Is a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura and Enoshima feasible?

Yes, it's a very popular and efficient day trip. Kamakura's temples and the Great Buddha are a short train ride from Tokyo, and the Enoden line connects Kamakura to the beach at Enoshima.

Do I need a car to visit Hakone?

Not necessarily. The Hakone Free Pass covers most transportation (trains, cable cars, ropeways, pirate ships, and buses) in the area, making it easy to navigate the circuit of attractions without a car.

What is Yokohama best known for?

Yokohama is famous for its historic port, one of Japan's first to open to the West, its massive Chinatown (the largest in Japan), the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district, and the Cup Noodles Museum.

Can I see Mount Fuji from Kanagawa?

Yes, on clear days, you can get spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Hakone (especially Lake Ashi), the Miura Peninsula, and even from some high-rise buildings in Yokohama.

What is a must-try local food in Kanagawa?

Shirasu (whitebait) is a specialty, often served raw or cooked over rice, particularly in the Enoshima/Kamakura area. Yokohama's Chinatown is also renowned for its diverse Chinese cuisine.

Visa-free for many nationalities for short stays (up to 90 days). Check with the Japanese embassy.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited; signs in English at major stations and tourist spots. Learn basic Japanese phrases.

What is the currency?

Japanese Yen (JPY). Cash is still widely used; carry some for small shops and temples.

Can I use credit cards?

Yes, in hotels, large stores, and restaurants. Smaller shops and rural areas may be cash-only.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe throughout Japan.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not customary and can be seen as rude. Service charges are included.

Are there public restrooms?

Yes, in train stations, parks, and convenience stores. Carry tissues as some may not have toilet paper.

How do I get from Tokyo to Kanagawa?

By train: JR Tokaido Line to Yokohama (30 min) or Odakyu Line to Hakone (90 min).

What is the best way to see Mount Fuji?

From Hakone, take the ropeway or cruise on Lake Ashi for iconic views. Clear winter days offer the best visibility.

Is Kanagawa family-friendly?

Yes, with attractions like Yokohama Cosmo World, Hakone Open-Air Museum, and Enoshima Aquarium.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, but check roaming charges. Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a local SIM at the airport.

Comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, a travel umbrella, and a light jacket for evenings.

Kanagawa

PrefectureJapan, Asia

Kanagawa is a STATE in Japan, Asia.

Kanagawa Prefecture, nestled between Tokyo and the Pacific Ocean, offers a captivating blend of urban energy, coastal charm, and historical depth. It's home to Yokohama, Japan's vibrant second-largest city, famous for its historic port, sprawling Chinatown, and the futuristic Minato Mirai waterfront with its iconic Ferris wheel and museums. Just south lies the ancient capital of Kamakura, where serene temples like the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in) and the bamboo groves of Hokoku-ji Temple transport visitors back to the samurai era. The prefecture's natural beauty shines along the Miura Peninsula's rugged coastline and in the hot spring resorts of Hakone, part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. From the trendy beaches of Enoshima and the Shonan coast, popular with surfers, to the historic foreign settlement in Yamate, Kanagawa provides a diverse and accessible escape from Tokyo's intensity, showcasing Japan's ability to harmonize rapid modernity with deep tradition.

Best time to visit Kanagawa

Late March to early April for cherry blossoms, especially in Kamakura and along Yokohama's Sankeien Garden. October to November for pleasant autumn weather and vibrant fall foliage in Hakone and Kamakura's temples. May and June can be nice but are part of the rainy season (tsuyu). Summer (July-August) is hot and humid but lively with beach culture in Enoshima/Shonan and fireworks festivals. Winter is mild, ideal for onsen (hot springs) in Hakone with fewer crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 15-25°C, autumn foliage starts

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Pleasant weather; autumn colors begin in late Oct.

