History in Kanagawa

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.