Kanagawa: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

There are three main reasons why Kanagawa Prefecture is popular as a tourist destination.

The first is its rich history and culture. Kanagawa Prefecture is home to many historical tourist spots such as Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone, and Yokosuka. Kamakura is where Minamoto no Yoritomo established the shogunate, and many historical buildings remain, such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Meigetsu-in Temple. Odawara is home to Odawara Castle and Ishigakiyama Castle, where you can experience the history of Japan during the Sengoku period. Hakone has been a popular tourist destination since the Edo period, and is famous for its natural scenic spots such as Lake Ashi and Owakudani, as well as Gora Onsen. Yokosuka is famous as a naval town and a city where American and Japanese cultures merge.

The second is the abundance of nature. Kanagawa Prefecture is rich in nature, including the coastline facing Tokyo Bay, mountains, and villages. The Shonan coast, such as Hayama and Zushi, is popular for its beautiful sea and beaches. You can also enjoy hiking and mountain climbing in mountains such as the Tanzawa Mountains and Mt. Hakone.

The third is the diversity of gourmet food. Kanagawa Prefecture is adjacent to Tokyo, so you can enjoy a wide variety of gourmet cuisine. Yokohama Chinatown is Japan’s largest Chinatown, where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. Additionally, along the coasts of Shonan, Yokosuka, and Odawara, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood.