Please check the official pages for detailed event information.
Characteristics of Kanagawa in January
January in Kanagawa is a season where the winter cold is strongly felt, but it is also a time with clear skies and plenty of sunshine, making the scenery particularly beautiful. Especially, the views of Mount Fuji and the sea are exceptionally clear, making it an ideal time for visiting scenic spots.
Additionally, there are many events celebrating the New Year and traditional “hatsumode” (the first shrine visit of the New Year), providing travelers with special experiences that bring them closer to Japanese culture.
Spots for Enjoying the First Sunrise of the Year
Daikanyama Observatory
Located in Hakone at an altitude of 1,011 meters, you can enjoy fantastic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. On New Year’s Day, the first sunrise and the red-tinged Mount Fuji attract many visitors.
Access: About 1 hour by bus from Odawara Station
Tateishi Park
Located on the Akiya Coast in Yokosuka, this spot offers a beautiful combination of Tateishi and Mount Fuji for viewing the first sunrise of the year.
Access: About 30 minutes by bus from JR Zushi Station
Rinko Park
Located in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama, you can enjoy the first sunrise rising over the Bay Bridge.
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Minato Mirai Station on the Minato Mirai Line
Spots for Experiencing History and Culture through “Hatsumode”
Samukawa Shrine
The only “Happo-yoke” (protection from all directions) shrine in Japan, with a history of about 1,600 years. It is crowded with many worshippers at New Year, especially on New Year’s Day when special ceremonies are held to celebrate the new year.
Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Sagami Line Miyama Station
Oyama Afuri Shrine
With a history of about 2,200 years, this shrine is also known as a site for rain prayers. Various New Year ceremonies are held here, particularly the “Tsutsukayu Festival” where the fortune of crops is predicted.
Access: About 1 hour by bus and cable car from Odakyu Line Isehara Station
Enoshima Shrine
Located in Enoshima, this shrine is worshipped as the god of the sea and arts. You can enjoy both the first sunrise and “hatsumode” at the same time, attracting many visitors on New Year’s Day.
Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Odakyu Line Katase-Enoshima Station
Enjoying Winter Flavors with Strawberry Picking
Sugiyama Strawberry Farm
Located in Hiratsuka City, this farm offers safe strawberry picking with reduced pesticide usage and high cultivation methods. It is open from early January to mid-May.
Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Hiratsuka Station
Wada Strawberry Farm
This farm offers the rare “Toyohime” variety of strawberries. Tickets are distributed early in the morning, so an early visit is recommended.
Access: About 30 minutes by bus from JR Hiratsuka Station
TOKYO STRAWBERRY PARK
Located in Yokohama, this facility allows you to enjoy strawberry picking all year round. Winter strawberries are especially sweet and delicious.
Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Shin-Yokohama Station
Despite the cold weather in January, Kanagawa offers beautiful scenery and special events that can be enjoyed to the fullest. Make the most of winter attractions such as first sunrise spots, “hatsumode,” and strawberry picking.
