Japan is a well-known country because of its culture and well-visited locations, and Kanagawa might be one of the best places for both! The economic and political advances in Kanagawa plus its preserved natural beauty are the main reasons why this prefecture is often visited by both businesspersons and tourists.
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Kanagawa: One-of-a-kind prefecture
To begin with, Japan is shaped into 47 prefectures, andad perhaps one of the most distinctive of them is Kanagawa. As you read on in this article, you’ll come to agree that Kanagawa is definitely worth the visit.
※ Tokyo Metropolitan Government, "Japan’s Local Government System"
Kanagawa Prefecture is the part of the ministerial and commercial heart of Japan in the Kanto area, parted into three regions. It was also the location where the Kamakura Shogunate, the military leaders of Japan, established their headquarters during the Kamakura Period. The region had been an imperative point for arrival and marine passages in history. The ‘’Treaty of Peace and Amity’’ was arranged in 1854 between Japan and the United States, headed by Admiral Perry and his fleet. Consequently, Kanagawa officially became the name of the prefecture in 1868.
※ Kanagawa Prefectural Government, "Profile of Kanagawa Prefecture"
Kanagawa Today
Analyzing it from diverse points, Kanagawa emits an intensified charm from its substructures encouraging ease of living, transportation, commercial foundations, creative arts, and touristry. Kanagawa Prefecture houses a huge assortment of commercial spaces. More will be discussed below.
When it comes to weather conditions, the prefecture is surrounded by enormous mountain ranges, adding to the beauty of its landscapes, and absorbing the warm currents of the Pacific Ocean, making it a soothing and comforting nest for the people living in it.
Writer's Pick
Tour the Kanagawa kitchen
Moving on, Kanagawa has its own way of enticing tourists. There are lots of famous cuisines and specialties you’ll find in Kanagawa, making it to the list of your ‘’foodgasms’’. Here we introduce to you the recommended dishes!
Ramen
Shoyu Ramen at Iida Shouten
In the bowl is a sterling soup that smacks you with a punch of wealthy shoyu as the primary taste, topped with chashu and wontons.
Yugarawa’s Iida Shouten is considered one of the best when it comes to shoyu (soy-sauce based) ramen, and it’s only a 10-minute walk from the nearest station. The ramen house is not that spacious, but residents consider it as the ramen heaven, and there’s a long queue to overcome before you could have a slurp of their prized noodles.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Going by its title, "museum", would justify what is inside this restaurant. Famous for all sorts of ramen, Yokohama Ramen Museum lets everyone enjoy the goodness of each ramen bowl.
One of the place's specialties is Rishiri Ramen, abundant with Rishiri Kelp, beautifully topped with garnishes, fine meat slices and a delicious slurp of chijiri noodles.
Moreover, Yokohama Ramen Museum offers a delightful gallery of ramens and a shop of take-home souvenirs.
ZUND-BAR
The basis of Afuri, a popular ramen chain known for its yuzu citrus taste, is ZUND-BAR, a ramen restaurant void of artificial ingredients. This exquisite restaurant is located in the city of Atsugi in Kanagawa at the base of Mt. Afuri.
Each 1000-yen ramen bowl is delicately poured adding a touch of delicious seafood flavor to the taste.
Kaigun Curry
Perhaps, the most remarkable curry you’ll find in the city of Yokosuka, Kanagawa. This dish is called kaigun (navy) because it was first eaten by the navy to combat Thiamine deficiency. It usually has beef, carrots, onions and potatoes, and often is served with salad and milk.
Whitebait
This is basically baby sardines called shirasu in Japanese. The Kanagawa Prefecture offers a type of whitebait from the Kanagawa locale. It’s often found in Chigasaki, Enoshima, and Kamakura.
The infamous dish can be eaten in three ways- dried, boiled, or raw. They are packed with nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin D, and essential oils.
Go-to places in Kanagawa
Kanagawa is not just the land of cravings, but the place of scenic beauty. The prefecture, with a beautiful coastline, memorable destinations, and scrumptious food nourishments, both travelers and seekers of solemnity can enjoy these top sites:
Kurihama Flower Park
This is not just a park and garden in Yokosuka, but a place where nature's refreshing greenery could be seen. It has an abundance of flowers, almost a million or so in fact. The park’s herb garden is enchanting and it could become your soul-searching spot.
Miyagase Dam
This body of water is so big it feels like you can see the whole galaxy reflecting in the water. Surrounded by wildflowers and trees that expand to the skies, it is known as one of the biggest dams within Kanto, situated in Sagamihara, Kanagawa. There is a boat you could utilize to have a tour of the waters.
Kanagawa Beaches
The beaches in Kanagawa are famous for being the perfect day-trip, especially from Tokyo. The coastlines of Kanagawa could be your surfing or snorkeling ground. Examples are the beaches you could adore:
Southern Beach Chigasaki
You might be reminded of Hawaii on this beach since you will see a lot of people surfing and wearing their Aloha-inspired shirts. The beach is also famous for its convenient shops where you can borrow things to use for the day. This is just one of the popular beaches in the popular Shonan area along the Sagami Bay.
Zushi Beach
Though still popular with locals, this is visited by different age groups since it’s calmer than the Shonan area.
There are countless beaches along the region of Kanagawa, and all of them are indeed mesmerizing. Enoshima and Kamakura are named as the popular beaches since people gather just to take a dip and enjoy the water. And if you look, you can also find quieter beaches not as crowded.
Kamakura
The town, as mentioned, is guarded by several beaches that one can enjoy during summer or regular days. The region is a great destination for swimmers, surf boarders, divers, and people craving a touch of vitamin salt.
As mentioned above, Kamakura used to be the center of government for a time in history. The cultural buildings of the times, such as magnificent temples and shrines reflect the beliefs of obligation, devotion, and bravery that earned the most noteworthy respect back then. One great example is the Great Buddha statue.
Hakone
Want to experience the unfractionated view of the prominent Mt. Fuji? Hakone, located in the western regions of Kanagawa, offers you the full-scale beauty of Mt. Fuji. This is a popular resort zone brimming with quality hot springs. Hakone also features a boat tour in the lake of Ashinoko and accessible open-air museums.
Summary
Kanagawa is totally on the top list of prefectures that one must crave to explore. If Kanagawa is a goddess, she is Aphrodite - it is enticing, alluring, captivating, and wild. Even the ambiance and wind circulating within, between, above, and under the coastal areas of the prefecture could sweep you off your feet. It is raw, natural, exciting, and overall an escapade for those looking for adventure.
