While you may be familiar with the word Zen, the best way to start a path to understanding this branch of Buddhism is to experience it for yourself. And this can be done right in Yokohoma, Tokyo’s neighbor city.

The temple offers Zen meditation programs with English guidance and sutra copying experiences, and also serves powdered green tea. Many international visitors come to experience Zen and Japanese culture. (Reservation required)

This is a quiet little pond located in Noukendo Green. It is said to be visited by birds such as kingfishers.

Located in Kanazawa Ward, this fireworks festival is organized for civilians of the ward and is held on the last Saturday of August. Every year 3000 fireworks are set off offshore from Umino Park. The festival has a history of over forty years, and the fireworks can be enjoyed all across the area. Everybody waits eagerly for the giant "Starmine" fireworks to be set off at the end of the night.

Herbivorous animals such as koalas, elephants, and giraffes are raised here, as well as rare animals such as rhinos and Arabian oryx. Our gray kangaroo walk-through exhibit allows visitors to walk through and observe them up close. At the "Familiar Life Museum," we preserve the natural environment in and around the lush garden, a place where children and adults alike can learn about animals, from insects to small mammals. The adjoining Kanazawa Nature Park has a 100m roller slide which is popular with children, and a BBQ area.The zoo will extend its opening hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in August, and will hold a special summer evening event where the zoo will open to the public at night, an experience otherwise unavailable to the public. The zoo will be decked out with projection mapping and bamboo lanterns, and visitors will be given a chance to experience a view of the animals at night, more active than in the daytime!