Are you looking for tourist attractions in Japan that combine history, art, and natural beauty? If yes, Kanagawa is the answer! With its rich culture, Kanagawa Prefecture offers an unforgettable travel experience. You can explore ancient Buddhist temples full of history, admire beautiful artworks in an open-air museum, or even immerse yourself in a castle.
Kanagawa Prefecture, located in the Kanto region of Japan, just south of Tokyo, is easily accessible from the country’s capital city. This prefecture is rich in history and culture, reflected in its grand ancient temples, such as those in Kamakura, and modern skyscrapers in Yokohama.
With its unique cultural and natural wealth, Kanagawa will make you fall in love with the Land of the Cherry Blossoms. Let’s dive into the full review to discover some recommended destinations in Kanagawa that should be on your travel list!
Japan is not only known for its modern pop culture but also holds treasures in the form of magnificent and historically rich Buddhist temples. These temples are not just places of worship but also remarkable architectural artworks and gateways to a deeper understanding of Japanese spirituality. One of the Buddhist temples in Kanagawa worth visiting is the Hokokuji Temple.
Hidden in the eastern hills of Kamakura, Hokokuji Temple, also known as the “Bamboo Temple”, is an ancient Buddhist temple that offers peace and natural beauty. With its enchanting bamboo garden, Hokokuji Temple holds a long history closely related to Kamakura’s past. It is said to have been built to honor the grandfather of Takauji Ashikaga, one of Japan’s significant historical figures.
Today, Hokokuji Temple is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist destination. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the beauty of the temple surrounded by bamboo trees, experience its serene atmosphere, and learn about Kamakura’s rich history.
Hakone, one of Kanagawa's most popular tourist areas, offers iconic views of Mount Fuji and relaxing onsen (hot springs). Being Japan’s first open-air museum, it opened in 1969 and has since become a favorite destination for art lovers and tourists seeking to appreciate unique, aesthetic artworks. Covering an area of about 70,000 square meters, this museum is ideal for visitors who want to explore various artworks from world-renowned artists such as Rodin and Henry Moore.
One unique aspect of the Hakone Open-Air Museum is how its artworks are displayed. Sculptures are placed amid beautiful natural surroundings, among lush trees. You can take a leisurely walk while enjoying the art pieces and the stunning scenery, as every corner of the museum offers a different view. Additionally, the museum has several indoor pavilions displaying more specialized art collections, such as the Picasso Pavilion, which houses over 300 works by Pablo Picasso.
Besides enjoying art, you can take advantage of other facilities offered by the museum, including a restaurant, café, souvenir shop, and even a foot bath with hot spring water. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Yokohama, one of Japan’s largest cities, has a long and rich maritime history. The maritime heritage of Yokohama can still be experienced today through the city’s museums and ports.
This museum showcases the history of Japan’s maritime routes to foreign countries since the Meiji era. It is located in an artistic building that once served as a branch office of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) shipping company.
The Yokohama Port Museum is a must-visit for those interested in Yokohama’s maritime history. Located next to the iconic Nippon Maru training ship, this museum presents fascinating stories about the developments of Yokohama Port, from its opening to becoming one of the busiest ports in the world.
Yamashita Park is one of Yokohama’s landmarks. Built in 1930 on the ruins of the Great Kanto Earthquake, the park symbolizes Yokohama’s revival. It is also home to several interesting statues, such as the “Guardian of Water” statue, a gift from Yokohama’s sister city, San Diego.
Odawara Castle, located in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is one of the Kanto region's oldest and most important castles. Built in the 15th century, the castle has witnessed many significant events in Japanese history, especially during the Sengoku Jidai or Warring States Period. It once served as the power center for several famous samurai clans, such as the Hojo clan.
You can explore the castle’s main tower, which offers stunning views of Odawara City. Inside the castle complex, there is also a museum displaying various historical artifacts and documents related to the castle. Additionally, you can enjoy the beautiful castle gardens, which are filled with different species of plants and trees.
Those are some of the recommended cultural attractions in Kanagawa for those who want to learn more about Japanese heritage. However, when planning your trip, make sure to purchase Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Happy traveling!
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