Greater Tokyo

See & Do

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Mitomi Dye Shop (Experience dyeing carp flags and mini carp flags)

Mitomi Dye Shop (Experience dyeing carp flags and mini carp flags)

A long standing dye shop established in 1833, where craftsmen of the Edo Bakufu worked. The Tairyo-bata of Misaki is one of the Top 100 Picks of Kanagawa’s Local Specialties. Each and every one of the flags are handmade with traditional techniques passed down from the Edo Period and is used not only to celebrate a new ship, but other happy events such as marriage, childbirth, children’s festivals, and one’s 60th birthday. How about making your very own?

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Ehrismann Residence

Ehrismann Residence

This was the private residence of silk trader Mr. Ellisman and was built in 1926 at 127 Yamate-cho and designed by A. Raymond, the "Father of Modern Japanese Architecture" who profoundly influenced Japan's architectural world. While possessing elements of a foreign-style mansion, it also shows the influence of Raymond's mentor, F. L. Wright, such as an emphasis on the horizontal lines of the eaves. It was relocated and restored to its current location in Motomachi Park in 1990. The first floor features a reception room with a fireplace, a combined living and dining room, and a sunroom overlooking the garden furnished with pieces designed by Raymond, while the second floor houses an exhibition on Western-style houses in Yamate. The basement is available for rental as a free-use space and includes a tea room utilizing the former kitchen area.One of eight restored Western Houses in the Yokohama, Yamate area, this is most beautiful in autumn and during the Christmas season. Take a break in its lovely little cafe.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Sagami Puppet Show Federation

Sagami Puppet Show Federation

Sagami puppet show, a form of Japanese puppet show with shamisen accompaniment that was conveyed to Sagami Province in the Edo Period, is a traditional art that was originally nurtured in Kagawa Prefecture. It is characterized by san-nin zukai, referring to the operation of puppets by a trio of puppeteers, and teppozashi, which refers to the appearance similar to aiming a rifle when operating the puppet’s head. Performances can be arranged at the MICE venue.  (Reservations: 8650@city.atsugi.kanagawa.jp)

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Hiking Trails in Hakone with a Volunteer Guide

Hiking Trails in Hakone with a Volunteer Guide

For those seeking solace in Hakone's nature, those fascinated by its terrain and history, and those eager to enjoy hiking—check out this course tailored to your personal preferences and fitness level, and adjust the course itself day-of according to weather and your physical condition.Come and experience Hakone's charm at a relaxed, leisurely pace, without overexertion. The following hiking course examples can be walked in either direction, or you can choose to walk all or just part of them.Easy:① Lake Ashi Lakeside Stroll (Hakone Checkpoint - Onshi Hakone Park - Hakone Shrine - Hakone-en Park - Kuzuryu no Mori Park - Kojiri)② Sengokuhara Grasslands Stroll (Hakone Visitor Center - Kojiri Water Gate - Former Farming and Grazing Site - Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands)③ Old Kamakura Road Stone Buddha Tour (Ashinoyu - Shojingaike Pond - Rokudo Jizo Statues)Moderate:④ Stone-paved Old Tokaido Road Stroll (Motohakone - Amazake Chaya - Hatajuku)⑤ Two Waterfall Tour (Hatajuku - Hiryu Falls - Yusaka Trail - Chisuji Falls - Kowakudani)Hard:⑥ Mt. Kintoki Climb (Popular among hikers)⑦ Mt. Kamiyama (Hakone's highest peak) and Mt. Komagatake Climb (Ropeway available)⑧ Mt. Myojingatake and Mt. Myojogatake Climb (The mountains for Gora's Daimonji-yaki - lighting torches to in the shape of the character Dai)

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
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
Roadside Station Domannaka Tanuma

Roadside Station Domannaka Tanuma

“Domannaka” means “the center,” and the name Domannaka Tanuma comes from the fact that it is located roughly at the center of Japan. In the farmer’s market, fresh vegetables from local producers fill the shelf every morning. You can buy vegetables that are fresh, safe, and reliable. The rice shop offers carefully selected rice such as Koshihikari. There are also an authentic Chinese restaurant and a self-service Japanese and Western food restaurant. The self-service restaurant has a rich lineup of menu items including Sano Ramen noodles and deep-fried potatoes, which are both local foods of Sano City, and Yamizo soba made with water from the Yamizo Mountains in Tochigi Prefecture. Both restaurants are spacious and have over 100 seats so that you can relax and enjoy your meal. There are also shops offering a wide variety of sweets: a gelato stand offering products made with the blessings of nature, a pancake café featuring original pancakes, and a fruit sandwich stand. You can also buy custard pudding to take home with you. On the premises, there is a foot bath filled with onsen water that leaves your skin silky smooth and massage chairs that make you feel you are receiving a massage in zero gravity.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI