Things to Do in Kanagawa (Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone) in December

Characteristics of Kanagawa in December

In Kanagawa Prefecture, December brings the full onset of winter. Daytime temperatures drop to around 10 degrees Celsius and it gets even colder at night. Nevertheless, there are plenty of winter-specific activities to enjoy. Wrap up in a warm coat and explore the area.

Winter in Kanagawa is filled with the festive atmosphere of the Christmas season. Illuminations and Christmas markets take place across various locations, and the city is beautifully lit up at night. You can also enjoy winter-specific activities such as skating and hot springs. Especially in popular tourist spots like Yokohama, Enoshima, and Hakone, there are numerous special winter events!

Here are some of the best spots to spend special time with family, friends, or a romantic partner.

Enjoying Christmas Events

Enoshima Illuminations

From the end of November through Christmas, Enoshima offers beautiful illuminations. At “Enoshima Sea Candle,” the “Shonan no Hoshi” (Jewels of Shonan) event creates a dazzling scene, as if you are inside a jewelry box. This event is recognized as one of the top three illuminations in the Kanto region.

Access: About a 20-minute walk from Enoden “Enoshima Station.”

“Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse” Christmas Market

Every year, the “Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse” hosts an event that recreates the authentic German Christmas market. A Christmas tree approximately 10 meters tall and the night view of Yokohama come together to create a magical atmosphere. You can enjoy hot wine and German cuisine at the wooden stalls called “Hütte,” experiencing an exotic Christmas.

Access: About a 6-minute walk from Minatomirai Line “Bashamichi Station” or “Nihon Odori Station.”

“Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest” Illumination

At “Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest,” you can experience “Sagamiko Illumillion,” featuring 6 million lights. The illuminations spread across the vast grounds make you feel as if you are in a forest of light.

Access: About an 8-minute bus ride from JR “Sagamiko Station.”

“Miyagase Lake” Sightseeing Water Release and Jumbo Christmas Tree

At “Miyagase Lake,” you can enjoy the winter sightseeing water release and a 30-meter tall Jumbo Christmas Tree. The tree, adorned with about 10,000 lights, mesmerizes visitors.

Access: About a 60-minute bus ride from Odakyu “Hon-Atsugi Station.”

Winter Sports and Activities

Skating at “Ginga Arena”

“Ginga Arena” is a sports complex located within “Fuchinobe Park.” The skating rink opens around October, and skating and curling classes are also available. There is a rink for children, ensuring that even the little ones can enjoy safely.

Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR “Fuchinobe Station.”

Figure Skating Experience at “Shin-Yokohama Skate Center”

“Shin-Yokohama Skate Center” is a full-fledged skating rink open all year round. Figure skating classes are also offered, making it enjoyable even for beginners.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR “Shin-Yokohama Station.”

Relaxing in Hot Springs

Relaxing at “Yugawara Onsen”

“Yugawara Onsen” has been beloved for a long time and is said to be effective for cuts, bruises, and neuralgia. Besides the hot springs, you can also enjoy nearby attractions like “Fudo Falls” and “Gosho Shrine.”

Access: About a 15-minute bus ride from JR “Yugawara Station.”

Beauty Experience at “Hakone Sengokuhara Onsen”

“Hakone Sengokuhara Onsen” is popular among women for its skin-beautifying properties. The area is also dotted with art spots like the “Hakone Glass no Mori Museum” and the “Pola Museum of Art.” You can relax in the hot springs while enjoying art appreciation.

Access: About a 20-minute bus ride from Hakone Tozan Railway “Gora Station.”

Hot Spring Eggs and Sightseeing at “Hakone Owakudani Onsen”

“Hakone Owakudani Onsen,” known for its chloride springs, is said to have antibacterial, moisturizing, and metabolic benefits. Nearby attractions include “Hakone Gora Park” and “Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands,” allowing you to enjoy both sightseeing and hot springs simultaneously. The famous hot spring eggs, known as “Kuro Tamago” (Black Eggs), have a unique black appearance and are said to extend your life by seven years if you eat one. Be sure to give them a try.

Access: About a 15-minute ropeway ride from Hakone Tozan Railway “Sounzan Station.”