Greater Tokyo

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British Embassy Villa Memorial Park

British Embassy Villa Memorial Park

After 120 years, the former British Embassy Villa opened its doors to the public as the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park on 1 July 2016. Ernest Satow, a British diplomat who contributed to Japan’s Meiji Restoration, built a private villa at the south bank of Lake Chuzenji in 1896. He loved Oku-Nikko, especially Lake Chuzenji as the area reminded him of the natural landscape of his home country. The villa was used as the British Embassy summer residence until 2008 before being donated to Tochigi prefecture in 2010 to be opened to the general public. In the early years of the villa, Satow’s friend Isabella Bird stayed here for a month and wrote of the impressive landscape of the villa. The British Embassy Villa Memorial Park presents exhibitions on British culture and the history of Oku-Nikko as an international summer resort. Visitors can immerse themselves in this historic setting while enjoying teatime in the villa (additional charges apply) and take in the picturesque view of Lake Chuzenji from the spacious veranda on the upper floor.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tsurumaki Onsen (Hot Spring) Motoyu Jinya

Tsurumaki Onsen (Hot Spring) Motoyu Jinya

JINYA is a traditional Japanese style ryokan that owns a 10,000 Tsubo (1 Tsubo = 3.3 m2) garden and stands there with its back against Tanzawa Mountains. The ryokan has traditions and 100 years of rich history. Rich dishes of the season and hot spring that well up from deep under the ground of Tanzawa Mountains will be provided to its guests.If you feel like moving your body after unwinding in the hot springs, be sure to check out nearby One Park. The park is about a 15 minute walk from the ryokan and features a heated pool, tennis court, sports plaza, and skating ground. After you have had your fill of physical activity, head back to Jinya and resume your relaxation!

Onsen & Stay Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
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
Yokosuka Museum of Art

Yokosuka Museum of Art

This place is temporarily closed. Please check the official website on reopening, operational information and more.The museum is located in Kannonzaki, an area rich in nature and on the eastern side of Miura Peninsula. Around 5000 contemporary Japanese artwork is kept here. In addition to a variety of exhibitions, the unique architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings as well as the outstanding view is appealing. The Italian restaurant with a famous chef is also popular.A striking modern building in an attractive seaside location, this museum showcases a diverse range of Japanese and international art. After exploring the galleries, you can enjoy Italian food at the restaurant while admiring the stunning view across Tokyo Bay.

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 Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Grand Mall Park

Grand Mall Park

As a park located on the waterfront, we developed a design based on the theme of "the sea" to create a facility that enhances the appeal of the Minato Mirai 21 district. Art furniture (benches) with a nautical motif were installed under a row of zelkova trees, where the sun shines through the trees. At night, a luminous sea pavement in front of the art square creates a new nightscape of Minato Mirai with illusory light reminiscent of luminous insects drifting among the waves of the sea.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Jochi-ji

Jochi-ji

Wife and son, Morotoki, of Shogun Hojo Munemasa built this temple in 1281. In this temple there is a 'Kanro no I (well)' , one of the 10 Kamakura Wells. This temple ground is designated as a historic spot of Japan.The Donge-Den houses the Three Statues of Buddha. The leftmost statue represents the past, the center the present, and the right the future (as seen from the main entrance).Built in 1924, the thatched-roof Shoin offers a beautiful view of the gardens throughout the seasons.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

An exhibition of Venetian glass masterpieces that fascinated European royal aristocrats during the Renaissance. There are various facilities in the museum, such as a cafe restaurant where you can enjoy Italian cuisine and original sweets made with seasonal ingredients, and a museum shop where you can find glass products directly imported from all over the world.Magical atmosphere for lovers of glass and Venice, but don't expect to see anything Japanese here. Good on both sunny and rainy days.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone-jinja Shrine

