Kanagawa Living Guide: Top Cities & Attractions
Kanagawa Prefecture, located in the southern part of the Kanto region on Honshu, is a popular option for expats seeking a balance of urban convenience and natural beauty. It borders Tokyo to the north, providing easy access to both city life and scenic landscapes. Whether you're thinking about moving to Kanagawa or just exploring the area, this guide will help you find where to live in Kanagawa and provide all the information you need.
Kanagawa Prefecture provides 'Living Information' in multiple languages, including English, so please make use of it as well.
Why Live in Kanagawa?
Great Balance of City and Nature
Enjoy modern cities like Yokohama while being close to beaches and mountains.
Excellent Transportation
Easy commuting to Tokyo while enjoying a more spacious and relaxed environment.
Diverse International Community
Many expats, international schools, and foreigner-friendly services are available.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Museums, beaches, mountains, and historical sites are all within reach.
Top Places to Live in Kanagawa
Kanagawa Prefecture has an area of 2,416.55 km² and a population of 9,222,326 (as of December 26, 2024, according to the latest data). We will introduce the main cities.
Yokohama – The International Hub
As the capital of Kanagawa and Japan’s second-largest city, Yokohama is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyline, vibrant international community, and waterfront attractions. It is home to Minato Mirai, the famous Chinatown, and numerous shopping and dining options.
Key attractions: Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse
Kawasaki – Perfect for Commuters
Located between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki is an industrial and cultural hub. It offers a more affordable cost of living while still providing excellent access to Tokyo.
Key attractions: Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, Kawasaki taishi, Lazona Kawasaki Plaza
Kamakura – A Historic Coastal City
Famous for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha, Kamakura blends rich history with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. It is perfect for those who enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still being close to Tokyo.
Key attractions: Kamakura Daibutsu, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Enoshima Island
Fujisawa – Beachside Living
Home to the popular Enoshima area, Fujisawa offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy train access to Tokyo and Yokohama. It’s a popular spot for surfers and those who love the ocean.
Key attractions: Enoshima Island, Shonan Beaches
Odawara – Gateway to Hakone
Known for Odawara Castle and its proximity to Hakone, this city serves as a great place for those who love hot springs and mountain scenery.
Key attractions: Odawara Castle, Hakone hot springs
Access to Tokyo and Other Areas
Kanagawa is well connected to Tokyo and other parts of Japan with an extensive transportation network.
Train Access
The JR Tokaido Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Yokosuka Line, and the Shinkansen provide quick access to central Tokyo and beyond. Tokyo Station to Yokohama is approximately 30 minutes by train.
Metro and Private Railways
The Yokohama Subway, Tokyu, Odakyu, Keikyu, and Sagami Lines connect various areas within Kanagawa and offer convenient commuting options.
Airports
Haneda Airport is easily accessible from Kanagawa, and Narita Airport is also within reach via express trains. From Yokohama Station to Haneda Airport, it's approximately 30 minutes by train. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yokohama Station to Narita Airport by Narita Express.
Highways
Major expressways such as the Tomei Expressway and Metropolitan Expressway make driving convenient.
Top Tourist Attractions in Kanagawa
Yokohama Chinatown
The largest Chinatown in Japan, filled with authentic Chinese cuisine and cultural experiences.
Minato Mirai 21
A futuristic waterfront district with shopping, museums, and breathtaking night views.
Hakone
Famous for hot springs, art museums, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
Kamakura
A historical city with Zen temples and scenic coastal views.
>> Kamakura: A Day Trip from Tokyo
Enoshima
A small island known for its shrines, lighthouse, and beautiful ocean views.
>> Enoshima Island: Enchanting Destination for a Day Trip from Tokyo
Shonan Beaches
A top destination for surfers and beachgoers looking to escape city life.
Conclusion
Kanagawa Prefecture is an ideal place for those who want to experience the best of Japan’s urban and natural landscapes. Whether you're looking for a convenient place to live near Tokyo or a beautiful region to explore, Kanagawa has something for everyone. If you’re considering a move or a visit, Kanagawa’s charm and accessibility make it a fantastic choice.
Living Guide Articles tagged "Kanagawa"
Expat Communities in Kanagawa
In Kanagawa Prefecture, there are many clubs and groups where people of various nationalities can come together and build connections. These communities offer opportunities to make new friends, share…
English speaking car dealers in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. While Japan has a large number of motor companies, those that can provide services in English are limited. The following car dealers, on the other hand, are able to…
English-Speaking Hospitals in Kanagawa
Hokkaido Tokyo Kanagawa Aichi Kyoto Osaka Hyogo Hiroshima Yamaguchi Hospitals with English-speaking doctors and staff in Kanagawa, along with emergen…
The Need for Postpartum Care
This article is contributed by Vitalité House. Childbirth is an event that places a great burden on a woman's body. In order to nurture the baby, the uterus enlarges, putting pressure on the internal…
English-Speaking Dentists in Yokohama
For foreigners living in Japan, finding an English-speaking dentist is essential to ease communication concerns. Explaining symptoms and pain levels can be stressful without language support, whether…
How to Sell Unwanted Luxury Brand Goods in English in Japan
HUGALL provides an English-speaking service for purchasing high-end brands, such as watches, clothes, bags, furniture...). Residents in and around Tokyo can request a pick-up service. If you would lik…
Hiring Foreign Workers in Japan and How to Apply for Visa
This article provides information on how to hire a foreigner in Japan from abroad. If you currently live outside Japan and would like to work in Japan, your first step is to find an employer (sponsor)…
English-Speaking Hair Salons in Yokohama
There are many beauty salons in Yokohama where you can have a great experience. However, when looking for a salon in Japan, you might have these concerns: Will the stylist understand what I want? How…
Animal Shelters and Nonprofit Organizations around Tokyo
Many people wishing to own pets may prefer not to purchase or adopt them from pet stores due to controversy surrounding their operation. There are many dogs and cats that have been rescued in Japan. M…
Outlet Shopping Malls and Factory Outlets in and Around Tokyo
Outlet Shopping Malls are a common excursion for many Tokyoites. Tired of crammed department stores and the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, many love going out to an outlet mall, often surrounded by green…
Skiing Near Tokyo Made Easy and Fun with Great Resorts
It’s snow season in Japan, and whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, or just looking to bring the kids to have some fun in the snow, there are many topnotch ski resorts just a day trip away fro…
Fishing in Tokyo: Top Spots, Shops & Charters for Expats and Visitors
Japan is not only surrounded by water but also boasts abundant rivers, lakes, and marshes inland. With high water quality and rich aquatic life, it’s no surprise that Japan consumes one of the largest…
Best Scenic Bamboo Forests and Gardens in and around Tokyo
There are a number of scenic bamboo forests and gardens in and around Tokyo where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Museums in Tokyo
Whether you crave a day of intellectual enrichment, yearn to keep the kids entertained for an afternoon, or are simply looking for a fulfilling way to ride out a few hours of bad weather, visiting a m…
15 Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsens in Japan
While onsens are enjoyable year-round, they are delightful in wintertime. The hot springs provide a lovely respite from the cold weather. They are also a common activity for those traveling in Japan d…
Kamakura: A Day Trip from Tokyo
This page contains affiliate links. For a day trip from Tokyo, few destinations can compete with Kamakura thanks to its rich history, magnificent temples, delicious food, and convenient transportatio…
A Serene Getaway: Tokyo's Charming Resort Destinations
Are you tired and need a break from the fast-paced city life in Tokyo? Look no further than the nearby resort areas. Within a few hours by train, you can escape to picturesque destinations boasting st…
Tokyo for Anime and Manga Fans: Popular Areas, Shops, and Museums
This page contains affiliate links. If you enjoy reading Japanese manga (comics) or watching anime (animation), there is no better city on earth to explore than Tokyo as it has everything to satisfy…
Enoshima Island: Enchanting Destination for a Day Trip from Tokyo
Easily accessible from Tokyo and close to Kamakura, Enoshima is a picturesque island that is part of Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Despite its small size, Enoshima has a lot to offer with its br…
List of Japanese Universities that Actively Accept International Students
Studying in Japan offers numerous benefits, including high-quality education, excellent cuisine, job opportunities, and a unique culture. The Japanese government actively encourages international stud…
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2
