History in Kanagawa

Peek into Kanagawa’s historical past and Zen Buddhism heritage

Kanagawa Prefecture became an international door to Japan in 1854 after Commodore Perry landed with his black ships. Since then, Kanagawa—and Yokohama, in particular—has become a modern wonder that brought in global customs, fashions, and culture to Japan. Even earlier, Kanagawa Prefecture was a political and economic hub of Japan. Today, vestiges of history remain—with the ancient capital of Kamakura of special interest to history buffs interested in ancient Japan and its Zen Buddhism heritage.

Attractions

Explore some of Kanagawa's best things to do and places to go.

Attractions

Explore some of Kanagawa's best things to do and places to go.

Odawara

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle is an impregnable castle that was designated as a national historic site and preserved through reconstruction and restoration. The first...

463

Hakone

Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone Shrine is an ancient shrine celebrating its 1266th anniversary. Founded in 757, the first year of the Tenpyo-Hoji Era, at the beginning of the...

480

Kamakura

Ofuna Kannon Temple

The Ōfuna Kannon in the west of Ōfuna Station in Kamakura City is an eye-catching huge white statue of Kannon. Although there were instances where the...

172

Yokohama

Sankeien Garden

The vast classical Japan garden covering over 175,000 square meters was opened by Hara Sankei, a businessman who made a fortune with the Japanese silk...

343

Kamakura

Hase-dera Temple

Hasedera Temple is a famous historical temple that enshrines the statue of Hase Kannon as its principal deity. The main temple building houses the Kannon...

290

Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Alongside Usa and Ishimizu, Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the major Hachimangu shrines in Japan. In the 6th year of the Kouhei Era (1063), Minamoto...

373

Isehara

Oyama Afuri Shrine

This ancient shrine is said to have been built over 2,000 years ago. As a sacred site revered by many warlords, such as those who partook in rainmaking...

Odawara

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle is an impregnable castle that was designated as a national historic site and preserved through reconstruction and restoration. The first...

463

Hakone

Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone Shrine is an ancient shrine celebrating its 1266th anniversary. Founded in 757, the first year of the Tenpyo-Hoji Era, at the beginning of the...

480

Kamakura

Ofuna Kannon Temple

The Ōfuna Kannon in the west of Ōfuna Station in Kamakura City is an eye-catching huge white statue of Kannon. Although there were instances where the...

172

Yokohama

Sankeien Garden

The vast classical Japan garden covering over 175,000 square meters was opened by Hara Sankei, a businessman who made a fortune with the Japanese silk...

343

Kamakura

Hase-dera Temple

Hasedera Temple is a famous historical temple that enshrines the statue of Hase Kannon as its principal deity. The main temple building houses the Kannon...

290

Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Alongside Usa and Ishimizu, Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the major Hachimangu shrines in Japan. In the 6th year of the Kouhei Era (1063), Minamoto...

373

Isehara

Oyama Afuri Shrine

This ancient shrine is said to have been built over 2,000 years ago. As a sacred site revered by many warlords, such as those who partook in rainmaking...

Experiences

Immerse yourself in some of Kanagawa's experiences, from outdoor adventures to hands-on traditional activities

Kawasaki

Japan Open Air Folk House Museum

Located 30 minutes from Tokyo and 40 minutes by car from Haneda Airport, this municipal Japanese folklore park in the northern part of Kawasaki City is...

113

Yokosuka

Cruise of YOKOSUKA Naval Port

Yokosuka Port has developed as a naval port ever since the American vessels commanded by Commodore Matthew C.Perry landed in Japan 160 years ago. Yokosuka...

238

Kamakura

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

This ancient temple is ranked first among the Kamakura Gozan. It features many old buildings, with a temple bell designated the national treasure. Our...

Kamakura

Kamakura Samurai Experience Center

At the Kamakura Samurai Experience Center, we offer a samurai experience service in Kamakura, the ancient capital of the samurai class. ・Experience...

Yokosuka

Takatori-yama summit

Hiking course that can be enjoyed any season. There is a big Buddha statue which is rare in the Kanto region.

Odawara

Daijoin Temple

Built here in the early 700 A.D., Daijoin is a temple where you can practise waterfall meditation. Waterfall meditation is a way to liberate and regenerate...

Sagamihara

Nigomi Udon made with Tsukui soybeans

Tsukui soybeans are soybeans that are made in the Tsukui area. However, the number of people who cultivate them have decreased. Furthermore, "Nigomi Udon"...

Kawasaki

Japan Open Air Folk House Museum

Located 30 minutes from Tokyo and 40 minutes by car from Haneda Airport, this municipal Japanese folklore park in the northern part of Kawasaki City is...

113

Yokosuka

Cruise of YOKOSUKA Naval Port

Yokosuka Port has developed as a naval port ever since the American vessels commanded by Commodore Matthew C.Perry landed in Japan 160 years ago. Yokosuka...

238

Kamakura

Kenchoji Temple (Main temple of Kenchoji school of Rinzai sect)

This ancient temple is ranked first among the Kamakura Gozan. It features many old buildings, with a temple bell designated the national treasure. Our...

Kamakura

Kamakura Samurai Experience Center

At the Kamakura Samurai Experience Center, we offer a samurai experience service in Kamakura, the ancient capital of the samurai class. ・Experience...

Yokosuka

Takatori-yama summit

Hiking course that can be enjoyed any season. There is a big Buddha statue which is rare in the Kanto region.

Odawara

Daijoin Temple

Built here in the early 700 A.D., Daijoin is a temple where you can practise waterfall meditation. Waterfall meditation is a way to liberate and regenerate...

Sagamihara

Nigomi Udon made with Tsukui soybeans

Tsukui soybeans are soybeans that are made in the Tsukui area. However, the number of people who cultivate them have decreased. Furthermore, "Nigomi Udon"...