Greater Tokyo

See & Do

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Lacquer Workshop, NAMIKI (PILOT)

Lacquer Workshop, NAMIKI (PILOT)

Pilot Corporation, known today for the pens, created a high-end fountain pen utilizing Maki-e lacquer techniques in 1926 (Taisho 15). Later, the Kokkokai (a group of Maki-e artisans) was founded with living national treasure Maki-e artisan, Gonroku Matsuda, as its center. As a result, the ancient Japanese art of Maki-e has been preserved for over 100 years. Today, the workshop is in a brick building in Hiratsuka, which previously housed the former Second Navy Ammunitions Arsenal. The history of Maki-e-lacquered fountain pens and lacquered pieces are part of the exhibit.

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kumano Shrine, Manyo Park

Kumano Shrine, Manyo Park

Kumano Shrine enshrines a god of hot water, and hot water runs down the purification trough. There are 'Yukake-matsuri' on the fourth Saturday of May, and regularly held festival takes place at the same weekends. At the Manyo Park located at the center of spa town, there are so many Manyo plants (plants cited in the Manyoshu). There are also Manyo-tei modelled after ancient architecture of Manyo era, a monument engraved with a waka which is the only waka about hot water, and a monument of Doppo Kunikida, whose novels are focused on Yugawara.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Yokohama Customs (The Queen’s Tower)

Yokohama Customs (The Queen’s Tower)

A landmark dome built in the style of an Islamic mosque. Fondly known as the "Queen", this tower stands at 51 meters tall, making it the tallest of Yokohama's three towers. The current building is the third version (having been destroyed and reconstructed twice), and was completed in 1934. The customs materials exhibition room on the first floor, "Queen's Square," is packed with information on the history and role of Yokohama Customs, genuine and counterfeit goods, the Washington Convention, and smuggling methods. Look for Custom-kun (the customs mascot) at the entrance!

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Terugasaki Coast

Terugasaki Coast

Terugasaki Coast is designated as a natural monument of Kanagawa Prefecture as the "Aobato (white-bellied green pigeon) Group Flyover Site in Oiso Terugasaki”. When the Oiso Hills are covered in green, they can also be observed at Mount Koraizan and Shonandaira. Early in the morning around May to November, you can view the aobato that fly in from the mountains and forests to drink seawater. Drinking seawater is said to provide salt and minerals. It is worth seeing the aobato risking their lives to come and drink seawater while avoiding the waves crashing onto the reefs.From May to November, admire the green pigeons that fly in from the mountains and forests to drink seawater during the early morning. It is said that they drink seawater to replenish salt and minerals. Avoiding the waves breaking on the reefs, the green pigeons risk their lives to come here. It is well worth watching.

Nature & Views Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Salon de Thé Rosage, a dessert restaurant at Odakyu Hotel de Yama

Salon de Thé Rosage, a dessert restaurant at Odakyu Hotel de Yama

Salon de Thé Rosage, located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, is a dessert restaurant serving delicious tea, sweets, and light meals. When the weather is good, you can enjoy an elegant tea time on terrace seating savoring tea and desserts alongside the breeze of Lake Ashi. Certified as a cafe with delicious tea by the Japan Tea Association, this restaurant offers over 15 varieties of tea leaves selected meticulously by the tea instructors. Pair your tea with traditional apple pie, seasonal limited-edition sweets, and light lunch plates during lunchtime. Come indulge yourself with a luxurious moment aside Lake Ashi!

Eat & Drink Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA