Greater Tokyo

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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
Old Hakone Highway Cedar-lined Road

Old Hakone Highway Cedar-lined Road

The Hakone Old Highway was once part of the Tokaido Highway, established by the Edo Shogunate at the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1867), and was known as the most difficult part of the Tokaido Highway to cross, stretching roughly 32km from Odawara-juku to Mishima-juku via Hakone-juku by Lake Ashi. Even today, some of the roadways from those days remain on the east (Hakone Town and Odawara City) and west (Mishima City and Kannami Town) sides of Mt. Hakone, where stone-paved paths, rows of pine and cedar trees, distance milestones, and even a reconstructed Hakone Sekisho (barrier) can still be seen. The cedar trees, which are found only along Lake Ashi, are believed to have been planted because they were suited to the climate of Mt. Hakone, whereas most of the trees along the highway are pine trees. Walking among the rows of cedar trees, some of which are more than 350 years old and some of which have grown up to 30 to 40 meters high, you are sure to experience the ancient highway as if an Edo-era traveler.This hiking path, as well as Hakone Shrine, are the two best places to see magnificent cedar trees. Descending is easier than the climb, but is tough on the knees.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Yokohama Cosmoworld

Yokohama Cosmoworld

The main feature of this amusement park is one of the biggest Ferris wheels in the world, having a height of 112.5 meters and capacity of 480 passengers. Other attractions include a roller coaster and a rapid rafting ride. Operating hours of the Ferris wheel may vary depending on how crowded it is. *Please check the operating calendar for operating hours. Operating hours may vary due to weather conditions, especially when there is strong wind.The park offers about 30 different attractions for a wide range of people, including safe rides for small children and thrilling ones that will make adults scream with excitement.

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Tokaido GLASS

Tokaido GLASS

Just a short walk from Keikyu Kawasaki Station, you can try your hand at making "Kiriko", a traditional glass craft, at a workshop located along the old Tokaido road at the ruins of a Kawasaki post. Visitors can choose from a variety of glasses and plates and consult with the studio to find their favorite design, so even beginners can try their hand at faceting. Take your creations home as souvenirs!The classroom nestled within an aesthetic building that was renovated from an old liquor wholesaler. You will use two types of grinders to sharpen the glass, but even beginners can feel at ease as each class is held in small groups, with careful and detailed instruction. 

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Izuru Soba

Izuru Soba

Hand-ground stone-milled soba noodles – savor the history and flavors of Manganji Temple Izuru Soba originates from Tochigi City’s historic “Izuru Manganji Temple.” In the past, soba was made by temple parishioners and locals as an offering, and it gradually became a well-known local delicacy. Along the Izuru Kaido Road, many soba shops and guesthouses line the route, allowing visitors to enjoy natural scenery while savoring freshly ground stone-milled soba noodles. The Izuru area also promotes “Tochigi Edo Cuisine,” offering not only traditional zaru soba but also unique creations such as white soba, soba flour sweets, and the specialty “Koedo Soba Kaiseki.” This is not only a culinary experience but also a cultural journey that blends history, faith, and gastronomy.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Spring Mashiko  Pottery Fair

Spring Mashiko Pottery Fair

The Pottery Fair have been held twice a year since 1966.Once in the spring during Japan’s Golden Week Holiday, and once in the fall around November 3rd. There are about 50 shops and as many as 550 tents set up selling pottery. There is a great variety of pottery sold from traditional Mashiko pottery, such as vases and pots to articles for daily use like cups and plates. The Pottery Fair provides a great chance to enjoy talking with young artists and local potters in the shops and tents. Besides pottery, freshly-harvested vegetables grown in Mashiko and some other speciality items from the region are big attractions of the fair. Every year about 600,000 people come to enjoy the fair.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Japan Heritage Certification (Oyama Shrine Visit)

Japan Heritage Certification (Oyama Shrine Visit)

Mount Oyama has long been firmly believed to be a mountain of spirits. During the most prosperous period of Edo, 200,000 people were recorded to visit this mountain every year. Back then, shrine visiting, beginning with the pilgrimages to Ise Shrine, was extremely popular among the people. Among the many travel destinations, Oyama was loved by many for being only two or three days away from the cities of Edo. A popular route was to have fun at Enoshima after visiting Oyama. This sight was portrayed in the classic rakugo, Oyama Mairi. In April 2016, Oyama Mairi qualified as a Japanese heritage.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Gandenji Temple

Gandenji Temple

Legend has it that this old temple was founded by two Buddhist priests, Tokudo and Gyoki. It's also the 2nd temple of "The Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage". When you pass the temple gate, there is a stone tablet inscribed with the writings of Izumi Kyoka; on the left side of the main hall, the principal image of the eleven-faced Kannon is enshrined. If you climb the 130 stone steps from there, you'll find the old Kannon hall on a hill, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire area.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA