Greater Tokyo

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Mitutoyo Museum (Numata Memorial Hall / Measuring Instrument Museum)

Mitutoyo Museum (Numata Memorial Hall / Measuring Instrument Museum)

Mitutoyo Measurement Museum is a unique museum specialising in precision measuring equipment that supported the development of the company. The history and evolution of such instruments are showcased in the Numata Memorial Hall and Measuring Equipment Hall. In the Numata Memorial Hall, you can see the history of the Mitutoyo corporation since its founding in 1934 and the evolution of measuring instruments. The Measuring Equipment Hall introduces the long transition of the world with a focus on measuring equipment. The collections in this museum have been certified as a "Modern Industrial Heritage Collection" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

This place is temporarily closed. Please check the official website on reopening, operational information and more.This comprehensive themed permanent exhibit divides the history of Kanagawa into five eras. From ancient times and the Middle Ages to the Yokohama port opening and modernization, the exhibit looks at various historical perspectives under the theme of modern and traditional Kanagawa, taking into account people's lives and beliefs, political and economic changes, the influence of foreign cultures, etc. In addition, we regularly hold special exhibitions that are different from the permanent exhibits based on the research results of curators. Special exhibitions are held based on materials in the museum and collection exhibitions.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
KAMAKURABORI MUSEUM

KAMAKURABORI MUSEUM

The Kamakurabori Museum, on the 3rd floor of the Kamakurabori Kaikan, is the only museum that introduces the history and works of Kamakurabori (a form of Japanese lacquerware). This museum is used by many people as a place for history and culture, experience, and exchange. About 50 works and materials of Kamakurabori, a traditional craft boasting a history of about 800 years, are on display in the permanent exhibition. Relax and enjoy masterpieces from the Muromachi period (1336-1573) to the present while learning about the production process and its history. In the two-hour hands-on class, you can experience Kamakurabori making under the careful guidance of a full-time instructor. It is a program that even beginners can easily enjoy.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival

Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival

The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival was started as a postwar commercial revitalization initiative, and is characterized by the vibrance of its Tanabata decorations, said to be the most lavish in Japan, made possible by the city's commercial power. Approximately 300 ornaments fill the streets of the city center, centered in the main venue, Shonan Star Mall, with gorgeous decorations, some reaching over 5 meters in height! In the evening, the decorations are lit up, creating an even more beautiful and impressive sight. During the festival, various events are held, including a Tanabata decoration competition and a parade. The festival has developed into one of Japan's most representative summer traditions, with the Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime, chosen through a contest, participating in various events, such as parades and visits to the city, further livening up the Tanabata festival.Held every July, Tanabata is a vibrant festival celebrating the one annual meeting of two celestial lovers. The bright colours of the decorations around the city and the night-time illuminations are rivaled by the beautiful kimonos worn by visitors.The Tanabata Festival, which announces the arrival of summer in Shonan, is one of the largest in Japan, along with the Sendai City Tanabata Festival in Miyagi Prefecture. About 500 gorgeous decorations are presented in the center of Hiratsuka, and at night, they are lit up to create a magical atmosphere. A parade and more than 400 stalls—selling a wide variety of things, such as Shonan gourmet foods—make the festival even more exciting.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kamakura Nohbutai

Kamakura Nohbutai

It was established in 1970 near the Great Buddha in Kamakura, an ancient city in Kanagawa Prefecture, aiming to promote and popularize traditional Japanese "Noh" theater (UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage). The stage can also be rented in addition to the regular performances called "Noh wo Shirukai®.” It features a Noh theater museum with the stage, Noh masks, and costumes exhibited. A Japanese-style cafe was also opened in 2022.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Yudate Lion Dance (Sengokuhara)

Yudate Lion Dance (Sengokuhara)

Yudate Kagura is a traditional event was handed down in 1776. While the Shinto ritual of yudate exists throughout Japan, it is not so common for it be carried out by a lion. Praying for sound health, peace and prosperity in the household, and bumper crops, the lion stirs boiling water with bamboo grass, and purifies the worshippers by sprinkling them with the water, warding off pestilence. While being selected as a national Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it is also designated as Yudate Shishimai, an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature

Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature

Please visit the facility's website for the latest information.This museum has information of Kanagawa related and/or born writers and literature. It is used both as a library of Japanese modern literature and event site. They have more than 1.2 million collections. Some of them are entitled famous writers' names, such as Yasushi Inoue library, Shohei Ooka library and Soseki Natsume special collection. They usually exhibit Kanagawa literature. The museum also displays personal exhibitions of Sosuke Natsume, Ryunosuke Akutagawa and other Kanagawa related writers.

Culture & Arts Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Mandarado Yagura Caves

Mandarado Yagura Caves

Yagura are square, horizontal caves dug into rock cliffs where tombstones housing bones of the deceased were erected for memorial services. They are unique structures built primarily in Kamakura and its surrounding areas from the late Kamakura period (1185-1333) to the early Muromachi period (1336-1573). The Mandarado Yagura Caves can be found on the historic Nagao Kishidori Pass, and boasts of one of the largest known clusters, comprising over 150 confirmed caves. Few other locations within Kamakura City offer such a concentrated view of well-preserved yagura. Enjoy the unique, spectacular view of the rows of caves spanning multiple layers.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA