Shirasu-donしらす丼
Rice topped with tiny whitebait, raw or boiled, a Kamakura and Enoshima favourite in season.
Kanto
Kanagawa Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
Just south of Tokyo: the port city of Yokohama, Kamakura’s temples and Great Buddha, Enoshima island, and Hakone’s hot springs with views of Mount Fuji.
Open Kanagawa on the map50 places on the map · 4 local favourites
Local tips
- TipIn Hakone, the Hakone Freepass covers the loop of mountain train, cable car, ropeway, lake boat and buses.
- Heads upThe Owakudani ropeway and area can close when volcanic gas levels rise; check status on the day.
- AvoidKamakura asks visitors not to eat while walking on busy streets like Komachi-dori; eat at the shop instead.
- Heads upKamakura’s temples are especially crowded in June hydrangea season; go early and use the Enoden line rather than driving.
- TipHidden gem: Jogashima at the tip of the Miura Peninsula, with rocky coastal trails and fresh Misaki tuna nearby.
What to eat
Iekei ramen家系ラーメン
Yokohama-born ramen with a rich pork-and-soy broth, thick noodles, spinach and nori.
Kuro-tamago (black eggs)黒たまご
Eggs boiled in Owakudani’s volcanic hot springs until the shells turn black.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Hatajuku Yosegi Kaikan
畑宿寄木会館 ShoppingExperiencesA craft hall in the Hakone village where yosegi wood marquetry comes from, with demonstrations and short workshops.
● Mostly localsKamakura Farmers Market
鎌倉市農協連即売所 Local FoodShoppingA small covered market near Kamakura Station where local farmers sell colourful Kamakura vegetables in the morning. Chefs from around Shonan shop here.
● Mostly localsLake Miyagase
宮ヶ瀬湖 Nature & SceneryA dam lake in the Tanzawa mountains with a suspension bridge and lakeside park, popular with local families and drivers.
● Mostly localsNihon Minka-en
川崎市立日本民家園 Sights & HistoryAn open-air museum in Kawasaki of relocated thatched farmhouses and village buildings from across Japan, some with fires lit in the hearths.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Kotoku-in Great Buddha
高徳院 Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryKamakura's giant bronze Buddha, sitting in the open air since its hall was washed away long ago. Come early to see it before the tour groups arrive.
Owakudani
大涌谷 Nature & SceneryA volcanic valley of steaming vents and sulphur rock above Hakone, reached by ropeway. Try the black eggs boiled in the hot springs.
Yokohama Chinatown
横浜中華街 Local FoodJapan's largest Chinatown, a grid of hundreds of restaurants, steamed-bun stalls and the colourful Kanteibyo temple. Eat your way along the side streets, not just the…
Enoshima
江の島 Sights & HistoryNature & SceneryA small island off the Shonan coast with a hilltop shrine, the Sea Candle lighthouse tower and sea caves at the far end.
Hakone Jinja
箱根神社 Temples & GoshuinchoA shrine in cedar forest on Lake Ashi, famous for its red torii standing in the water.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
箱根海賊船 ExperiencesPirate-ship-styled boats cross Lake Ashi between Togendai and Moto-Hakone, with views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Enoden
江ノ島電鉄 ExperiencesThe small green train running from Fujisawa to Kamakura along the Shonan coast, squeezing past houses and the sea.
Hasedera, Kamakura
長谷寺 Temples & GoshuinchoNature & SceneryA hillside temple with a tall wooden Kannon statue, a cave of carved deities and sea views.
Souvenirs to bring home
Kamakura’s Hato Sabure dove-shaped cookies, Kiyoken shumai from Yokohama and Hakone yosegi marquetry boxes are classics.
When to go
Spring and autumn are most pleasant, June brings hydrangeas to Kamakura and Hakone, and winter offers the clearest views of Mount Fuji.