Kanagawa Prefecture Travel Guide: Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone

Discover Kanagawa, Japan: Yokohama harbor, Kamakura temples and the Great Buddha, Enoshima, Hakone hot springs, food, festivals and day trips from Tokyo.

Published October 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Kanagawa Prefecture is in the Kanto region south of Tokyo, with Yokohama as its capital. It is known for Yokohama's harbor and Chinatown, the temples and Great Buddha of Kamakura, the island of Enoshima and the hot springs and mountain views of Hakone. Yokohama is about 30 minutes from Tokyo, Kamakura about an hour, and Hakone about 85 minutes by limited express.

Kanagawa at a Glance

Kanagawa lies on the Pacific coast between Tokyo and Shizuoka, and it packs a big range of experiences into a compact area. Yokohama, the largest city and the capital, is a port city with a cosmopolitan history. Kamakura, Enoshima and the Shonan coast bring surf culture and ancient temples, while Hakone and the Tanzawa mountains offer hot springs and hiking.

Because Kanagawa is so well connected to Tokyo, it is one of the best regions for day trips, and many visitors never need to change hotels. Yet it also rewards overnight stays, particularly in Hakone's traditional inns and Yokohama's waterfront hotels. The prefecture also has a lively food scene, from Chinatown dim sum to sea-fresh shirasu on the coast.

History and Culture of Kanagawa

Kanagawa has been a gateway to Japan since 1859, when Yokohama opened as one of the first treaty ports after the long period of isolation. Foreign traders, missionaries and engineers settled in the area, bringing Western food, newspapers, railways and beer, and many of Japan's firsts began in Yokohama. Today, the harbor's brick warehouses, European-style buildings and Chinatown preserve that story.

Kamakura offers a different history. From the late twelfth century it was the seat of Japan's first samurai government, led by Minamoto no Yoritomo. The Zen temples, shrines and caves that remain from that era give the town a serene, contemplative character. Hakone, on the old Tokaido route, was a checkpoint and later a spa retreat, which explains its inns and museums.

Getting to Kanagawa and Moving Around

Yokohama is reached from Tokyo Station in about 25 to 30 minutes on the JR Tokaido Line, and from Shibuya in about 30 minutes on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Kamakura is reached from Tokyo Station in about an hour on the JR Yokosuka Line, with a handy loop via Kita-Kamakura. The Enoden tram links Kamakura to Enoshima in around 30 minutes.

For Hakone, the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku reaches Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes, and the Shinkansen reaches Odawara in about 35 minutes. The Hakone Free Pass offers unlimited rides on trains, cable cars, buses and boats in the area. Many visitors do the famous Hakone loop, combining a mountain tram, ropeway and lake cruise.

Top Sights in Kanagawa

In Yokohama, Minato Mirai has the Cosmo World Ferris wheel and Landmark Tower, while the Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park and Chinatown reflect the city's history. See the Gundam guide for the giant robot attraction, and the Yokohama Garden Expo guide for the upcoming flower show. Sankeien Garden is a lovely traditional garden with historic buildings.

Kamakura's Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, Hasedera temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine and the bamboo garden at Hokokuji are the classics, and the Slam Dunk crossing guide covers the famous railway crossing. Enoshima has a shrine, caves and a lighthouse with sea views. Hakone has the Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi with the torii of Hakone Shrine, and the volcanic steam of Owakudani.

What to Eat and Drink in Kanagawa

Kanagawa food is a mix of port city and seaside culture. In Yokohama, Chinatown is Japan's largest, with dim sum, steamed buns and Chinese sweets, and the city is the birthplace of Naporitan spaghetti and Iekei ramen, a rich pork bone soy broth. Beer, bread and ice cream also have early Western roots in the port.

On the Shonan coast, shirasu, tiny whitebait served fresh or boiled over rice, is the signature dish, explained in the shirasu guide. Enoshima's tako senbei octopus crackers are a famous snack, and Kamakura has lovely vegetarian temple cuisine and cafes. Odawara is known for kamaboko fish cake and dried fish, and Hakone's black eggs boiled in hot spring water are a fun treat.

