7 Must-See Spots in Kanagawa Beyond Yokohama

Most visitors to Kanagawa Prefecture spend their time in Yokohama — and while Japan’s second-largest city is undeniably impressive, it is only the beginning of what this remarkably diverse prefecture has to offer. Stretching from Tokyo Bay in the east to the volcanic peaks of the Hakone highlands in the west, Kanagawa packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes, history, and culture into a relatively compact area.

In this guide, you will discover seven destinations across Kanagawa that deserve a dedicated spot on your itinerary. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler looking to go deeper, these spots offer everything from ancient Buddhist statues and samurai history to hot spring ryokan retreats and dramatic mountain scenery. Each recommendation includes practical access information, the best time to visit, and insider tips to help you make the most of your journey.

1. Kamakura: Japan’s Open-Air Temple City

Kamakura served as the seat of Japan’s first samurai government from 1185 to 1333, and that history is written into every hillside and valley of this coastal city. With over 65 temples and shrines spread across forested mountains just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Kamakura offers a depth of cultural experience that rivals Kyoto — but with far smaller crowds on most days.

Kotoku-in and the Great Buddha

The Kotoku-in Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) is one of Japan’s most iconic images: a roughly 11.31-meter-tall (statue height) bronze Amitabha Buddha — about 13.35 meters including the pedestal — seated serenely in an open-air courtyard. The current main statue was cast in 1252, and the great hall (daibutsu-den) that once enclosed it was repeatedly destroyed by storms and earthquakes — most notably in 1369 (Ōan 2) and again following the 1498 Meiō earthquake — after which the statue has remained in the open air. You can actually enter the hollow interior of the statue for a small additional fee — please check the official Kotoku-in website for the latest admission prices and opening hours.

To reach Kotoku-in, take the Enoden Line (Enoshima Electric Railway) from Kamakura Station to Hase Station (about 5 minutes), then walk approximately 10 minutes northwest through a residential area lined with souvenir shops and small cafés. Arriving before 9:00 AM on weekdays gives you the best chance of experiencing the statue in relative peace.

The Daibutsu Hiking Trail and Zeniarai Benzaiten

One of Kamakura’s best-kept secrets is the Daibutsu Hiking Trail, a forest path of approximately 3 kilometers connecting Kita-Kamakura area to the Daibutsu (Kotoku-in). This trail passes through cedar forests and offers stunning views over the city and the ocean — and best of all, it costs nothing to walk. Allow approximately 90 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Along the way, you can detour to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, a cave shrine tucked into a rocky grotto where visitors traditionally wash coins in spring water with the belief that money washed here will multiply. The combination of mossy stone tunnels and the sound of running water makes it one of the most atmospheric spots in all of Kanagawa.

2. Hakone: Volcanic Landscapes and Ryokan Luxury

Hakone is perhaps Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resort destination, drawing millions of visitors each year who come for its steaming volcanic landscapes, sweeping views of Mount Fuji, and world-class traditional inns. Located roughly 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is served by the Romancecar limited express train from Shinjuku Station, which takes approximately 85 minutes and can be booked in advance — please check the Odakyu Railway website for schedules and pricing.

Owakudani and the Hakone Ropeway

Owakudani (literally “Great Boiling Valley”) is a volcanic zone created by the most recent magmatic eruption of Hakone Volcano roughly 3,000 years ago, where sulfurous gases still billow from the earth and hot springs bubble up through the cracked terrain. The area is famous for kuro-tamago — eggs hard-boiled in the mineral-rich hot spring water, which turns the shells pitch black due to the reaction between iron and sulfur. Local legend claims that eating one egg is said to extend your life by seven years, making it one of the most photographed snacks in Japan.

The Hakone Ropeway connects Sounzan Station to Togendai on the shores of Lake Ashi, passing directly over Owakudani at an altitude of approximately 1,044 meters. On clear days, the views of Mount Fuji rising above the lake are extraordinary. Note that the ropeway occasionally suspends service due to volcanic activity or wind conditions, so check the official Hakone Ropeway website before your visit.

Lake Ashi and the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is a caldera lake formed by past eruptions of Hakone Volcano, offering iconic views of Mount Fuji reflected in its calm waters — though the mountain is notoriously shy and is often obscured by clouds. The lake’s “pirate ship” sightseeing cruisers (kaizokusen) are large replica vessels that cruise across the water, connecting Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone ports. This is one of the most enjoyable short boat rides in the Kanto region, and it is included in the popular Hakone Free Pass, which covers most transportation in the area.

A short distance from the lake, the Hakone Open-Air Museum (Chōkoku no Mori) displays approximately 120 sculptural works set across beautifully landscaped grounds, with the dramatic backdrop of the Hakone mountains. The museum includes works by Picasso and Henry Moore and features a striking stained-glass tower (Symphonic Sculpture) you can climb from the inside. Please verify current admission fees on the museum’s official website before your visit.

3. Enoshima: Island Shrines and Fresh Seafood

Enoshima is a small island — about 4 kilometers in circumference — connected to the mainland by a causeway and bridge in the city of Fujisawa. Despite its size, it packs in a sacred shrine complex, sea caves, lighthouse observation tower, botanical garden, and some of the finest shirasu (whitebait) cuisine in Japan. It is accessible from Tokyo in under 90 minutes, making it an ideal day trip.

Enoshima Shrine and the Sea Candle

The Enoshima Shrine (Enoshima-jinja) is a complex of three interconnected shrines (Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya) dedicated to the three goddesses of the sea, often associated with Benzaiten, the deity of music, beauty, and wisdom. The approach road — called Bentendori — is a lively shopping street where vendors sell fresh seafood skewers, tako-senbei (octopus rice crackers), and artisan crafts. Allow at least 30 minutes to walk through before even reaching the shrine gates.

At the island’s highest point stands the Enoshima Sea Candle, a lighthouse observation tower with an observation deck approximately 60 meters above the ground that offers panoramic views of Sagami Bay, the Miura Peninsula, and — on exceptionally clear days — Mount Fuji. The surrounding Samuel Cocking Garden is a beautifully maintained botanical space that transforms into a stunning illumination event during winter evenings. Please check the official Enoshima Sea Candle / Samuel Cocking Garden website for current hours and pricing.

The Iwaya Caves

On Enoshima’s far side, a stone path descends to the Iwaya Caves (Enoshima Iwaya), a pair of sea caves of approximately 152 meters and 56 meters in depth carved into the rocky cliffside. These caves have been considered sacred for centuries, and tradition holds that the Buddhist monk Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi) is said to have meditated here in the 9th century. Inside, you will find small shrines, Buddhist carvings, and — in the first cave — visitors are handed a small candle lantern at the entrance, which adds to the genuinely atmospheric experience.

The cave entrance can occasionally be closed due to high tide or rough seas, so it is wise to check local conditions and the Fujisawa City tourism information before your trip. Budget at least 45 minutes for the complete cave experience.

4. Odawara and Minamiashigara: Castles and Hidden Nature

The western edge of Kanagawa is anchored by Odawara, a castle town with deep samurai heritage, and the quieter Ashigara district, where rice paddies and cedar forests create a striking contrast to the urban density of greater Tokyo. This part of Kanagawa rewards travelers willing to venture a little further from the beaten path.

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle (Odawara-jō) was once the largest castle complex in eastern Japan, serving as the stronghold of the powerful Later Hōjō clan during the Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries). The current main keep is a 1960 reconstruction in reinforced concrete, modeled after the Edo-period third-generation tower built in 1706, and it houses an impressive museum of feudal-era weapons, armor, and artifacts across multiple floors. From the top floor observation deck, you can see Sagami Bay to the south and the Hakone mountains to the west on clear days.

Odawara Station on the JR Tokaido Line is approximately 80 minutes from Tokyo Station by local train, or about 35 minutes from Tokyo by the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama). The castle is a 10-minute walk from the station. Please confirm current admission fees on the Odawara City Tourism website.

Ashigara Pass and Saijōji Temple Area

Ashigara Pass (Ashigara-tōge) at 759 meters above sea level marks the boundary between Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefectures and was one of the most strategically important mountain crossings in feudal Japan — used by samurai, merchants, and pilgrims for centuries before the Edo-era Tōkaidō was developed as the main route. Today, a scenic hiking trail follows the old mountain path, offering views toward Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay.

Nearby, in the foothills of Mount Daiyū, lies Daiyūzan Saijōji Temple, a major Sōtō Zen temple founded in 1394 and surrounded by towering cryptomeria forest. The approach lined with stone lanterns and ancient cedars feels genuinely remote despite being less than two hours from Tokyo. This is the kind of place where you might find yourself enveloped by the sound of wind through ancient trees — a remarkable contrast to the crowds at more famous sites.

5. Comparing Kanagawa’s Top Destinations at a Glance

With so many excellent options spread across Kanagawa, it helps to compare the destinations side by side before planning your itinerary. The table below summarizes key factors to help you decide which spots best match your interests, travel style, and available time.

6. Planning Your Kanagawa Trip: Practical Tips and Smart Strategies

Getting the most out of Kanagawa requires a bit of strategic thinking, since the prefecture is long and narrow — stretching roughly 80 kilometers from east to west. The good news is that Japan’s rail network makes it genuinely easy to combine multiple destinations in a single day, provided you plan your route in advance.

Transportation Passes Worth Considering

The Hakone Free Pass issued by Odakyu Railway is one of the best value transport passes available to tourists in the Kanto region. For a fixed price, it covers round-trip travel between designated Odakyu stations and Odawara, plus unlimited travel on the Hakone Tozan Railway mountain train, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, the Hakone Ropeway, the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruisers, and several bus routes within the Hakone area — essentially everything you need to complete a full loop through the region. The Romancecar limited express requires a separate seat reservation fee. Please check the Odakyu Railway website for current pricing and validity periods.

