History / Culture / Tour Spots in Kanagawa Area

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Kanagawa
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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru

4.0

99 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Yokohama-shi Nishi-ku Minatomirai 2-1-1

It’s a big passenger ship, which is located very convenient for visitors. The trainings for sailors are at 10:30-12:00 and 14:30-16:00, you can see how sails are set. In other working hours you can...
Kamakura-gu Shrine

4.0

111 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 154

A Shinto shrine located in the Nikaido neighborhood of Kamakura. The shrine is also called Otonomiya (Great Tower) Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Prince Moriyoshi, son of Emperor Go-Daigo, who toppled the Kamakura shogunate and brought about the Kenmu Restoration. The shrine was founded in 1869 by Emperor Meiji. Protective lion mask charms are sold at the front shrine. These charms are derived from Prince Moriyoshi, who hid a lion mask charm inside his helmet when he went to battle to ensure his safety. There is also a dungeon behind the main shrine building where Prince Moriyoshi is believed to have been imprisoned for nine months. A 30-minute walk from the East Exit of Kamakura Station. There is also a bus bound for Kamakura-gu (Otonomiya) Shrine which leaves from the station.

Kamakuragu is not the most famous and popular shrines for new year visit to pray in Kamakura; but it is good. Not too crowded; but they have all elements as a Kamakura shrine. It is sufficiently...
Hotoku Ninomiya Jinja

4.0

122 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Odawara-shi Jonai 8-10 Odawara Joshi-koen Nai

Very wonderful place and a peaceful setting , after visiting the castle we came here to enjoy the whole ambiance of this shrine after eating lunch
Sugimoto Temple

4.0

124 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 903

According to tradition, the Sugimoto Temple was founded in 734 by the bodhisattva Gyoji, making it the oldest Buddhist temple in Kamakura; it is the first temple on the Bando Sanjusan Kannon pilgrimage circuit (of temples dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy). Visitors approach the temple up a flight of moss-covered stone steps, bordered by banners that help to create a solemn and sacred atmosphere, before reaching the Niomon Gate, with statues of two Deva Kings (guardian deities) that are said to have been carved by the famous sculptor Unkei. In the Hon-do hall there are three statues of the goddess Kannon with 11 faces; of these three statues, the one that according to tradition was carved by Ennin and the one that is reputed to have been carved by Genshin have both been designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

After Raiko-ji Temple, I was walking along the foot of hills slightly downward. I found a road running along the bottom of a ravine. I walked along the street and found Sugimoto-Kannon Busstop. I...
Goryo-jinja Shrine

4.0

112 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Sakanoshita 4-9

A five-minute walk from Hase Station, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to the samurai Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa and is thus nicknamed Kamakura Gongoro Shrine. According to legend, Kagemasa continued to defeat his enemies in battle even after losing his left eye mid-fight, and thus this shrine is believed to provide good fortune in achieving victory as well as in educational endeavors. The shrine is also famous for its French hydrangeas, and many visitors like to take photos of the Enoshima Electric Railway running in front of the shrine together with the hydrangeas. During the Masked Parade, a prefecturally designated Intangible Folk Property held in September, participants march past wearing tengu goblin and old man masks to pray for large harvests and easy childbirth.

Small but well formed old shrine tucked away in the back streets of Kamakura and over a small crossing on the Enoden.
Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall

4.0

149 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Honchou 1-6

"Constructed in 1917 in memorial of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port, this historical building is representative of Yokohama City. The stained glass along the walls of the central staircase and the second s floor hall feature lead lines that are free and meticulous, making it an extremely valuable work, even considering Japanese stained glass history. The clock tower is 36 meters high and is beloved as ""Jack's Tower."" Designated as a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property in 1989, it is utilized as a public hall for Naka District."

A welcoming reception and invitation to explore this colonial building. Spectacular and well kept interior. If you have the time, check it out, the building is stunning and the history very...
Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery

3.5

123 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Yamatechou 96

Located a three minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station. A cemetery that was built for foreign-born residents located close to Harbor View Park overlooking the port. The cemetery got its start when Commodore Matthew C. Perry made his momentous voyage to Japan in 1854 and a man named Robert Williams died in an accident on the USS Mississippi and was buried here. Several relatively famous personages are also buried here, such as Edmund Morel, the father of railways in Japan, and Mary Kidder, founder of the Ferris Jogakuin collection of schools. The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery Museum is situated next to the entrance to the cemetery itself and presents a registry of individuals buried there and the history of Yokohama. The museum’s stained glass windows alone make it worth a visit.

This cemetery was established in 1854 after an American sailor died during a visit by Commodore Perry and part of the grounds of Zotokuin Temple were set aside for the purpose. If you arrive during...
Gokuraku-ji Temple

3.5

107 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Gokurakuji 3-6-7

This Buddhist temple was founded in 1259 by the samurai Hojo Shigetoki. The temple was once one of the greatest in Kamakura, but earthquakes, fires, and other tragedies have resulted in only the Kissho-in, the main temple building, still standing today. The temple’s principal object of worship, a figure of Gautama Buddha in the Seiryo-ji Temple style, is a designated Important Cultural Property and is only revealed to the public for three days each year starting on April 7 and overlapping with the Hana Matsuri (celebration of the Buddha’s birthday) on April 8.

