Kanagawa review
During Japan's sweltering summer, I decided to grab a bottle of Dodecamin and finally write about Kanagawa.
Kanagawa encompasses areas in the western parts of Tokyo and coastal regions leading to Kamakura. It is well-connected, benefiting from the availability of apps like Uber and Uber Eats. Taxis are readily available, and the subway network is frequent. Even the coastal areas are bustling with activity and popular spots, such as Yokohama. During my visit, I attended a music concert, made ramen at the Cup Noodle Factory, and enjoyed British chain establishments like Ben's Cookies and Lush.
Kanagawa is served by Haneda Airport and offers Shinkansen links, making it convenient for travellers who want to begin their adventures here and explore other destinations afterward.
The food scene here is very diverse, and the area is full of nightlife; there is something for everyone in this prefecture. Within the concrete jungle, hidden shrines can be found, and in the bustling modern metropolis, traditional elements of Japanese culture can still be spotted. I am often criticized for my dislike of capital cities, going so far as to say that if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to them all. I maintain this view, as many capital cities do not truly reflect the essence of the country. It would be unfair to judge the entirety of the United States based solely on Washington, D.C. Each state has its own unique flavours and way of life.
Kanagawa is similar; while the main areas of Tokyo are part of the larger Tokyo metropolitan area, there are places like Kamakura that break this trend. Although it is still a tourist hotspot, Kamakura offers a much different pace of life and more natural surroundings than the urban sprawl to the north. I enjoyed my stay in Yokohama, but my trips to Enoshima and Kamakura were my preferred experiences. Walking on the beach and listening to the sound of crashing waves was refreshing, and eventually, as I walked further, the crowds began to thin out. Outside of the metropolis, there are smaller rural areas that boast beautiful shrines and nature, making this prefecture truly multifaceted. An area I wish to visit on my return is Hakone with its traditional crafts, venetian glass museum and factory and art museums. There are more stone buildings here giving it a slight European flavour.
Kanagawa is a great place to start an adventure as most fly into Tokyo. It is well connected to various transportation links and is a big city with plenty of Japanese chains, internation chains for those still wanting a taste of familiarity and local small chains run by the same families for decades. It has it all! It’s also a good place to get IC cards, Wi-Fi hotspots and prepare yourself for your adventure ahead and there are places to change foreign currency.
Yokohama is home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, making it a great destination for those looking to explore a variety of culinary offerings. The city also boasts famous fish markets, two ramen museums, and the Anpanman Park, which is slightly related to the culinary experience.
For those interested in history and culture, Yokohama features the Train and Bus Museum, as well as the Nippon Maru, a beautiful ship that is iconic to the city. There are open-air museums for those wishing to experience traditional Japanese history. Additionally, fans of anime can find places that evoke the world of "Demon Slayer."
For those wanting more culture and tradition like what one would find in Kyoto Kanagawa also has plenty to offer. Such as the Sasuke Inari shrine with its tori gate walkways, floating tori gate at Kuzuryu, Tokei-Ji which is beautiful during flower seasons, Impressive Samukawa-Jinja and the beautiful pagoda style shrine at Kawasaki Daishi.
Geography enthusiasts will appreciate attractions such as the Enoshima Cave, several beautiful aquariums, Zoorasia, and the Zeniarai Benten Shrine, which has an area that leads through a rock face. The city is also home to stunning bamboo forests, the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking rural panoramas, and the Kuzuryu Shrine with its floating torii gate. It also is home to the amusingly named Chigogafuchi abyss a beautiful scenic spot with views of Mount Fuji.
For those who want more adrenaline filled trips or for those with young children it hosts multiple theme parks including the aforementioned Anpanman park, water parks and seaside parks towards the coastal areas, Sagamiko mori mori run by the famed team labs, Children’s forest with lots of activities up in the trees and the most famous location Yokohama Cosmo world including the iconic light up Ferris wheel and rollercoaster.
Yokohama truly has it all and more. For those looking to start an adventure, this prefecture is highly recommended for trips away from the Tokyo sprawl to fully appreciate all that it has to offer.
