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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kamakura-bori Lacquerware
Carved wooden lacquerware unique to Kamakura, featuring deep red-and-black patterns. Bowls, trays, and accessories are popular gifts.
Where: Komachi-dori shops; Kamakura-bori Kaikan
Odawara Kamaboko
Artisanal steamed fish cake from Odawara — Japan's most celebrated kamaboko. Comes in gift sets for safe transport.
Where: Suzuhiro Kamaboko no Sato, Odawara Station shops
Yokohama Chinatown Goods
Chinese ceramics, tea sets, silk goods, and lucky charms make for distinctive and affordable gifts.
Where: Chinatown shops
Hakone Yosegi-zaiku (Marquetry)
A traditional Hakone craft of intricately patterned wood inlay, producing beautiful geometric patterns on boxes, trays, and cups. Famously used in Himitsu-bako (secret puzzle boxes).
Where: Hakone craft shops near Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto Station
Japanese Matcha Products
High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha, matcha sweets, and matcha kits are excellent gifts available throughout Kamakura.
Where: Kamakura specialty tea shops; Hokokuji Temple shop
Yokohama Caramel
Yokohama-specialty soft caramel in flavours including Yokohama coffee, black sesame, and sakura. Made with local ingredients.
Where: Yokohama station souvenir shops; Red Brick Warehouse shops
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Motomachi Shopping Street
Yokohama's most prestigious shopping street with a 150-year history as Japan's first Western-style retail district. Home to high-end boutiques, European fashion brands, and luxury homewares alongside Japanese select shops and cafes.
Best for: High-end fashion, European brands, Unique Japanese lifestyle goods
MARK IS Minato Mirai
Large lifestyle shopping complex in Minato Mirai with 180+ shops on 6 floors including Japanese fashion brands, Yokohama-exclusive goods, family dining, and a rooftop garden.
Best for: Japanese fashion, Family shopping, Yokohama-exclusive gifts
Yokohama World Porters
Waterfront shopping mall next to the Red Brick Warehouse with an international theme — foreign food imports, pop culture goods, and casual fashion. An eclectic mix beloved by young Yokohamans.
Best for: International food imports, Anime and pop culture goods, Casual fashion
Isezakicho Mall
Yokohama's longest pedestrian shopping street, over 1km, with discount electronics, vintage clothing, book stores, music shops, and local specialty food vendors. More affordable than Motomachi.
Best for: Discount electronics, Used books and vinyl, Local budget shopping
Komachi-dori (Kamakura)
Kamakura's most famous shopping street running from the station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Lined with craft shops selling Kamakura-bori lacquerware, handmade ceramics, silk accessories, and a vast array of Japanese sweets and snacks.
Best for: Kamakura-bori lacquerware, Japanese ceramics, Temple souvenirs, Japanese sweets
Yokohama Chinatown
Beyond food, Chinatown's shops sell Chinese lanterns, robes, lucky charms, tea sets, and imported Chinese goods — ideal for unique and affordable souvenirs.
Best for: Chinese lacquerware, Tea sets, Lucky charms, Silk items
Odawara Kamaboko no Sato
A specialty complex dedicated to Odawara's most famous product — kamaboko (steamed fish cake). Shop for artisanal kamaboko in dozens of varieties, gift sets, and watch demonstrations of traditional fish-cake making.
Best for: Kamaboko (fish cake) gifts, Odawara food souvenirs, Chikuwa (tube fish cake)