Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism (in Japan) is currently holding a campaign for foreign tourists on their Instagram account. Check out some of the great tourist spots in the prefecture, post your photos on Instagram, and win a free beer ticket (or soft drink if preferred) for selected restaurants or bars.
Please visit the website for more details.
http://www.dhe.co.jp/trykanagawa2019/
Here are just a few ideas to help get you started on your next adventure in Kanagawa!
Yokohama
Minatomirai, in Yokohama, is a futuristic port city filled with shopping, dining, and fun-filled experiences; not to mention the spectacular views both during the day and at night. The Landmark Tower’s Sky Garden observation deck on the 69th floor offers a 360 degree of Yokohama as well as impressive views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji (weather permitting).
Yokohama Cosmo World (amusement park) offers a fun adventure for thrill seekers at any age. It has rides suitable for young children to adults and is also the home of the famous Ferris wheel which is lit up at night, along with the surrounding buildings, creating a romantic experience.
Minatomirai is also home to many museums such as the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum where you can learn about cutting edge technology, pilot a Japanese passenger jet in a flight simulator, or even travel to another dimension in the virtual tour station. You can also climb aboard the Nippon Maru, permanently anchored next to the Yokohama Port Museum, and weave your way through the narrow passageways of this navigation training vessel turned museum and learn about life at sea.
This region is also a shopper’s paradise as there are multiple shopping complexes nearby, including Landmark Tower and Queen’s Square Yokohama, as well as Red Brick Warehouses and Motomachi Shopping Street (slightly further away).
Not too far away is one of the world’s largest Chinatowns with a history of 150 years. Many colorful and intricately carved gates stand guard around the neighborhood and more than 500 shops and restaurants fill the air with a delectable aroma.
Kamakura / Enoshima
Slightly further south lies Kamakura, sometimes referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan as it is home to a vast number of temples and shrines. The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha), located at Kotoku-in (temple), is one of the most well-known monuments in the area. Sitting at a height of 11.3 meters tall this statue is unique in the fact that it sits out in the open air. Construction began in 1252 and it is now considered a national treasure. You can even venture into the interior of the statue if you fancy a look inside! Just a short walk away is Hasedera (temple) which houses an eleven-headed statue of Kannon (the goddess of mercy). Both temples offer lovely views of Sagami Bay as well.
On the other side of Kamakura you’ll find Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (shrine) which is said to be Kamakura’s most important shrine and is designated a nationally important cultural property. Around the shrine are many ponds and gardens that change with each season. Nearby there are also many other shrines and temples spread across the city. Why not try Zazen (Zen meditation) while in the area?
If you have a bit more time, travel to Enoshima and enjoy some of the island’s sights, such as Enoshima Shrine, Samuel Cocking Garden with a 60 meter tall observation tower, Iwaya Caves (home to an interesting legend), and Love Bell. There’s also a spa on the island offering a little indulgence (no tattoos permitted). Close to the island is also a large aquarium with various display tanks, dolphin shows, and one of the world’s best displays of jellyfish.
Hakone / Odawara
As you head further along the coast you’ll come to Hakone and Odawara in the southern part of Kanagawa. If you’re using public transportation, be sure to purchase one of the Hakone day passes which grant you unlimited use of Hakone-area transportation and discounts at selected facilities.
Once you arrive in Hakone, make your way up to the top of Hakone Ropeway (1044m) where the remains of an ancient volcano lie. The area, known as Owakudani, was created about 3,000 years ago by a steam explosion which still seeps through the ground in an awesome display of volcanic power. (Please note the area may be closed off in cases of volcanic activity). A local specialty is the Black Egg, which is an egg boiled in the sulfurous water turning its shell black. There is also an old folk tale which claims that eating one of the black eggs will add 7 years to your life!
Travel across Lake Ashi on one of three magnificent sightseeing tall ships to fully enjoy the picturesque scenery including a view of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), a bright red torii shrine gate, and luscious forests. Tucked away in the forest at one end of Lake Ashi is Hakone Shrine which was founded in 757. The shrine gives off a mysterious and sacred ambience when surrounded with mist but the red torii gate, with the lake as a backdrop, offers a picture perfect opportunity.
For anyone interested in the history of the Edo Period, Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint) is a must-see, and it’s just a short walk from Hakone Shrine. Hakone Sekisho was one of the largest and most important of the 53 checkpoints connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Traditional tools and techniques were used to construct the current buildings creating an authentic atmosphere.
Finish off your trip of the area with a stop at Odawara Castle, one of the best examples of a Japanese castle in the area nearby Tokyo. The castle houses a museum filled with samurai weapons and armory and the gardens surrounding the castle provide the perfect opportunity for a relaxing stroll. For a uniquely Japanese experience, you can even dress in kimono, samurai, or ninja outfits and wander around the castle (additional fee).
Kanagawa Prefecture has everything to offer for a memorable day out you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Campaign information ( until 2nd. November 2019 )
We have started a new campaign limited to foreign toursts, “Enjoy Rugby, Sightseeing & Beer in Kanagawa”
Please follow our official Instagram account and post a photo taken in Kanagawa with the hashtag #trykanagawa2019. We will select a few winners to give a free drink (beer) voucher. The voucher can be used at specified restaurants and bars in Kanagawa.
We hope you will join us!
First, please follow @tokyo.daytrip_kanagawa, the official tourism account of Kanagawa!
Find out more: http://dhe.co.jp/trykanagawa2019/