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Travel Trade & Media

Best Photo Spots in Kanagawa

Ten recommendations on where to photograph the top destinations

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.

1. Hokoku-ji Temple

Hokoku-ji Temple

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.

Detailed information

Area

Kamakura

Hours

9:00-16:00 (Last order for matcha: 15:30)

Hokoku-ji Temple

2. Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone-jinja Shrine

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!

Detailed information

Area

Hakone

Hours

Pilgrimage office and shrine stamps: 8:15-17:00
Hours for praying: 8:30-16:00
Treasure Hall: 9:00-16:00

Hakone-jinja Shrine

3. Sky Garden Observation Floor (Yokohama Landmark Tower 69th Floor)

Sky Garden Observation Floor (Yokohama Landmark Tower 69th Floor)

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.

Detailed information

Area

Yokohama

Hours

10:00-21:00 (Saturday: 10:00-22:00)

Sky Garden Observation Floor (Yokohama Landmark Tower 69th Floor)

4. Jogashima

Jogashima

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.

Detailed information

Access

Bus bound for Jogashima from Misakiguchi Station on the Keikyu Electric Railway Kurihama Line

Area

Miura

Jogashima

5. Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple

Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple

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.

Detailed information

Area

Kawasaki

Hours

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

Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple

6. Sankeien Garden

Sankeien Garden

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.

Detailed information

Area

Yokohama

Hours

9:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30)

Sankeien Garden

7. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is one of the most photogenic spots in Hakone, especially the crystal glass archway.

Detailed information

Access

Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station

Area

Hakone

Hours

10am–5:30pm (Last admission 5pm)
*Open until 4:30pm on De. 30 & 31 (Last admission 4pm)

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

8. Chigogafuchi Marine Plateau

Chigogafuchi Marine Plateau

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.

Detailed information

Access

Odakyu Enoshima Line, Katase-Enoshima Station

Area

Fujisawa

Chigogafuchi Marine Plateau

9. Meigetsu-in Temple

Meigetsu-in Temple

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.

Detailed information

Access

Alight at Kita Kamakura station on the JR Yokosuka Line.

Area

Kamakura

Hours

June: 8:30am–5pm
Other months: 9am–4pm

Meigetsu-in Temple

10. Zama Sunflower Field

Zama Sunflower Field

The Zama sunflower field is the most ideal photo spot in summer, thanks to its 550,000 sunflowers.

Detailed information

Access

Iriya Station

Area

Zama

Zama Sunflower Field