japan, yokohama, sunset, minato mirai, nature, silhouette

Kanagawa

Kanagawa sits on the Pacific coast south of Tokyo, where the busy port of Yokohama, the temple-lined streets of Kamakura and the hot spring valleys of Hakone lie within easy reach of one another.

Country
Japan
Population
9.2 million
Area
2,416 km²
Time zone
JST (UTC+9)
Language
Japanese
Nearby airport
Tokyo Haneda Airport

Passengers

Luggage

About Kanagawa

Kanagawa Prefecture lies directly south of Tokyo along Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay, blending urban energy, port history, coastal towns, temples and mountain scenery. Yokohama, Kawasaki and Kamakura anchor a region that feels both modern and deeply connected to Japan's past.

Yokohama is Kanagawa's capital and Japan's largest port city, known for its illuminated waterfront, Minato Mirai towers, Red Brick Warehouse and one of the country's largest Chinatowns. Kamakura preserves its legacy as a medieval political centre through the Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and numerous Zen temples.

Further west, the onsen town of Hakone offers hot springs, museums, ropeways and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashinoko, while Odawara Castle and the Enoshima and Shonan coastline add historical and seaside variety.

Kanagawa is also a major economic region with manufacturing, research and logistics centres, strong rail links to Tokyo and convenient access to Haneda Airport. Its food culture ranges from Yokohama Chinatown and Misaki tuna to Shonan whitebait, ramen and Kamakura cafés.

Leisure travellers come for city sightseeing, temples, beaches and hot springs, while business visitors benefit from fast connections to Yokohama and Kawasaki conference, port and industrial districts.

Yokohama Minato Mirai waterfront skyline at blue hour in Kanagawa, Japan, featuring illuminated towers and harbor reflections

Kanagawa Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with cherry blossoms around Yokohama's parks and Kamakura's temples in spring and colourful foliage in Hakone and Kamakura during autumn. Summer suits beaches and marine sports around Enoshima, while winter brings clear views of Mount Fuji and quieter onsen visits.

How to Get Around

Kanagawa is served by JR lines, private railways, subways, buses and the shinkansen, making day trips from Tokyo easy. Yokohama and Kamakura are best explored by train and on foot, while Hakone is linked by the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway and sightseeing boats.

Where to Stay

Yokohama offers convenient hotels around Minato Mirai, Kannai and the station area, ideal for first-time visitors and business travellers. Kamakura and Enoshima suit coastal and temple-focused stays, while Hakone is known for ryokan and hot-spring resorts with Mount Fuji views.

Food & Drink

Kanagawa's food scene spans Yokohama Chinatown's restaurants, ramen and Sanma noodles, Misaki tuna bowls, Shonan whitebait and Kamakura's cafés and traditional sweets. Hakone and the wider prefecture also offer local craft beer, sake and onsen-town dining.

Ground Transportation Services in Kanagawa

Airport Transfers

Travel between Tokyo Haneda Airport and Yokohama, Kawasaki, Kamakura, Hakone and other destinations across Kanagawa.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, events, sightseeing and flexible travel around Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Kanagawa for independent travel along the coast, visits to Hakone and Mount Fuji viewpoints, and convenient journeys beyond the main rail lines.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and tours across Kanagawa.

Frequently Asked Questions