For Kamakura and Enoshima, the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass available from Odakyu is a cost-effective option covering travel from designated Odakyu stations to Fujisawa plus unlimited travel on the Enoden Line. If you plan to visit both spots in the same day — which is very manageable — this pass will almost certainly save you money compared to buying individual tickets.

Step-by-Step: A Sample Kanagawa Day Trip Route

1. Depart Tokyo early (ideally before 8:00 AM) toward Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
2. Walk the Daibutsu Hiking Trail westward through the forest (approximately 3 km, allow about 90 minutes).
3. Visit Kotoku-in Great Buddha and the surrounding gardens.
4. Take the Enoden Line from Hase Station toward Enoshima Station (approximately 25 minutes).
5. Walk across the bridge to Enoshima Island and explore the shrines, Iwaya Caves, and seafood shops.
6. Enjoy fresh shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) at one of the island’s many seafood restaurants for lunch or dinner. (Note: raw shirasu is only available during the in-season periods, generally March to December excluding the closed season; cooked shirasu is served year-round.)
7. Return to Tokyo from Fujisawa Station via the JR Tokaido Line (approximately 45 minutes to Shinagawa).

This route covers a substantial amount of walking and requires comfortable shoes. Starting early is essential — by midday, both Kamakura and Enoshima can become significantly crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays.

7. Seasonal Highlights Across Kanagawa

Kanagawa is rewarding to visit in every season, but each time of year brings dramatically different scenery and experiences. Understanding what each season offers allows you to align your visit with the experiences that matter most to you.

Spring and Autumn: Peak Beauty

Spring (late March to early April) brings spectacular cherry blossom season to Kamakura, particularly along the approach road to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, where the Dankazura raised path lined with cherry trees creates a striking corridor of pink blossoms. Smaller sub-temples in Kita-Kamakura such as those near Engaku-ji also offer outstanding blossom-viewing with fewer crowds than the main shrine avenue.

Autumn (mid-November to early December) transforms the temple valleys of Kamakura into vivid galleries of red and gold maple foliage. Eishō-ji Temple and Jōchi-ji Temple are particularly renowned for their autumn color displays. In Hakone, the highland forests around Owakudani and the shores of Lake Ashi turn brilliant shades in late October and early November, creating striking contrasts with the volcanic steam and blue water.

Summer and Winter: Contrasting Experiences

Summer (July to August) brings beach culture to Kanagawa’s Pacific coastline. Kamakura’s Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach become lively hubs for swimming and surfing during the official beach-opening season. If you visit in summer, arrive early at coastal spots and consider weekday visits to avoid the largest crowds. Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen — summer daytime temperatures can climb above 33°C and occasionally exceed 35°C.

Winter (December to February) is arguably the best season for Mount Fuji views from Hakone, as the dry, cold air provides the clearest visibility of the year. Hakone’s hot spring ryokan are at their most appealing in winter — there is nothing quite like soaking in an outdoor rotenburo with the white peak of Fuji glowing in the distance. The “Shōnan no Hōseki” (Jewel of Shōnan) winter illumination at Enoshima’s Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle is one of the most acclaimed light shows in the Kanto region — please check the official Enoshima tourism website for exact dates each year.

Summary: 3 Key Takeaways

After exploring everything Kanagawa has to offer, three essential truths stand out for anyone planning a visit.

• Kanagawa is far more than Yokohama. The prefecture contains some of Japan’s most significant historical, natural, and cultural sites — from the ancient temples of Kamakura and the volcanic drama of Hakone to the charming island shrines of Enoshima — all within around 90 minutes of central Tokyo.
• Smart transport planning unlocks the prefecture. Passes like the Hakone Free Pass and the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass make combining multiple destinations affordable and efficient. Starting early and choosing weekday visits dramatically improves the quality of your experience at popular sites.
• Every season offers something genuinely different. Spring cherry blossoms in Kamakura, summer beaches along the Pacific coast, autumn foliage in the temple valleys, and winter hot spring retreats with Mount Fuji views — Kanagawa rewards return visits across different seasons.

Next Steps: Plan Your Kanagawa Adventure

1. Visit the official Kanagawa Tourism website at kanagawa-kankou.or.jp (Japanese) or visitkanagawa.jp (English) to download official maps and check seasonal event calendars for your travel dates.
2. Book your Hakone ryokan at least 4–6 weeks in advance if traveling during peak season (late March–early April or mid-November–early December) — popular inns sell out very quickly.
3. Check the Odakyu Railway official website to purchase your Hakone Free Pass or Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass before your trip, saving time at the station.

※ Information in this article is based on the time of writing. Please check official sources for the latest details on hours, prices, and availability.