Know before you go

Getting there

NRT

Narita International Airport

International

80 km away

HND

Tokyo Haneda Airport

International

30 km away

TKY

Tokyo International (Haneda)

International

30 km away

Getting around

"Kanagawa is seamlessly connected by Japan Railways (JR) lines, notably the JR Yokosuka and JR Tokaido lines linking Tokyo to Yokohama, Kamakura, and beyond. The private Odakyu Railway provides access to Hakone (including the Romancecar limited express). Within cities, subways (Yokohama Municipal Subway), buses, and the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) along the coast are efficient. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are universally accepted. Taxis are plentiful but expensive. Renting a car is useful for exploring Hakone's mountainous areas but unnecessary for major cities. Popular apps include Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime, and Japan Official Travel App."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities, hotels, and cafes. Free Wi-Fi at many train stations.

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5 (e.g., 7-day data SIM). Pocket Wi-Fi rental ~$3/day.

Calling code

+81

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall; minor scam risk in tourist-heavy areas like Kamakura.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall; minor scam risk in tourist-heavy areas like Kamakura.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Kanagawa is very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas like Yokohama Station or Kamakura's tourist sites are advised. Be cautious when swimming at Shonan beaches due to strong currents; heed lifeguard warnings. In Hakone, stay on marked trails when hiking near volcanic areas. Scams are rare, but be wary of overly persistent touts in nightlife districts like Kannai in Yokohama. Natural disaster awareness is key: know tsunami evacuation routes in coastal areas and earthquake safety procedures."

Police

110

Ambulance

119

Fire

119

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Kanagawa has excellent medical facilities, especially in Yokohama. Major hospitals like Yokohama City University Medical Center and Kanagawa Prefectural Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center have international patient services. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Tap water is safe to drink. Be aware of pollen allergies (kafunsho) in spring. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance, as medical costs can be high. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available, but bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications."

Culture

Local customs

"Standard Japanese etiquette applies. Remove shoes when entering temples, traditional inns (ryokan), and some restaurants. Be quiet and respectful in temples and shrines. Bathing etiquette in onsen (communal hot springs) requires washing thoroughly before entering the bath and not wearing swimsuits. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. When giving or receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect. While casual dress is acceptable in most areas, avoid overly revealing clothing at religious sites."

Japanese

Costs and practicals

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY) · ¥

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-15 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10, mid-range $15-25

Hotels

$40-120 | budget hotels range $40-80/night, mid-range $80-120

Local transport

$1-3 | local bus ride ~$1-3, train from Tokyo to Yokohama ~$5

Cost notes

Hakone and Kamakura can be pricier for accommodation and dining.

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

9,200,000

Area

2,415.83 km²

Government

Prefectural government with a Governor and elected assembly

ISO code

JP-19

Type

Prefecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Префектура Канагава, Kanagawa ili, Maoracht Kanagawa, Префектураи Канагава, Präfektur Kanagawa, Gubernio Kanagavo, קנאגווה, كاناغاوا, 가나가와현, 神, かながわけん, 神奈川县, Prefeitura de Kanagawa, Mkoa wa Kanagawa, JP-14, Կանագավա, कानागावा, Prefettura di Kanagawa, Канагава, Kanagawa-ken, Prefektur Kanagawa, 神奈川縣, 神奈川県, Préfecture de Kanagawa, จังหวัดคานางาวะ, Префектура Канаґава, prefektura Kanagawa, 140007, Kanagawa, prefectura de Kanagawa, Wilayah Kanagawa, Kanagawa prefektúra, ខាណាហ្កាវ៉ា, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanaqava prefekturası, Acugi, Atsugi, Atsugicho, Atsugichō, Atsuki, Atugi, Atugi-chhi, Atugi-chhī, NJA, asseugi si, atswghy, atswgy kanagawa, hou mu, hou mu ding, hou mu shi, xa sungi, Атсуги, Ацуги, Ацуґі, آتسوگی، کاناگاوا, أتسوغي, اتسوگی، کاناگاوا, อะสึงิ, 厚木, 厚木市, 厚木町, 아쓰기 시

Major HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingHot SpringsTemplesMount Fuji ViewCoastal