Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos—nice to meet you! We are the Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Association. From this account, we will be sharing information about the many attractions across Kanagawa Prefecture, so please look forward to it. Kanagawa Prefecture is broadly divided into the following areas. ◎ Eastern Hills area (Tama Hills, Miura Peninsula) ◎ Central Lowland (Sagami Plain) ◎ Western Mountainous Region (Tanzawa, Hakone Volcano) Kanagawa, where beautiful nature and historic sites coexist, is truly a treasure trove for travelers. From the ancient city of Kamakura and the wave-lashed shores of Shonan to Hakone’s hot spring resorts, the vast nature of Tanzawa and MtOoyama, and the international city of Yokohama, Kanagawa hides many charms that captivate every visitor. Here is an introduction to Kanagawa Prefecture and its sightseeing spots! ■ Yokohama City [Eastern Kanagawa] Yokohama City, the prefectural capital, sits in eastern Kanagawa and offers diverse culture, leisure, and delicious food. There are many day-trip attractions, including Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, and Minatomirai. Yokohama Chinatown is famous as a paradise for Chinese cuisine, and the area’s shops selling Chinese goods make it great for shopping too! ■ Miura Peninsula The Miura Peninsula is an ideal sightseeing area with an aquarium, beautiful beaches, historic temples, and a wide variety of activities. Its stunning natural scenery and rich history remain well preserved. You can also enjoy local gourmet seafood and other delicious dishes. ■ Yokosuka City [Northern Miura Peninsula] Yokosuka City is well known as a historic base of the Japanese Navy, and you can feel that history at many local sights. The city has also served as the setting for anime and games, hosting exhibitions and events in the past. Tsukuihama Beach is scheduled to host windsurfing World Cup events, and sports events are actively held here. From Mikasa Terminal you can visit Sarushima, Tokyo Bay’s largest uninhabited island. Yokosuka Navy Curry is a popular local specialty. ■ Misaki Port [Southern tip of the Miura Peninsula] Located near the entrance to Tokyo Bay, Misaki Port has been prized as a good harbor since the Heian period. It is famous as a tuna fishing port, and the area offers many restaurants serving delicious tuna and other seafood. ■ Hayamamachi [Western Miura Peninsula] Hayamamachi, an area of beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, is sometimes called the birthplace of yachting. The sight of many boats and yachts in Hayama Marina is breathtaking! ■ Zushi City [Western Miura Peninsula] Zushi City is designated under the Ancient Capitals Preservation Act to protect its historic landscape. Facing Sagami Bay, it offers many resort-style attractions where you can soak up a holiday mood. Zushi Beach is great for swimming and for marine sports like windsurfing and SUP. At the Riviera Zushi Marina, a stay-type marina resort, you can enjoy short cruises and ocean-view restaurants for a luxurious time. ■ Kamakura City [Southeastern Kanagawa] Kamakura City blends history and nature beautifully as an ancient city. Kamakura has many old temples and shrines, and its Pacific-facing coastline offers views that stretch to the horizon. Don’t miss Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Great Buddha at Hasedera Temple), both designated national historic sites and Important Cultural Properties. ■ Chigasaki City [Central Shonan area] Chigasaki City is known as a surfing mecca, loved by surfers for its beautiful waves. Stylish seaside cafes and shops where you can dine while watching the sunset line the shore. ■ MtOoyama [Central Kanagawa] MtOoyama in Isehara City attracts many hikers year-round. From near Afuri Shrine, the terminal of the Oyama Cable Car at about 700 meters elevation, you can enjoy star-rated views in the Michelin Green Guide Japan overlooking Sagami Bay, the Miura Peninsula, and the Boso Peninsula. MtOoyama also has shukubo, 400-year-old temple lodgings for worshippers. These shukubo sit amid nature and offer simple, rustic rooms for a relaxing stay. Nearby lakes such as Lake Miyagase and Lake Tanzawa allow visitors to enjoy Kanagawa’s seasonal nature. ■ Oiso-cho [Western Shonan area] Oiso-cho is an area surrounded by rich nature. It offers beautiful beaches and resort facilities, and Oiso Long Beach is a popular seaside resort pool. Hotels and spas are also available, attracting many tourists. ■ Odawara City [Western Kanagawa] Odawara City is known as a historic castle town, famous for Odawara Castle, the stronghold of the Hōjō clan, and for its preserved old streets. Odawara Castle’s keep displays the castle’s history and crafts, and the Odawara Castle Ninja Museum (History and Folklore Museum) offers ninja experiences, making it a sight that adults, children, and international visitors can all enjoy. ■ Hakonemachi [Western Kanagawa] Hakone is one of Japan’s top hot spring areas and can be enjoyed on day trips or longer stays. Popular attractions you’ll want to visit again and again include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, HakoneRopeway, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, the Hakone Tozan Railway, and Owakudani. ■ Manatsurumachi [Western Kanagawa] Manatsurumachi is a mild region of sea and mountains adjacent to Yugawara Town and Odawara City. It is known for its active fishing industry and offers fresh seafood to enjoy. ■ Yugawara Onsen [Western Kanagawa] Located between Hakone and Atami, this hot spring area features a hot spring district lined with traditional Japanese ryokan, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of an old-fashioned onsen town. Kanagawa offers sea activities, marine sports, hot springs, great nature, and history—so you can enjoy it in many ways. Access from Tokyo is very convenient: it takes about 30 minutes by train or car to reach Yokohama in eastern Kanagawa and about one hour to reach Hakone and Odawara in western Kanagawa. You can also enjoy a casual drive-and-sightseeing trip from Tokyo. With seasonal scenery and activities all year round, Kanagawa is a destination you’ll want to visit again and again. Make an unforgettable page in your travel memories with Kanagawa sightseeing! We will publish Kanagawa’s attractions, sample itineraries, the latest information, and lesser-known hidden spots, so please stay tuned!