It might be small, but its wonderfully empty after youve visited the more popular temples of the area. Very easy to find if you take the Enoden Line to Gokurakuji Station (we actually walked from...
Egara Tenjin Shrine

4.0

94 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 74

Located in Nikaido, Kamakura City, Egara Tenjin Shrine enshrines the deity of learning Sugawara-no-Michizane, and along with Dazaifu-tenmangu Shrine and Kitano-tenmangu Shrine, it is counted as one of Japan’s three largest Tenjin shrines. The plum tree in front of the main building is known to be the earliest blooming plum tree in Kamakura, and one can see its red flowers in January when it is the season for Japanese students to take entrance exams. There is also the Kappa Fudezuka (Kappa brush monument) built as a memorial to the favorite paintbrush of manga artist Kon Shimizu, and behind that is the Efudezuka monument upon which 154 cartoonists including Ryuichi Yokoyama have added different pictures of kappa created in homage of Shimizu.

日本国内のあちこちの神社で《筆塚》を見たことありましたがこちらの《絵筆塚》は 154枚の漫画キャラクターが描かれチョットヒックリするような大きさです。一方《かっぱ筆塚》は一般的な《筆塚》のイメーシなので逆に見落とすかも知れません。機会あれば一度 10月に開催される《絵筆塚祭》を再訪したいものです。
Sogo Museum of Art

4.0

68 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Nishi-ku Takashima 2-18-1 Sogo Yokohama Store 6F

The Sogo Museum of Art is located on the sixth floor of the Sogo Yokohama Department Store in Yokohama's Nishi Ward. It was the first department store based museum in Japan to be based on the Museum Law. Its holdings include about 200 oils and watercolors by the Western-style painter Shintaro Suzuki, and it exhibits art in a wide variety of genres, including Western-style art, traditional Japanese-style art, folk crafts, sculpture, prints, books, and photos from Japan and overseas.

I had a nice time checking out all the artwork on display. It was not all that big and ran through it pretty quick. Probably a bit expensive for the relatively small exhibit. I picked up a couple...
Jomyo-ji Temple

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Joumyouji 3-8-31

Situated along the Kanazawa Kaido Road, this Rinzai Kenchoji Buddhist temple is the fifth of the “Kamakura Gozan” (Five Mountain Temples of Kamakura). The temple was founded by the samurai Ashikaga Yoshikane in 1188. The temple’s principal object of worship, a figure of Gautama Buddha, is enshrined in the main temple. A tea room called the Kisenan also stands on the temple’s quiet grounds, and here you can enjoy a cup of matcha powdered green tea while gazing at a lovely rock garden. Or you can climb the small hill beyond that and enjoy a meal at Ishigama Garden Terrace, a café with a fantastic view.

This Temple dates back to the 12th century. A short bus ride from the JR line this area is literally a thousand years away. Off the tourist path to say the least. A block from the bus stop and up a...
Ministry of the Environment, Hakone Visitor Center

4.0

63 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Motohakone 164

At this center, information of Hakone's environs are exhibited through small geological models and high definition videos. Various events are held regularly where one can learn about the flora and fauna. Mini observation sessions, and four-seasons observation workshops where one can experience the season with all five senses, are some that are offered. The whole facility is barrier-free and disabled person friendly.

The Staff is friendly and knows about the whole area and very helpful. He could answer all of our questions and more.
Yokohama Doll Museum

3.5

61 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Yamashitachou 18

A museum dedicated to dolls located a five minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line. The only doll museum in the nation, the museum’s collection includes over 10,000 dolls gathered from over 100 countries around the world. Some 3,500 dolls are displayed as part of the museum’s standing exhibition, including folk dolls from around the globe such as friendship dolls, antique dolls, and native Japanese dolls. In addition to puppet shows, the museum also holds piano concerts for adults to enjoy, workshops, and special exhibitions of cartoon and videogame-related character dolls, which has earned the museum many fans.

Really enjoyed seeing so many different dolls from around the world and the history of friendship dolls. Lovely staff member served me today.
Yokohama Archives of History

4.0

91 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Nihonodori 3

Yokohama Archives of History is a museum located close to Yamashita Park in Yokohama which is open to the general public and collects materials relating to the history of Yokohama. It holds in excess of about 250,000 documents related to such topics as Yokohama’s history and culture, the harbor and the port and the economy from the end of the Edo period to the early Showa period. It plays a role to communicate the history of modern Yokohama to future generations. The “Tamakusu tree” in the courtyard, managed to survive even though it was damaged by fire and an earthquake, is also a highlight which is a symbol of Yokohama open port.

A small museum with a number of documents and pieces of art, that help to explain Yokohama’s role as Japan’s first international port town (in a modern sense, 1859). However this exquisite little...
Zuisenji Temple

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nikaidou 710

The Zuisenji Temple was founded in 1327 by Muso Kokuji (Muso Soseki), a monk famous as a garden designer who created the gardens at the Tenryu-ji Temple and Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto. From the Tennyo-do cave (a large cave cut out of the side of the hill), with the Nikaido Momijiga-yatsu (Valley of the Maple Trees) providing a magnificent backdrop, visitors can view the peaceful Iwaba garden, one of the earliest examples of the Sho-in style of garden (a type of garden intended to be viewed from a particular spot adjacent to the garden). The Zuisenji Temple Garden has been designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Place of Scenic Beauty; the garden is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are changing color.

There are many beautiful temples in Kamakura, but this one is slightly off the beaten track accessible via an uphill walk on the outskirts of town. It is worth the walk. The temple is surrounded by...
Kawasaki Municipal Science Museum

4.0

69 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Kawasaki-shi Tama-ku Masugata 7-1-2

小学生の子供とプラネタリウム目的で訪問。プラネタリウムは説明をしてくれて今時のヒーリング目的のところとは違い勉強になる。ちょうど火星が近づく頃で火星の説明もあり。ネットの事前予約ができず科学館に直接並んでチケット購入するのが時代に反している。ただ、他の展示のみどころが少なすぎてまったく時間を潰せない。手に触る展示は中止されています。
Enoura Observatory

4.5

38 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Odawara-shi Enoura 362-1

This is a singularly unique experience, and, perhaps more importantly, a singularly unique Japanese experience. Stunning architecture at the precise location where all of natures splendor can be...
Myohon-ji Temple

4.0

63 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Omachi 1-15-1

This Buddhist temple, one of the oldest Nichiren temples in Japan, is located an eight-minute walk from Kamakura Station. The temple is located on the site of the family residence of the warrior Hiki Yoshikazu. This residence was destroyed by Hojo Tokimasa after he assassinated Yoshikazu in a bid to retain his power. In order to console the souls of his family line, Yoshikazu’s youngest child later gave the site to the great priest Nichiren, who then opened the Myohon-ji Temple on the land. After climbing a flight of stone steps, visitors are created by a vividly colored vermillion lacquered gate. Sutra copying may be conducted in the temple’s writing hall at any time, and even beginners can easily take on the challenge of copying the Lotus Sutra. The temple also offers natural beauty to enjoy year round, such as the cherry blossoms and fresh verdure in the spring and the fall colors of the temple’s maples and gingkos in late autumn.

This is one of the best places I have visited in Japan and I have been to a variety of different temples/shrines in Japan. You have to go and see it for yourself it is quite amazing. It looks like it...
Aburisan Oyamadera Temple

4.0

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Iseharashi Oyama 724

"This temple is located in Oyama, Isehara City. Founded in the year 755 by the Buddhist monk Roben, founder of Todaiji Temple in Nara Prefecture. Its primary object of worship is the Oyamafudozo statue cast by the Buddhiest priest Gangyo Shonin in 1264. A number of sacred places were established around the temple when the Buddhiest monk Kukai served as its chief priest. These sacred grounds are worshiped even today as part of a creed known as Oyama Nanafushigi (the Seven Wonders of Oyama). Visitors to the temple can perform a ritual called ""kawara nage"" in which sundried earthenware are thrown off a cliff to ward off evil and misfortune."

Amazing red leaves around Oyama temple. Luckily I could see Kokuhou (national treasure) which was limited time available to visitors! Fudomyouou statue was great!
Kanayama Shrine

4.0

45 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Kawasakishi Kawasaki-ku Daishiekimae 2-13-16

This Shinto shrine is about a one-minute walk from Kawasaki-Daishi Station. One of the sanctuaries on the grounds of Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, it's known locally as Kanamara-sama. It honors the deities Kanayama-hiko and Kanayama-bime, who legend says cared for the goddess Izanami-no-Mikoto whose lower body was badly burned when she gave birth to a fire deity. As such, worshiping here is believed to ease childbirth and help heal afflictions of the lower body. Shrine festivals include the Suicho-no-Matsuri which recreates a historic drinking contest, the Fuigo Festival to pray for prosperity among blacksmiths and hardware merchants, and the annual Kanamara Festival, where patrons carry portable shrines in the shape of giant phalluses.

This is not the first fertility shrine Ive visited in Japan. I like to seek out odd attractions and this one came up. I visited it while on my way to another temple. Its worth a quick 5 minutes...

Kanagawa

Around Minato Mirai Yamashita Park / Chinatown / Motomachi Yokohama City (North) Kawasaki Kamakura Miura Peninsula Shonan Central Odawara / Manazurumachi / Yugawara Around Hakonemachi Yokohama City (South)

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Kanagawa Areas

Kanagawa prefecture acts as an extension of the Tokyo metropolis that spills over into coastal towns, most notably Yokohama city, heavily populated and known for its Chinatown and seaside attractions. Just the right distance for a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to some of Tokyo’s most accessible beaches, including around Kamakura, best known for its Big Buddha. Visitors can also travel a little farther afield for a weekend at Hakone onsen town.