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Key Points
- Perfect for: Weekend travelers, busy professionals
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Budget: ¥10,000-20,000
- Best season: Year-round
- Focus: Quick escape from Tokyo
Overview
Kanagawa Prefecture is the perfect weekend getaway from Tokyo, offering diverse experiences just 30-90 minutes away. This guide covers the best quick trip itineraries, transport options, and budget tips for maximizing your weekend escape.
Transport from Tokyo
Quick Access Options
To Yokohama (30 minutes)
- JR Tokaido Line: ¥470, 25 minutes from Tokyo Station
- Tokyu Toyoko Line: ¥470, 30 minutes from Shibuya
- Keikyu Line: ¥300, 20 minutes from Shinagawa
To Kamakura (1 hour)
- JR Yokosuka Line: ¥920, 55 minutes from Tokyo Station
- Shonan-Shinjuku Line: ¥920, 60 minutes from Shinjuku
To Hakone (1.5 hours)
- Odakyu Romancecar: ¥2,330, 75 minutes from Shinjuku
- JR Tokaido Shinkansen: ¥3,740, 35 minutes to Odawara
Money-Saving Transport
Weekend Passes:
- Tokyo Wide Pass (¥10,000): 3 days, covers Kanagawa
- Odakyu Enoshima-Kamakura Pass (¥1,500): 1 day
- Hakone Free Pass (¥5,000 from Tokyo): 2 days
Tips:
- Purchase passes online for 10% discount
- Travel off-peak (avoid 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
- Use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) for convenience
Weekend Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Yokohama Quick Escape (1 Day)
Budget: ¥8,000-12,000 Pace: Relaxed Morning (9 AM-12 PM):
- Depart Tokyo Station (9:00)
- Arrive Yokohama (9:30)
- Cup Noodles Museum (10:00-11:30)
- Red Brick Warehouse (11:30-12:00) Lunch (12-1 PM):
- Yokohama Chinatown (¥1,000-1,500) Afternoon (1-5 PM):
- Landmark Tower Sky Garden (1:00-2:00)
- Yamashita Park (2:00-3:00)
- Minato Mirai shopping (3:00-5:00) Evening (5-8 PM):
- Dinner at Isezakicho (¥1,500-2,000)
- Night views (5:30-6:30)
- Return to Tokyo (7:00) Total Cost:
- Transport: ¥940 (round trip)
- Food: ¥3,500-4,500
- Attractions: ¥1,530
- Total: ¥5,970-6,970
Itinerary 2: Kamakura Culture Weekend (2 Days)
Budget: ¥15,000-25,000 Pace: Moderate Day 1:
- Morning: Depart Tokyo, arrive Kamakura
- Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple
- Lunch at Komachi-dori
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Dinner at Yuigahama area
- Overnight at Kamakura guesthouse
Day 2:
- Morning: Hokokuji Temple (bamboo grove)
- Enoshima Island visit
- Lunch at Enoshima
- Return to Tokyo Total Cost:
- Transport: ¥1,840 (round trip)
- Accommodation: ¥3,500-5,000
- Food: ¥6,000-8,000
- Attractions: ¥1,500-2,000
- Total: ¥12,840-16,840
Itinerary 3: Hakone Relaxation Weekend (2 Days)
Budget: ¥20,000-35,000 Pace: Relaxed Day 1:
- Morning: Romancecar to Hakone
- Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Check into onsen ryokan
- Evening onsen experience Day 2:
- Morning: Owakudani volcanic valley
- Hakone Shrine
- Lunch at Yumoto
- Return to Tokyo
Total Cost:
- Transport: ¥4,660 (Romancecar round trip)
- Accommodation: ¥10,000-20,000 (ryokan)
- Food: ¥6,000-8,000
- Attractions: ¥3,000-4,000
- Total: ¥23,660-36,660
Budget Breakdown
Budget Weekend (¥8,000-12,000)
- Transport: ¥1,000-2,000
- Food: ¥4,000-6,000
- Attractions: ¥1,000-2,000
- Accommodation: ¥2,000-4,000 (hostel)
- Best for: Yokohama day trip, Kamakura budget
Mid-Range Weekend (¥15,000-25,000)
- Transport: ¥2,000-4,000
- Food: ¥6,000-8,000
- Attractions: ¥2,000-3,000
- Accommodation: ¥5,000-10,000 (guesthouse)
- Best for: Kamakura 2-day, Hakone budget
Luxury Weekend (¥30,000+)
- Transport: ¥4,000-6,000
- Food: ¥10,000-15,000
- Attractions: ¥3,000-5,000
- Accommodation: ¥15,000-25,000 (ryokan)
- Best for: Hakone luxury, special occasions
Quick Trip Tips
Time-Saving Strategies
- Leave early: Avoid rush hour, maximize time
- Book in advance: Trains, accommodations, attractions
- Use express trains: Romancecar, limited express
- Pack light: One bag for weekend trips
