Iwa, Yugawara, Manazuru, Aiko District, Ashigarashimo District, Kawasaki, Chigasaki, Hayama, Miura, Zushi, Naka District, Ashigarashimo District
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