Greater Tokyo

See & Do

reset
Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

Welcome to Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple, a sacred Zen sanctuary where tranquility and solemnity reside. Located in Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple stands as an important Zen temple of the Soto sect, preserving its long history and deep faith to this day.The main hall was designed by Ito Chuta, the first Japanese architecture historian, and embodies the traditional Japanese aesthetic of finding the beauty in shadows. The approach leading to it is lined with approximately 20,000 cedar trees, many over hundreds of years old, enveloping visitors in a quiet, mystical atmosphere.A beautifully proportioned pagoda welcomes worshippers, evoking a sense of being transported to ancient Japan. The legendary ascetic Tengu (a type of Shinto spiritual being) stands guard before Kekkai-mon (the sacred barrier gate), and is said to ward off evil spirits and protect worshippers while also guiding the path to enlightenment.Atop 354 stone steps lies the sacred sanctuary Okunoin, quietly standing to offer deep healing and insight to visitors. This space, woven from the natural beauty of the four seasons and the spirit of Zen, is the perfect place for a journey away from daily life to center your mind.We invite you to experience the “authentic Japan” where tranquility and strength coexist at Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple. Zen practice through zazen meditation and sutra copying awaits you.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Muneyoshi

Muneyoshi

Located close to the tip of the Miura Peninsula, Muneyoshi is a restaurant that uses locally-sourced seafood, including luscious Misaki tuna, to craft its exquisite menu. Enjoy unparalleled freshness and choose your pick of sushi, sashimi, tempura, or a tuna course meal with an appetizer, tuna sashimi, a grilled fish burger, hot pot, and a seasonal dish. The relatively small establishment has 26 seats—six counter seats and two tatami rooms with eight seats each. Thanks to its local charm and delectable flavors, Muneyoshi is an authentic spot to savor Kanagawa’s fresh seafood.  If you have a Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket, you can exchange the pass for a course meal that includes a tuna rice bowl, simmered local seafood, tuna ice cream, and more!  

Eat & Drink Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Kashima Jinja Shrine

Kashima Jinja Shrine

Founded in 845, Kashima Jinja Shrine in Mashiko Town has long been a spiritual center of worship. The enshrined deity is Takemikazuchi-no-kami, the god of war in Japanese mythology, symbolizing victory and courage. Students, athletes, and business leaders from across Japan visit the shrine to pray for success, with the phrase "victory is certain" closely tied to its faith. The current main hall was rebuilt in 1927, and the grounds are surrounded by ancient trees that create a solemn atmosphere. Every summer, the shrine hosts a grand annual festival, which includes one of the Three Great Rare Festivals of Eastern Japan, the Mikeshaku Choudai-shiki. In this ritual, young men from the district of Mashiko Town whose turn it is for that year must join together to drink 6.5 liters of heated sake, praying for peace, health, and good fortune.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
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
Odawara Oden Main Shop (Odawara Oden Lunch)

Odawara Oden Main Shop (Odawara Oden Lunch)

Our restaurant proudly boasts six different types of lunch. Part of the fun of our store is choosing from over 20 types of oden additions while basking in the aroma of dashi enveloping the restaurant. At night our selection expands to over 45 varieties of oden! Satisfy both your soul and stomach with our delicious side dishes unique to Odawara. We also have a tea room and an annex (reservations required) at the back of the long, narrow grounds, so there are multiple ways to enjoy our store.

Eat & Drink 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
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