- Download offline maps: No signal in some areas
Money-Saving Strategies
- Use weekend passes: 20-30% savings
- Eat at local restaurants: 30-50% cheaper than tourist areas
- Visit free attractions: Temples, parks, beaches
- Book accommodations early: 20-40% cheaper
- Combine attractions: Multi-ticket discounts
Optional:
- Camera
- Umbrella (rainy season)
- Sunscreen (summer)
- Warm layers (winter)
Seasonal Weekend Guide
Spring (March-May)
- Best for: Cherry blossoms, comfortable weather
- Recommended: Kamakura temples, Yokohama parks
- Budget: ¥10,000-15,000
- Tips: Book 2-3 months ahead
Summer (June-August)
- Best for: Beach activities, festivals
- Recommended: Shonan beaches, Enoshima
- Budget: ¥8,000-12,000
- Tips: Start early, avoid midday heat
Autumn (September-November)
- Best for: Fall foliage, pleasant weather
- Recommended: Hakone, Kamakura mountains
- Budget: ¥12,000-18,000
- Tips: Peak foliage in November
Winter (December-February)
- Best for: Onsen, fewer crowds
- Recommended: Hakone hot springs
- Budget: ¥15,000-25,000
- Tips: Book ryokan in advance
Location
Kanagawa is easily accessible from Tokyo:
- Yokohama: 30 minutes from Tokyo Station
- Kamakura: 1 hour from Tokyo Station
- Hakone: 1.5 hours from Shinjuku
- Shonan: 1 hour from Shibuya
Nearby Attractions
Within 1km of Stations
- Yokohama: Minato Mirai, Chinatown
- Kamakura: Great Buddha, Komachi-dori
- Hakone: Lake Ashi, onsen
- Shonan: Beaches, Enoshima
Within 5km
- Yokohama: Cup Noodles Museum, Marine Tower
- Kamakura: Beaches, hiking trails
- Hakone: Owakudani, ropeway
- Shonan: Zushi, Fujisawa
Essential Preparation Guide
What to Pack
Essential Items:
- Comfortable walking shoes (most important)
- Weather-appropriate clothing layers
- Portable phone charger (long days out)
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Cash (many places cash-only in Japan)
- IC card (Suica/Pasmo for transport)
- Pocket tissues (restrooms often lack paper)
Seasonal Additions:
- Spring: Light jacket, allergy medication
- Summer: Sunscreen, hat, cooling towel
- Autumn: Light layers, rain jacket
- Winter: Warm coat, gloves, scarf
Money-Saving Tips:
- Convenience store breakfast: ¥300-500
- Supermarket dinner bento: ¥500-800 (after 7 PM discount)
- Free attractions: Temples, parks, beaches
- Day passes: Unlimited transport for ¥500-1,500
- Hostel accommodation: ¥3,000-5,000/night
Transportation Mastery
Train System:
- JR lines cover major destinations
- Private lines (Tokyu, Odakyu, Keikyu) offer discounts
- IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work on all lines
- Day passes save 30-50% on transport
Bus System:
- Local buses reach areas trains don't
- Day passes available for unlimited rides
- English announcements on major routes
- IC cards accepted on most buses
Walking & Cycling:
- Many attractions within walking distance
- Bicycle rental: ¥1,000-1,500/day
- Dedicated cycling paths in some areas
- Best way to discover hidden gems
Insider Secrets
Best Kept Secrets
Hidden Viewpoints:
- Enoshima Sea Candle top floor (less crowded)
- Hakone Shrine back trails (peaceful)
- Kamakura hiking paths (panoramic views)
- Yokohama rooftop gardens (free, stunning)
Local Dining:
- Isezakicho back alleys (authentic, cheap)
- Komachi-dori side streets (local favorites)
- Hakone Yumoto side roads (traditional)
- Shonan fishing ports (fresh, direct)
Quiet Times:
- Temples: 8-9 AM (opening time)
- Beaches: Weekday mornings
- Museums: Tuesday-Thursday afternoons
- Restaurants: 11:30 AM or 2 PM (off-peak)
Photography Masterclass
Golden Hour Locations:
- Yuigahama Beach: 30 min before sunset
- Lake Ashi: Morning (Fuji clearest)
- Enoshima: Late afternoon (ocean glow)
- Yokohama: Blue hour (30 min after sunset)
Composition Tips:
- Use foreground elements (trees, buildings)
- Include people for scale
- Capture local life (markets, temples)
- Shoot vertical for social media
Weather Photography:
- Rainy: Reflections, umbrellas, moody
- Foggy: Mysterious atmosphere, layers
- Clear: Distant views, vibrant colors
- Snow: Rare, magical, capture quickly
Local Neighborhood Guide
Yokohama Neighborhoods
Minato Mirai:
- Modern waterfront district
- Shopping, dining, entertainment
- Best for: First-time visitors
- Time needed: Half day Chinatown:
- Asia's largest Chinatown
- 500+ restaurants, shops
- Best for: Food lovers
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
Yamashita Park Area:
- Historic waterfront park
- Marine Tower, Red Brick Warehouse
- Best for: Relaxing, photos
- Time needed: 2 hours
Kamakura Neighborhoods
Komachi-dori:
- Main shopping street
- Street food, souvenirs
- Best for: Shopping, snacks
- Time needed: 1-2 hours Temple District:
- Great Buddha, Hasedera, Hokokuji
- Cultural heart of Kamakura
- Best for: History, spirituality
- Time needed: Half day
Beach Area:
- Yuigahama, Zushi beaches
- Surf culture, beach cafes
- Best for: Ocean, relaxation
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
Hakone Areas
Yumoto:
- Gateway to Hakone
- Onsen town, restaurants
- Best for: Hot springs, base
- Time needed: Half day
Lake Ashi:
- Scenic lake, shrine, cruises
- Mount Fuji views (winter)
- Best for: Nature, photos
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
Owakudani:
- Volcanic valley, black eggs
- Ropeway, hiking trails
- Best for: Unique experience
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
Advanced Local Experiences
Cultural Immersion Activities
Traditional Craft Workshops:
- Pottery making in Kamakura (¥3,000-5,000, 2 hours)
- Incense blending at historic temples (¥2,000-3,000)
- Calligraphy lessons with local masters (¥2,500-4,000)
- Tea ceremony participation (¥3,000-5,000, includes matcha)
- Origami workshops at cultural centers (¥1,000-2,000)
Festival Participation:
- Spring matsuri (March-April): Local shrine festivals
- Summer hanabi (July-August): Fireworks festivals
- Autumn matsuri (September-November): Harvest celebrations
- Winter illuminations (December-February): Light displays
Local Food Experiences:
- Sushi making classes (¥5,000-8,000, includes lunch)
- Ramen broth cooking workshops (¥4,000-6,000)
- Sake tasting tours (¥3,000-5,000, 5-7 varieties)
- Wagashi (Japanese sweets) making (¥3,500-5,000)
- Tofu making at traditional shops (¥2,000-3,000)
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Hidden Hiking Trails:
- Kamakura Daibutsu hiking trail (2 hours, moderate)
- Hakone old Tokaido road (3 hours, easy)
- Enoshima island circumnavigation (1.5 hours, easy)
- Mount Myojin panoramic trail (2.5 hours, moderate)
- Sagami Bay coastal walk (4 hours, easy-moderate)
Secret Beaches:
- Shichirigahama (local surfers' favorite)
- Isshiki Beach in Hayama (quiet, clean)
- Morito Beach in Zushi (family-friendly)
- Koajiro Beach (hidden gem, few visitors)
- Nagai Beach (local secret, great sunset)
Local Neighborhoods:
- Ofuna in Kamakura (residential, authentic)
- Motomachi in Yokohama (upscale, historic)
- Gora in Hakone (mountain village feel)
- Zushi town center (surf culture, relaxed)
- Fujisawa old town (traditional, unspoiled)
Seasonal Deep Dives
Spring (March-May) Deep Experience:
- Cherry blossom hanami parties in local parks
- Temple garden visits during peak bloom
- Spring vegetable tasting menus at ryokan
- Traditional flower arrangement workshops
- Morning market visits for seasonal produce
Summer (June-August) Deep Experience:
- Early morning beach yoga sessions
- Evening fireworks festivals (free viewing spots)
- Indoor museum hopping during hot afternoons
- Night cycling along coastal paths
- Cold ramen and shaved ice tasting tour
Autumn (September-November) Deep Experience:
- Fall foliage hiking in Hakone mountains
- Harvest festival participation at local shrines
- Mushroom foraging guided tours
- Hot spring visits with mountain views
- Photography workshops for autumn colors
Winter (December-February) Deep Experience:
