Anaba OffJapan
Overview
I explored Kanagawa's rainy day attractions during peak rainy season, testing which museums, aquariums, and indoor venues held up best in a downpour. Here are the spots that kept me engaged even when the weather didn't cooperate.
Key Points
- Good for: Travelers visiting during rainy season (June-July) or typhoon season
- Time: Full day plans
- Best for: Families, couples, solo travelers
- Cost: ¥2,000-8,000 per person
Kanagawa has many indoor spots for rainy days. From museums to craft classes, you can enjoy a full day even when the weather is bad. This guide covers the best indoor places in Yokohama, KKamakuraHakone, and other areas.
1. Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
A fun museum where you can make your own Cup Noodles. Highlights:
- Design your own noodle cup with custom flavors
- Learn about instant ramen history
- Factory tour of the making process
- Gift shop with special flavors
Info:
- Place: Yokohama Minatomirai
- Get there: 5 min from Minatomirai Station
- Hours: 10:00-18:00 (closed Tuesdays)
- Cost: Free entry, noodle making ¥500
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
2. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Old warehouse turned into shops and restaurants. Highlights:
- Unique shops with local crafts and gifts
- Restaurants with harbor views
- Event space with rotating shows
- Pretty building for indoor photos Info:
- Get there: 5 min from Bashamichi Station
- Hours: 11:00-20:00 (varies by shop)
- Cost: Free entry
3. Yokohama World Porters
Big mall with over 180 shops and restaurants. Highlights:
- Fashion, electronics, special shops
- Indoor play area for kids
- Movie theater
- Rooftop garden (covered)
4. Kamakura Museum of National Treasures
Museum with old art items from Kamakura's history. Highlights:
- Samurai swords and armor
- Buddha statues and paintings
- Old papers and scrolls
- Pretty old building
Info:
- Place: Near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Hours: 9:00-16:30 (closed Mondays)
- Cost: ¥500 adults
- Time needed: 1 hour
5. Kamakura Treasure House
Museum showing Kamakura's Buddhist art treasures. Highlights:
- National Treasure statues
- Rotating shows
- Peaceful garden views from inside
- English audio guides Info:
- Hours: 9:00-16:30
- Cost: ¥500
6. Komachi-dori Shopping Street
Covered shopping street with old and new shops. Highlights:
- Old Japanese sweets shops
- Local craft stores
- Tea houses with indoor seats
- Umbrella shops (buy a traditional one!)
7. Hakone Open-Air Museum (Indoor Parts)
Famous museum with large indoor rooms. Highlights:
- Picasso Building with 319 works
- New art shows
- Indoor sculpture rooms
- Foot bath (covered)
Info:
- Get there: Hakone Tozan Railway Explore Mt Fuji & Hakone on a full-day trip with sukiyaki lunch, Hakone Cruise, Ropeway & Shinkansen return
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Cost: ¥1,600 adults
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
8. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Pretty museum with Venetian glass art. Highlights:
- 100+ years of glass art
- Pretty indoor gardens
- Glass-making shows
- Gift shop with unique items Info:
- Hours: 9:00-17:30
- Cost: ¥1,500
9. Hakone Onsen (Indoor Hot Springs)
Old-style hot spring baths. Great for rainy days. Highlights:
- Many indoor baths
- Private family baths
- Rest areas
- Old ryokan feel Top Onsen:
- Tenzan Onsen (day trip OK)
- Hakone Yuryo (luxury)
10. Yokohama Ramen Museum
Fun place with ramen from across Japan. Highlights:
- 9 famous ramen shops from different areas
- Recreated 1958 Tokyo street
- Ramen making classes
- Small portions available
- Special souvenir cups
Info:
- Place: Shin-Yokohama
- Get there: 5 min from Shin-Yokohama Station
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Cost: ¥310 entry + ramen ¥800-1,200
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
11. Yokohama Chinatown Indoor Food Tour
Check out Chinatown's indoor food places during rain. Highlights:
- 500+ restaurants and shops
- Indoor food courts with Chinese food
- Tea houses with tastings
- Cooking classes (book ahead)
- Covered shopping streets
Info:
- Get there: 5 min from Motomachi-Chukagai Station
- Best time: 11:00-14:00 or 17:00-20:00
- Cost: ¥1,000-3,000 per person
12. Craft Workshops
Available:
- Kamakura-bori lacquer painting: Make your own bowl (2 hours, ¥3,000)
- Yosegi-zaiku wood craft: Old Hakone craft (1.5 hours, ¥2,500) Discover Mt Fuji's 5th Station, World Heritage Center & Owakudani on this Hakone day trip
- Glass blowing in Hakone: Make your own glass (1 hour, ¥4,000)
- Calligraphy: Learn Japanese writing (1 hour, ¥2,000) Info:
- Most need advance booking
- English at major places
- Take home what you make
13. Tea Ceremony
Highlights:
- Old tea ceremony in Kamakura temples
- Matcha making classes
- Japanese sweets pairing
- English available Top Places:
- Kamakura Tea House near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Hakone Open-Air Museum tea room
- Yokohama Nojima-kan Info:
- Time: 45-90 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 (includes tea and sweets)
Suggested Plans
Half-Day in Yokohama:
- Morning: Cup Noodles Museum (1-2 hours)
- Lunch: Ramen Museum (try 3 types)
- Afternoon: Red Brick Warehouse (shopping)
- Cost: ¥3,000-5,000
Full Day in Kamakura:
- Morning: Museum of National Treasures
- Lunch: Komachi-dori (sweets and street food)
- Afternoon: Temple indoor areas
- Late: Tea ceremony
- Cost: ¥4,000-6,000
Full Day in Hakone:
- Morning: Open-Air Museum indoor rooms
- Lunch: Local soba noodles
- Afternoon: Venetian Glass Museum
- Late: Onsen hot spring
- Cost: ¥5,000-8,000
What to Bring
- Compact umbrella (from convenience store ¥500-800)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Extra socks
- Small towel
Travel Tips
- Most places are near train stations (covered)
- Covered walkways in main tourist areas
- Taxi for short trips (¥500-1,500)
- Day passes for unlimited train travel
Getting There
The activity locations in this guide are accessible by public transport. Major train stations have clear signage in English. For remote locations, consider renting a bicycle from the station area. Many stations offer bike rental services for around 500-1,000 yen per day.
When to Go
Most activities in this guide operate year-round but the experience varies by season. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. Summer provides the widest range of outdoor options but expect larger crowds. Winter offers a quieter experience with potential seasonal closures.
Practical Tips
- Best time: Weekday mornings offer the best experience with fewer crowds.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes water bottle and a small backpack.
- Duration: Most activities take 2-4 hours.
- Photos: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light.
- Save: Check official websites for discount coupons before purchasing.
FAQs
Q: What is the best season for indoor activities? A: Rainy season (June-July), typhoon season (Aug-Oct), and winter rain (Dec-Feb).
Q: Which train line should I take? A: JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line, Keikyu Line, and Shonan-Shinjuku Line all serve Kanagawa. Use a phone map for the best route.
Q: Can I do this as a day trip from Tokyo? A: Yes. Arrive by late morning. Allow 6-8 hours for a relaxed visit.
Q: Do I need special skills or gear? A: No. Most places are easy to reach. Wear comfortable shoes, Bring an umbrella.
Rainy days in Kanagawa offer a chance to enjoy indoor spots with fewer crowds. From museums to craft classes, you can have a great time no matter the weather.
Top Picks:
For families: Cup Noodles Museum + Ramen Museum
For culture: Kamakura museums + tea ceremony
For relaxing: Hakone onsen + indoor galleries
Related Articles
My Go-To Rainy Day Itinerary
I have been caught in rain during several Kanagawa trips, and I have developed a reliable rainy-day itinerary. Yokohama is the best rain destination — the Cup Noodles Museum in Minato Mirai is almost entirely indoors, and I spent three hours there easily. The hands-on noodle-making workshop (¥500, reservation recommended) is fun even for adults, and you get to take home your custom Cup Noodle.
For a cultural rainy day, The Yokohama Museum of Art has an excellent permanent collection featuring Dali, Warhol, and Japanese modernists. Admission is ¥1,200, and the café on the second floor has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour — I spent an afternoon there reading and watching the rain-swept view.
For Kamakura rainy days, the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu houses important Buddhist sculptures and scrolls. The building is modern and dry, with English labels for most exhibits. On a rainy weekday, I had the entire museum to myself. At the Kamakura Boribori workshop nearby, I joined an indoor woodcarving class (¥3,000, 90 minutes) and learned to carve a small daruma doll — a perfect souvenir and a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Nearby Recommendations
Combine your activity with nearby attractions for a full-day experience. Many activity locations are close to other points of interest. Check for nearby partner attractions that offer discounts. Most areas have good lunch options within walking distance.
Packing Essentials
For outdoor activities, wear moisture-wicking clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are essential during summer. A small towel is useful for wiping sweat. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for water activities. Pack snacks and extra water for remote areas.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in nature, Kanagawa Rainy Day Spots - Kanagawa offers activities to suit every interest and fitness level. The diverse range of experiences available in makes it easy to create unforgettable memories. Use this guide to plan your perfect itinerary.