Festivals and Traditions in Kanagawa

The Yokohama Port Opening Festival, called Kaiko Kinen-bi, is held around the start of June with parades and fireworks. The Kamakura Festival in April features a procession and yabusame, horseback archery, at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and the Reitaisai festival in September repeats the archery. Hakone's Daimyo Procession on November 3 recreates a feudal lord's journey along the old road.

In early summer, the hydrangeas at Kamakura's Meigetsuin and Hasedera are a seasonal highlight. Enoshima's winter illumination, called Shonan no Hoseki, runs from late autumn to February, and in Odawara the Hojo Godai Festival on May 3 draws crowds. Yokohama also hosts summer fireworks and Chinatown's New Year celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Kanagawa

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, with cherry blossoms in late March and early April and autumn colors in Kamakura and Hakone from mid November to early December. June is rainy but beautiful for hydrangeas. Summer is hot, though Enoshima's beaches and Hakone's cooler elevation help.

Winter has clear views of Mount Fuji from Hakone, Enoshima and parts of Yokohama, and fewer visitors in Kamakura's temples on weekdays. Spring weekends can be very busy at Kamakura, so go early or choose a weekday. Hakone weather can be cloudy, so Mount Fuji views are never guaranteed.

A Sample Itinerary for Kanagawa

With one day, ride to Yokohama in the morning for Minato Mirai and Chinatown, and visit Kamakura in the afternoon, ending with a sunset at Yuigahama beach. It is a neat combination that shows the contrast between port city and temple town.

With two days, spend a day in Kamakura and Enoshima, with the Great Buddha, Hasedera, shirasu lunch and the lighthouse, and a second day in Hakone, taking the loop route and staying overnight at a hot spring inn. With three days, add Yokohama's museums and Sankeien Garden, or Odawara Castle.

Souvenirs and Local Crafts from Kanagawa

Kamakura's Hato Sable butter cookies, shaped like doves, are the best-known souvenir. Yokohama has Chinatown sweets, Cup Noodles Museum goods and Yokohama beer, while Hakone offers marquetry wooden puzzle boxes called yosegi-zaiku. Odawara kamaboko, dried fish, Enoshima octopus crackers and shirasu products make good edible gifts.

Practical Tips for Visiting Kanagawa

Kamakura temples and shrines have small entry fees, and the Enoden tram can be crowded on weekends. Visit the Great Buddha or Hokokuji early for a calm experience. In Hakone, check the weather forecast and the status of the cable car and ropeway, which sometimes pause for volcanic gas or wind.

Many visitors buy a pass such as the Hakone Free Pass or Enoden day pass to save money. Wear comfortable shoes, since temple stairs and hills are common. Carry cash for small shops and shrines, and book hot spring inns early for weekends, because the best rooms fill months ahead.

Nearby Prefectures to Combine with Kanagawa

Kanagawa borders Tokyo to the north, Yamanashi to the northwest and Shizuoka to the west. Across Tokyo Bay lies Chiba, reached by the Kurihama-Kanaya ferry. Hakone connects easily to Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanagawa known for?

Kanagawa is known for Yokohama's harbor and Chinatown, the Great Buddha and temples of Kamakura, the island of Enoshima, Hakone's hot springs and views of Mount Fuji, and fresh shirasu whitebait.

What is the best time to visit Kanagawa?

Late March to early April and mid November to early December are the best periods for cherry blossoms and autumn colors. June has hydrangeas in Kamakura, and winter offers clear views of Mount Fuji.

Can I visit Kamakura and Yokohama in one day?

Yes. Yokohama is about 30 minutes from Tokyo, and Kamakura is about 30 minutes further on the JR Yokosuka Line, so a morning in Yokohama and an afternoon in Kamakura works well.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Japan's 47 Prefectures: A Region-by-Region Travel Guide, Tokyo Metropolis Travel Guide: Neighborhoods, Food, Festivals and Day Trips and The Slam Dunk Railway Crossing in Kamakura.