Kanagawa Prefecture is a diverse region south of Tokyo offering everything from the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama to the ancient temples of Kamakura and the volcanic hot springs of Hakone. It combines urban sophistication with natural beauty, including stunning views of Mount Fuji and the rugged Shonan coastline.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Kamakura Temple Trail Day Trip
The classic Kanagawa day trip. Start at Kita-Kamakura for Engakuji and Kenchoji temples, walk the Daibutsu hiking trail to the Great Buddha, visit Hasedera Temple, browse Komachi Street, and end at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Highlights: Walk the Daibutsu Hiking Trail through cedar forest from Kencho-ji to the 13th-century Great Buddha at Kotoku-in · Visit Engakuji Temple, one of Japan's great Zen complexes, just steps from Kita-Kamakura station · Explore Hasedera Temple and its terraced hydrangea garden overlooking Sagami Bay · Browse Komachi-dori shopping street for shirasu bowls, matcha sweets, and Kamakura souvenirs · End at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the grand warrior-shrine at the centre of historic Kamakura
Hakone Round Course Day Trip
The famous Hakone Round Course circles the volcanic mountains using five different forms of transport: Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway over Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise boat, and Hakone Tozan Bus back to Odawara.
Highlights: Ride five forms of transport in a single loop: mountain railway, funicular, ropeway, lake ferry, and bus · Cross the Owakudani volcanic valley by gondola above fumaroles and sulphur steam vents · Photograph the vermilion torii gate of Hakone Shrine reflected in Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji beyond · Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum for world-class sculptures and a Picasso pavilion in mountain gardens · Look for clear-day views of Mt. Fuji from the ropeway, lake, and Owakudani observation deck
Enoshima Island & Shonan Coast Day Trip
Enoshima Island is a tidal island connected to the mainland by a bridge, with a shrine, sea caves, lighthouse, and abundant shirasu cuisine. Combine with a Shonan beach walk for a perfect coastal day.
Highlights: Walk the Enoshima Jinja shrine complex, a three-part pilgrimage route ascending the island's central ridge · Ascend the SEA CANDLE lighthouse (60 metres) for panoramic views of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji · Explore the Iwaya Sea Caves — ancient sea-eroded grottos with stone Buddhist carvings · Eat a shirasu-don of fresh whitebait over rice at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the Pacific · Ride the historic Enoden tram along the Shonan coastline between Enoshima and Kamakura
Miura Peninsula and Misaki Tuna Day Trip
A less-touristed day trip to the dramatic southern tip of Kanagawa. Misaki Port handles enormous volumes of Pacific bluefin tuna, making it one of Japan's freshest and most affordable places for a tuna lunch. The rugged Cape Jogashima lighthouse and coastal cliffs are stunning.
Highlights: Eat a fresh maguro-don at Misaki Port, one of Japan's leading Pacific bluefin tuna landing harbours · Walk the Jogashima Island coastal trail to the historic lighthouse at the peninsula's southern tip · Photograph the sheer basalt sea cliffs of Cape Jogashima dropping into the Pacific · Use the Miura Misaki Maguro Kippu bundled pass for all-in transport and a tuna restaurant meal coupon · Explore a less-visited, working-maritime corner of Kanagawa far from the main tourist circuit
Odawara Castle and Kamaboko Day Trip
Odawara Castle is Kanagawa's best-preserved castle site, surrounded by a beautiful park and cherry trees. Combine with a visit to Suzuhiro Kamaboko no Sato to taste and make Odawara's legendary fish cake. Easy to combine as a morning excursion before continuing to Hakone.
Highlights: Tour Odawara Castle keep and museum, set in one of Kanagawa's finest cherry blossom parks · Make and eat kamaboko fish cake at the Suzuhiro Kamaboko no Sato hands-on workshop · Walk the moat perimeter of Odawara Castle park among camphor trees and seasonal flowers · Continue to Hakone on the Tozan Railway, which departs directly from Odawara station · Sample Odawara's local seafood and kamaboko products at the Suzuhiro complex restaurant
Mt. Oyama Pilgrimage Hike
Mt. Oyama (1,252m) has been a sacred pilgrimage mountain for 1,200 years. The main trail passes through cedar forest and the spectacular Oyama Afuri Shrine before reaching the panoramic summit with views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay.
Highlights: Climb through 1,200-year-old cedar forest on the ancient Omotesando pilgrimage trail to the 1,252-metre summit · Visit Oyama Afuri Shrine, one of Kanagawa's oldest mountain sanctuaries with a history spanning 13 centuries · Take in summit views spanning Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay, and the Yokohama skyline on clear days · Ride the Oyama Cable Car over forested hillsides to the Lower Shrine mid-station · Eat a traditional Oyama tofu set lunch at one of the restaurants on the ancient Koma-sando pilgrimage lane
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.