Six Places To Experience The Beauty Of Nature In Kanagawa

Kanagawa prefecture boasts many scenic locations that are representative of Japan's natural environment. This article features a selection of parks, cherry tree groves, and other locations where visitors can immerse in an experiencing the beauty of Japan's nature.

1. Forest Adventure in Odawara

Forest Adventure is an outdoor theme park originally developed in France.

Your adventure takes place in a mystical forest of enormous 300-year-old Japanese cedars and winding mountain streams. Take an aerial stroll ten meters in the air or experience the thrill of descending on a cable from an altitude of over a hundred meters, all amidst the invigorating scent of fresh greenery.

There are twenty-one Forest Adventure locations throughout Japan, three of which are in Kanagawa Prefecture, in Odawara, Yokohama, and Hakone. Each features a different type of terrain with unique natural features that make possible various athletic activities.

Note: Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult. Certain activities have age restrictions to ensure safety. Walk-in visitors are welcome, but reservations are strongly recommended.

Forest Adventure
Address: Kanagawa, Odawara, Kuno 4391
TEL: +81-80-4330-4030
Official website: http://foret-aventure.jp/eng/
Kanagawa Travel Info page: http://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp/ja/spot_detail.html?language=en&id=15141

2. Aburatsubo Beach in Miura

The Miura Peninsula is located in the southeastern area of Kanagawa Prefecture, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. The area has long been a popular spot for vacation homes, which has led to the development of accommodation facilities, beaches, and other tourist amenities that are in operation today. Miura Port is also one of several fishing ports in the region where visitors can enjoy delicious fresh seafood.

The Misaki area of Miura is home to the Aburatsubo district, which surrounds Aburatsubo Bay. This area is renowned for its tranquil, clear waters, which make it a favorite destination for snorkelers and others in search of fun marine activities.

Palm trees line the beaches dotting the Araihama coast, giving the area a tropical feel that makes it hard to believe you’re still in Japan.

Aburatsubo Beach
Address: Kanagawa, Miura, Misakimachi-Koajiro
TEL: +81-46-888-0588
Official website: http://www.miura-info.ne.jp/ (Miura City Tourist Association)
Kanagawa Travel Info page: http://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp/ja/spot_detail.html?language=en&id=15108

3. Sakuradote in Atsugi

The cherry blossom is the quintessential Japanese flower, and Kanagawa Prefecture boasts many cherry blossom viewing spots. If you’re here in spring, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll down the streets lined with cherry trees in full bloom.

Sakuradote is an area with more than two hundred cherry trees planted along the Sagami River, which flows through Atsugi city. When they bloom in spring, they form a gorgeous flower tunnel!

The Kanagawa-based pop group Ikimonogakari is said to have been inspired by Sakuradote when they wrote their 2007 hit song “Sakura”. The song mentions catching a glimpse of the cherry blossoms from the window of the trains along the Odakyu Line and the view of nearby Sagami-ohashi Bridge. Being able to enjoy the dreamlike world of the song for real during the cherry blossom season made Sakuradote very popular not only among Ikimonogakari fans but also among everyone who loves the cherry blossoms.

Sakuradote Area
Address: Kanagawa, Atsugi, around Atsugi 2348
TEL: +81-46-225-2820 (Atsugi City Tourist Promotion Section)
Official website: http://www.city.atsugi.kanagawa.jp/foreigner/index.html (Atsugi City official website)
Kanagawa Travel Info page: Sakuradote

4. Manyo Park in Yugawara

Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of Japan’s most renowned onsen districts. Because the area offers such a wealth of hot spring water, visitors are able to enjoy it even without staying at one of the various hot spring inns or hotels in the region.

Manyo Park, for example, offers free admission, and is designed as a recreation of the flourishing period in Japanese history when the ”Man'yoshu” poem collection was created, namely from the late seventh to the late eighth century. Visitors can see structures and flora in the park throughout the seasons, and for 300 yen (adult ticket price) can enjoy a soak in the Doppo no Yu hot spring footbath.

The hot springs and the natural beauty of Manyo Park can be enjoyed any time of year, but the best time to come here is in early summer between early and mid-June. Hotaru no Utage (The Firefly Banquet) is a magical event held during this time to showcase the blinking lights of Japanese fireflies, which live only near pure water sources. Combined with the sight of the flowers and trees in the park, the event makes for a truly romantic experience.

Manyo Park
Address: Kanagawa, Yugawara, Miyakami 566
TEL: +81-465-64-1234
Official website: http://www.yugawara.or.jp/sightseeing/details.php?log=1364792555

5. Atsugi Kodomo no Mori Park

If you’re visiting Japan with your family, visit the Atsugi Kodomo no Mori Park to experience the wonderful forest adventures that await. Located in the picturesque countryside, the park lets visitors experience the sights, smells, and the feel of Japan’s nature.

The park boasts Japan’s longest slide, the 106-meter “Forest Slide”, as well as the “Forest Skywalk”, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll ten meters in the air. The list of experiential activities goes on and on, including playground equipment, hands-on agricultural experiences, wildlife observation, and much more.

Park guidance is available in Japanese, but nearly everything there can be fully enjoyed without the use of language.

Information on monthly events, including schedules, is posted on the park’s official website (Japanese only). Make sure to check for the latest updates before your visit.

Atsugi Kodomo no Mori Park
Address: Kanagawa, Atsugi, Nakaogino 916-2
TEL: +81-46-210-3433
Official website: https://atsugikodomonomori.com/

6. Sky Cruise Helicopter Tour in Yokohama

After Tokyo, Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture is the city with the second largest population in Japan. Visitors can enjoy an exciting sky tour allowing them to take in the sights of this vast urban wonderland from the air thanks to the programs offered by Yokohama Sky Cruise.

Helicopter rides range from an affordable five-minute trip for just 9,000 yen to a more extensive thirty-minute tour for 205,000 yen. Note that sky cruises are only available on weekends and require reservations. Discounts are available for groups of eleven or more, and the company offers several additional services, including a commemorative photo book of your flight. Inquire directly with the company for details.

Sky Cruise
Address: Yokohama, Nishi ward, Minatomirai 1-7, Minatomirairinji Heliport
TEL: +81-45-223 -1155
Official website: https://www.skycruise.jp/ (reservation form is here)