9 Things to Do in Kanagawa (Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone) in January

Characteristics of Kanagawa in January

January in Kanagawa is a season where the winter cold is strongly felt, but it is also a time with clear skies and plenty of sunshine, making the scenery particularly beautiful. Especially, the views of Mount Fuji and the sea are exceptionally clear, making it an ideal time for visiting scenic spots.

Additionally, there are many events celebrating the New Year and traditional “hatsumode” (the first shrine visit of the New Year), providing travelers with special experiences that bring them closer to Japanese culture.

Spots for Enjoying the First Sunrise of the Year

Daikanyama Observatory

Located in Hakone at an altitude of 1,011 meters, you can enjoy fantastic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. On New Year’s Day, the first sunrise and the red-tinged Mount Fuji attract many visitors.

Tateishi Park

Located on the Akiya Coast in Yokosuka, this spot offers a beautiful combination of Tateishi and Mount Fuji for viewing the first sunrise of the year.

Rinko Park

Located in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama, you can enjoy the first sunrise rising over the Bay Bridge.

Spots for Experiencing History and Culture through “Hatsumode”

Samukawa Shrine

The only “Happo-yoke” (protection from all directions) shrine in Japan, with a history of about 1,600 years. It is crowded with many worshippers at New Year, especially on New Year’s Day when special ceremonies are held to celebrate the new year.

Oyama Afuri Shrine

With a history of about 2,200 years, this shrine is also known as a site for rain prayers. Various New Year ceremonies are held here, particularly the “Tsutsukayu Festival” where the fortune of crops is predicted.

Enoshima Shrine

Located in Enoshima, this shrine is worshipped as the god of the sea and arts. You can enjoy both the first sunrise and “hatsumode” at the same time, attracting many visitors on New Year’s Day.

Enjoying Winter Flavors with Strawberry Picking

Sugiyama Strawberry Farm

Located in Hiratsuka City, this farm offers safe strawberry picking with reduced pesticide usage and high cultivation methods. It is open from early January to mid-May.

Wada Strawberry Farm

This farm offers the rare “Toyohime” variety of strawberries. Tickets are distributed early in the morning, so an early visit is recommended.

TOKYO STRAWBERRY PARK

Located in Yokohama, this facility allows you to enjoy strawberry picking all year round. Winter strawberries are especially sweet and delicious.

Despite the cold weather in January, Kanagawa offers beautiful scenery and special events that can be enjoyed to the fullest. Make the most of winter attractions such as first sunrise spots, “hatsumode,” and strawberry picking.