- Onsen hopping with snow views
- Clear Mount Fuji viewpoint hunting
- Illumination walking tours
- Hot pot restaurant crawling
- Traditional New Year temple visits
Detailed Area Guides
Yokohama Deep Dive
Minato Mirai District:
- Landmark Tower Sky Garden (¥1,030, 360° views)
- Cup Noodles Museum (free entry, ¥500 activities)
- Red Brick Warehouse (free, shopping, dining)
- Cosmo World amusement park (free entry, pay per ride)
- Queen's Square shopping (100+ shops)
Chinatown Exploration:
- 500+ restaurants and food stalls
- Paozu giant soup dumplings (¥800-1,200)
- Good Luck Dumpling budget option (¥500)
- Kanteibyo Temple (free, historic)
- Covered arcades for rainy days
Yamashita Park Area:
- Waterfront park (free, beautiful views)
- Marine Tower (¥1,000, observation deck)
- Hikawa Maru ship museum (¥500, historic)
- NYK Maritime Museum (free, shipping history)
- Harbor cruise boats (¥1,600, 40 minutes)
Kamakura Deep Dive
Temple Circuit:
- Kotoku-in Great Buddha (¥300, iconic)
- Hasedera Temple (¥400, gardens, ocean views)
- Hokokuji Temple (¥300, bamboo grove)
- Kenchoji Temple (¥500, oldest Zen temple)
- Engakuji Temple (¥300, important cultural site)
Beach Culture:
- Yuigahama Beach (surfing, swimming)
- Shichirigahama Beach (local favorite)
- Beachside cafes and restaurants
- Surfboard rental shops (¥3,000-5,000/day)
- Sunset viewing spots
Shopping & Dining:
- Komachi-dori Street (main shopping)
- Side street antique shops
- Local soba noodle restaurants
- Shirasu (whitebait) specialty restaurants
- Matcha cafes and sweets shops
Hakone Deep Dive
Onsen Towns:
- Yumoto (gateway, many options)
- Gora (mountain village, quiet)
- Miyanoshita (historic, traditional)
- Tonosawa (quiet, local feel)
- Sokokura (hidden, authentic)
Nature Experiences:
- Lake Ashi cruise (¥1,000, scenic)
- Owakudani volcanic valley (ropeway access)
- Hakone Shrine (free, lakeside torii)
- Old Tokaido road hiking (free, historic)
- Botanical gardens (¥500, seasonal flowers)
Art & Culture:
- Open-Air Museum (¥1,600, sculpture park)
- Venetian Glass Museum (¥1,800, unique)
- Pola Museum of Art (¥1,800, impressionist)
- Narukawa Art Museum (¥1,000, local artists)
- Hakone Checkpoint (¥500, historic site)
Kanagawa is the perfect weekend getaway from Tokyo, offering diverse experiences just 30-90 minutes away. Whether you choose a quick Yokohama day trip, a cultural Kamakura weekend, or a relaxing Hakone onsen retreat, you'll find excellent value and unforgettable experiences. Plan ahead, use transport passes, and embrace the local pace of life. For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama, and the Miura Peninsula.
Related Articles:
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Yokohama Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringer Hat Yokohama | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-23:00 | ¥800-1,500 |
| Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes | Cafe | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-20:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Ringer Hat Yokohama
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
- 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
- 📍 Area: Yokohama Station
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes
- 🏷️ Type: Cafe
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.redbrick.or.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-Use the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for current visitor support options.
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-20:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Minato Mirai
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Conclusion
weekend getaway tokyo kanagawa quick trip offers a unique window into the diverse attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, cuisine, or culture, this destination promises an authentic Japanese experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
