With its stunning scenery, observatories, beautiful gardens, and historical religious sites, Kanagawa is a photographer’s dream. Head up the Yokohama Landmark Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the romantic Yokohama waterfront, and the traditional Sankeien Garden nearby for its seasonal flowers. Catch a sunset with Mt Fuji in the distance by the Pacific coast at Jogashima, or opt for Chigogafuchi Marine Plateau to get up close with marine life. The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, with Italian buildings and water features set amidst greenery, makes a great photo spot too. For temples, head to Kamakura, home of zen temples Kokokuji “Bamboo Temple” and Meigetsuin Temple “Hydrangea Temple”. Photography is prohibited in certain areas so please check the signs at each spot.
Surrounded by 2,000 bamboo trees, immerse yourself into an extraordinary ambiance. You will want to take pictures of them after refreshing your mind and body.
Kamakura
9:00-16:00 (Last order for matcha: 15:30)
The Heiwa Torii Gate has already become a very famous spot for pictures, but you can still find many other charming places as well. Try to find your own ideal photo spot!
Hakone
Pilgrimage office and shrine stamps: 8:15-17:00
Hours for praying: 8:30-16:00
Treasure Hall: 9:00-16:00
The observation deck of the Yokohama Landmark Tower, "Sky Garden", is situated at 273 meters in height. As an ideal place for pictures, you can command a breathtaking view of the city. We highly recommend you go there at night.
Yokohama
10:00-21:00 (Saturday: 10:00-22:00)
Jogashima is a small island situated on the southern edge of Miura Peninsula where you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Here you can visit Umanosedoumon which is an especially famous rock formation.
Bus bound for Jogashima from Misakiguchi Station on the Keikyu Electric Railway Kurihama Line
Miura
Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple is known as a spiritual spot that protects you from evil spirits. You can enjoy taking a commemorative photo after you walk inside the precincts of the temple! In addition to the Daihondo, which is the main hall of the temple, Hakkaku Goju-no Tou, a five-story pagoda, that you can see from the Yasuragi arch is also amazing.
Kawasaki
April - September: 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. / October - March 6:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
*Open until 21:00 on the 20th, and from 5:30 on the 21st, New Year's holidays will differ
Sankeien Garden is an amazing, vast Japanese garden where you can enjoy various kinds of flowers throughout all the seasons. You can take different pictures each day.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is one of the most photogenic spots in Hakone, especially the crystal glass archway.
Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
Hakone
10am–5:30pm (Last admission 5pm)
*Open until 4:30pm on Dec. 30 & 31 (Last admission 4pm)
From this place chosen as one of the top 50 most beautiful spots in Kanagawa, you can even command the Mt. Fuji on sunny days.
Odakyu Enoshima Line, Katase-Enoshima Station
Fujisawa
Although there are lots of attractive points at Meigetsu-in Temple, the best by far must be "Satori no Mado", a round window which represents enlightenment and the universe, which makes everyone want to take pictures of it.
Alight at Kita Kamakura station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
Kamakura
June: 8:30am–5pm
Other months: 9am–4pm
The Zama sunflower field is the most ideal photo spot in summer, thanks to its 550,000 sunflowers.