Hakone Shrine is an ancient shrine celebrating its 1266th anniversary. Founded in 757, the first year of the Tenpyo-Hoji Era, at the beginning of the Nara Period (710-794), when Mamaki Shonin, who was in ascetic training on Mount Hakone, was entrusted by the Great God of Hakone to the shrine at its current location by Lake Ashi. During the Kamakura period, Minamoto no Yoritomo deeply worshipped Hakone Shrine, giving birth to the custom of nishomode (pilgrimage to two shrines). Since then, the shrine has flourished as a place of reverence for warriors such as the regent Hojo and the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as a sacred place for Shugen (Japanese mountain asceticism). In modern times, with the construction of the Hakone Road, Hakone became a sacred place of worship for the common people, and belief in Mount Hakone as a deity highly virtuous for protecting against bad luck, fulfilling one's desire, and ensuring traffic safety became even more popular. The approach from the Heiwa-no-torii (peaceful gateway) by Lake Ashinoko to the main shrine is flanked by rows of cedar trees more than 600 years old, giving the shrine a majestic appearance, behind the vermilion-lacquered Gongen-zukuri main shrine building is a pure forest of himeshara, a natural treasure of Kanagawa Prefecture, and the Gongen Mitarashi pond and Lake Ashi below reflect the vermilion Peace Gate and the sacred Mount Fuji, surrounding the shrine with beautiful nature. Many visitors from around the world come to pay their respects at the Kuzuryu Shrine (Shingu and Hongu), which is a shrine revered not only for its good fortune and prosperity, but also for its protection of money, prosperity in business, and match-making, particularly during the Tsukinamisai held at the main shrine on the 13th of each month. [Divine virtues] Good luck repelling of bad luck, fulfillment of one’s desires (protection against bad luck), traffic safety, match-making, family safety, and business prosperity On July 31st, the shrine organizes the Ashinoko Kosui Matsuri Festival to celebrate a legendary dragon. Monks sail the lake on pirate ships offering red rice to the depths below. Floating lanterns illuminate the lake waters while fireworks light the skies above.Lake Ashinoko Summer Festival Week: Hakone Summer Festival offers a variety of events such as the biggest annual festival of Hakone Shrine with Shinto celebrations and rituals, fireworks, and more. Many fireworks will be launched at a total of six fireworks festivals, adding color to the summer Hakone sky.

Temples & Shrines Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Only You Hot Spring Resort

Only You Hot Spring Resort

Located at an altitude of 250m in Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and surrounded by greenery, "Only Yu Hot Spring Resort" is a hot spring overflowing with charm. It is a place where you can blissfully relax and come to enjoy hot springs more. Enjoy alternating between our baths ranging from 38°C to 42°C in the “Forest Open-air Baths.” Our sauna, made from vihta (bath broom) from this very forest, smells amazing and is so relaxing! Our water baths and showers use natural Hakone water pumped straight from 200m underground, allowing you to enjoy a different experience from tap water. Our open-air bath also provides a unique experience. Enjoy the river's rushing sound, birds chirping, leaves rustling on the trees, and the scent of the forest!

Onsen & Stay Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Odawara Castle and City Walking Tour with a Volunteer Guide

Odawara Castle and City Walking Tour with a Volunteer Guide

Odawara is home to a number of attractions, including Odawara Castle—the centerpiece of its castle ruins park, Miyuki Beach, Kamaboko Street (part of the historic Old Tokaido Road), and Odawara Fishing Port, as well as traditional crafts like Odawara lacquerware and Odawara Chochin (paper lanterns). At the fishing port, you can enjoy fresh sashimi, fried seafood, and the local variation of Kamaboko (a steamed fish paste product). The Odawara Castle & City Walking Tour (approx. half-day) takes you to Odawara Castle's main keep for panoramic views of the city and Sagami Bay, immerses you in history, and guides you through the historic streetscape. Explore the castle town where you can enjoy crafts and local cuisine. Itinerary: Odawara Station → Odawara Castle → Miyuki Beach → Fureai Exchange Center (Kamaboko Street Rest Area) → Lacquerware & Pottery Gallery (Odawara Lacquerware Shop) → Odawara/Ejima (Washi Paper & Japanese Tea Shop) → Odawara Station

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Sasuke Inari Shrine

Sasuke Inari Shrine

Please make sure you obey the rules and act appropriately when visiting.Located in "Kamakura's hidden village", with red torii gates and white foxes enshrined throughout the grounds, the area is a place filled with a mysterious atmosphere. Also known by the name "Inari of success", it is a famous 'power spot' where many go to wish for promotions and good luck.Torii represent a dividing line (kekkai) between worlds. The entrance to the sacred Sasuke Inari Shrine sees 49 Torii — each step through one represents an individual's growing distance from the secular.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA