Kanagawa

Designated as Japan's National Treasure, the bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, which is the principal image of Kotoku-in, is commonly known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu in Japanese). The construction of the statue began in 1252 and it was originally enshrined in Daibutsu-den Hall. However, the building was destroyed due to several typhoons and ultimately by a huge tsunami in 1498. Since then, the Buddha has been standing in the open air. With a height of 13.35 meters...

Enoshima Island, which is easy to reach from Tokyo, is a scenic tourist spot that has been popular since the Edo period (1603-1868). Don't miss Mount Fuji seen from Enoshima Island, particularly in the evening. The entire island is a power spot, and it has a long history with pilgrims. While looking back on the past, enjoy a day of sea breeze!

Yokohama Chinatown is Japan's largest Chinatown, packed with Chinese restaurants, souvenir shops and variety goods shops within the 500 meters by 500 meters area. Numerous people visit this town of food and culture seeking the authentic Chinese tastes and exotic atmosphere. In addition to great food, it is also fun to stroll around and look for various Chinese goods.

Lake Ashi, with a shoreline of approximately 20 kilometers, spreads out widely with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. This vast lake is surrounded by resort areas with a number of tourist spots, including shrines, an aquarium, an art museum, and historical buildings. There are also many activities to enjoy, such as hot springs, cruises and a ropeway to the mountain top. This area offers many opportunities to enjoy its natural features, as well as local traditions.

Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the most well-known hot spring destinations in Japan. It is also known for the Hakone Yosegi Zaiku, a traditional woodworking craft that skillfully creates geometric patterns by gathering woods of various natural colors, said to have developed about 200 years ago in Hatajuku of Hakone. They are crafted in various sizes and patterns, such as coasters, small boxes, drawers and trays, and the puzzle box which is quite difficult to open is especially...

Kencho-ji Temple is the head of the Kencho-ji school of Rinzai Buddhism. It was established in 1253 by Tokiyori Hojo, the regent of the time, who invited the Chinese high priest Rankei Doryu from Nansong to open one of Japan's first authentic Zen monasteries. On the premises, there is a training hall where monks still undergo rigorous training.

Sankeien is a Japanese-style garden that was created by Sankei Hara (1868-1939), a businessman who was engaged in the production and trading of raw silk that laid the foundation for the development of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture. The 175,000-square-meter site is dotted with 17 valuable historical buildings, including 10 important cultural properties relocated from around Japan such as Kyoto and Kamakura, creating stunning scenery from season to season that harmonizes with nature.