Reviews,Local food,Transportation Information,and Map Information of Odawara Castle,Yokohama Chinatown, Sankeien Garden,Jogashima,and Kawasaki Daishi

Contents

1.Basic Information
2.Reviews
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Red Brick Park
- Misaki Morning Market (Misaki Asaichi)
3.Local Food
4.Transportation Information
5.Map Information

1.Basic Information

In the vicinity of Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture, there are historic tourist spots such as Kawasaki Daishi, boasting the third-highest number of New Year’s visitors in the nation, Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, Odawara Castle, Sankeien Garden, and the Red Brick Warehouse.

Odawara Castle (Odawarajyo)

Famed as an impregnable fortress, Odawara Castle was the stronghold of the Hojo clan. In the Edo period, parts of the castle were modernized, making it a rare example of a castle combining features from both medieval and early modern periods. From the castle tower, one can enjoy a 360-degree view of Odawara city, Sagami Bay, and mountains like Komagatake and Futago in Hakone. The castle park houses the Tokiwa Gate SAMURAI hall, displaying armor and swords.

Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Tyukagai)

Yokohama Chinatown, located in Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is known as one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Spanning about 0.2 square kilometers, it comprises over 500 shops, offering a variety of Chinese cuisines from regions like Guangdong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan. The main gate, Zennrinmon, is 15 meters tall and vividly decorated in red and gold.

Sankeien Garden (Sankeien)

Sankeien Garden, located in Yokohama City, opened in 1906 and spans approximately 17.5 hectares. The garden features 17 historic Japanese buildings relocated from places like Kyoto and Kamakura. Visitors can enjoy a variety of flowers throughout the year, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, offering a taste of the ancient capital’s atmosphere in Yokohama.

Yokosuka

Yokosuka is known for the landing of the American Navy’s Perry Expedition about 160 years ago. Today, the Yokosuka Main Port houses a U.S. Navy base, and the Nagaura Port hosts the headquarters of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. The “YOKOSUKA Military Port Tour” cruise allows close-up views of American and Japanese warships.

Sarushima

Accessible by regular service from Yokosuka, Sarushima is an uninhabited island about 1.6 km in circumference off the coast of Yokosuka. Popular in summer for swimming, barbecuing, and shore fishing, the island is known for its former naval gun batteries. Today, its photogenic ruins of tunnels and barracks attract visitors.

Jogashima

Jogashima, at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula, is about 0.99 square kilometers in area, with a circumference of about 4 kilometers. Characterized by cliffs formed by marine erosion, it has been a scenic spot since the Kamakura period. The island played a historic role in fishing, military, transportation, and literature. From the Taisho period until the end of World War II, the eastern part of the island hosted a battery of the Tokyo Bay Fortress. Today, it is open as Jogashima Park. The park, Jogashima Lighthouse, and the Umagaeshi Cave are among the many attractions, and exploring the island by rental bicycle is enjoyable.

Kawasaki Daishi

Located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kawasaki Daishi is the third most visited temple in Japan, following Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture. Officially known as Heikenji Temple, it is believed to bring blessings for warding off evil, household safety, traffic safety, and long life. Kawasaki Daishi is known as the origin of the New Year’s visit tradition in Japan, popularized nationwide by railway companies and media promotions.

2.Reviews

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Red Brick Park

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, originally used for storage, has been repurposed as a shopping mall. Built as a customs warehouse from the late Meiji to early Taisho period, it was transformed into a commercial facility in 2002. The building retains features from its 100-year history, including bricks, fire doors, and stairwells.

Misaki Morning Market (Misaki Asaichi)

The Misaki Morning Market, held every Sunday morning from 5 a.m., is popular among tourists for its fresh tuna, seafood, and seasonal local vegetables. More than just a tourist market, it serves as a vital part of daily life for local residents, supporting the region’s culture and food traditions. On days other than Sunday, the nearby “Urari Marche” is recommended.