Greater Tokyo

See & Do

reset
Shonan Beach Park

Shonan Beach Park

Shonan Beach Park is a gigantic park stretching about 2 km along the Kugenuma and Katase Coasts. The spacious 17-hectare grounds of Shonan Beach Park contain a surf village, which is bustling with surfers and people playing marine sports throughout the year. There is also a kids' space with big playground equipment and a sandbox, and a green lawn with palm trees that overlooks the ocean. The park is fully equipped for all purposes and is loved by visitors in summer as well as the local people.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hase-dera Temple

Hase-dera Temple

Hasedera Temple is a famous historical temple that enshrines the statue of Hase Kannon as its principal deity. The main temple building houses the Kannon Museum, a garden, and offers visitors a chance to become familiar with the scenic beauty of Kamakura. The solemn "Kannon-do" and the temple grounds surrounded by beautiful trees and ponds, and lanterns distributed to visitors, encase the area in a beautiful lights that offers a sense of connection. A private tour of the temple grounds is also held by the priests of Hasedera Temple. In addition to the guided tours of the Keidai required sites, visitors will be show through the museum and also have the opportunity to visit Kannon in the main hall up close and personal.Originally established in 736 when the Kannon stature was said to have washed ashore, the most recent construction dates back to 1985.Enjoy a panoramic view overlooking Kamakura's coastal city while taking a leisurely break.Opened in 1980, the Kannon Musem exhibits the Kannon Bodhisattva, the principal mage of Hasedera Temple, as well as many other ancient artefacts.According to legend, the nine-meter wooden statue of the Kannon (goddess of mercy) you can see here was carved in 721 CE in Nara, then cast into the sea, washing up in 736. In June and July, colourful hydrangeas bloom around the temple.The precincts with the majestic Kannon-do hall and lovely trees and ponds are enveloped in a light that “connects,” like the lanterns given to those who visit.

Temples & Shrines Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Tsujimura Botanical Park

Tsujimura Botanical Park

Tsujimura Botanical Park is an expansive botanical garden that is around 4.7 hectares in size. The park has an area for trees and shrubs from abroad, giving it an exotic feel. The plum grove takes up the majority of the space in the park. In spring, approximately 350 trees that make up the plum grove come into full bloom and many sightseers come to visit. You can also have picnics on the hills in the higher areas of the park and enjoy fantastic views. The adjacent Wanpaku Land offers playground equipment that you can enjoy with your children.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Tounodake

Tounodake

“Tonodake”, the most popular climbing spot in the Tanzawasan area, is known as the roof of Kanagawa Prefecture and boasts an elevation of 1,491 meters. Many climbers visit the mountain from early in the morning. There are a variety of routes that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced climbers. Once you reach the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view will refresh both your mind and body.Early morning trekking allows you to enjoy a special experience with fewer people and clear air.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kamimizo Summer Festival

Kamimizo Summer Festival

The Kamimizo Summer Festival has been held in Sagamihara since the end of the Edo period (1603-1868). The festival is said to be dedicated to Emperor Ushira, who prays for a good harvest and safety of the family, and is said to have been inspired by the Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. On Sunday evenings, the local portable shrines (Mikoshi) and floats (Dashi) gather from each town and start a grand procession. Once the evening sun goes down, the lanterns of the portable shrines are lit, creating a fantastic spectacle that is not to be missed.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Oyama Afuri Shrine

Oyama Afuri Shrine

This ancient shrine is said to have been built over 2,000 years ago. As a sacred site revered by many warlords, such as those who partook in rainmaking rituals, and pilgrimages to the shrine became very popular during the Edo period. In the 28th year of the Heisei period (2016), the pilgrimage to Mount Oyama was recognized as a piece of important Japanese heritage, and the view from Afuri Shrine became a two-star Michelin-starred site.Admire the Shonan plains with views stretching as far as Sagami Bay and Enoshima on the horizon — rated two-stars by the Michelin Guide.Just inside the tori gate entrance is one of Japan's three greatest lion statues, Oyama-Shishi.This beautiful teahouse was designed by Yasushi Horibe and constructed by the shrine's own architect, Yukio Uchida. Enjoy the terrace seating with stunning views as far as Sagami Bay while enjoying their green tea tirmasu or other treats.

Temples & Shrines Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA