![[2026 Latest Edition] 17 Day Trip Drive Spots in Kanagawa! Introducing Recommended Classic Popular Spots, Scenic Views, Hidden Gems, and Date Spots!](/uploads/QeaHpOwJFIW_GJYOfHySX.webp.w1920.avif)
[2025 Latest Edition] 17 Recommended Day Trip Drive Spots in Kanagawa! Introducing Popular, Classic, Scenic Hidden Gems, and Date Spots!
Kanagawa, easily accessible from the Kanto area, offers many driving spots perfect for day trips.
The driving routes range from beginner courses to spectacular scenic routes, and there are also plenty of spots for dates, as well as places suitable for families with children.
This article introduces recommended spots that are full of charms you can only experience by driving.
"Harbor View Hill Park," where you can enjoy a variety of colorful flowers and spectacular views.
Harbor View Park is a park located in a spot where you can overlook the cityscape of Yokohama and the harbor. They say its European-style atmosphere, which evokes the history of the foreign settlement, and its meticulously maintained gardens are highlights.
Particularly popular at Harbor View Park are the vibrantly colored flowers that bloom in each of the four seasons. In the "English Rose Garden," various types of roses reach their peak bloom from May to June and again from October to November. The three theme gardens, such as the "Fragrant Garden" and the "Rose and Cascade Garden," offer different flowers to enjoy throughout the year, making it a spot that can be enjoyed no matter when you visit.
From the observation area, you can get a panoramic view of the Yokohama Bay Bridge and Minato Mirai, and at night, you can also enjoy the Yokohama night view. This is a perfect spot for flower lovers, couples looking for a romantic date, and those who want to experience exotic charm.
Business Hours: 24 hours (French Hill only has nighttime closures)
Cost: Free
Access: 10 minutes from the Shuto Expressway Shin-Yamashita Exit
The Yokohama Bay Bridge, where you can enjoy a romantic night view date
The Yokohama Bay Bridge is a suspension bridge with a total length of 860 meters that spans Yokohama Port. Every night, as the sun sets, it's beautifully illuminated until midnight, and it's loved by many as a symbolic nighttime scenic spot of Yokohama.
From the pedestrian-only "Sky Walk" attached to the bridge, you can enjoy a superb view of Yokohama Port from a height of approximately 60 meters above the sea. It is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and the fact that you can enjoy it for free is also a welcome point. It is particularly beautiful at dusk, and on clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji and the Minatomirai cityscape at the same time.
If you plan to visit for a drive date, we recommend going from evening to night. You can enjoy everything from the magical sunset to the romantic nighttime atmosphere. If you want to savor Yokohama's beautiful night view, be sure to take a drive.
Opening hours: None
Fee: None
Access: 5 minutes from the "Daikoku Pier Exit" on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route.
The "Ashinoko Skyline" with its refreshing winding roads is a real attraction.
The Ashinoko Skyline is a roughly 10.7-kilometer scenic drive that winds through the Hakone area. It is known as a road that offers an exhilarating driving experience while offering views of Mount Fuji.
The distinguishing feature of the Ashinoko Skyline is the enjoyable succession of curves and ups and downs. In the mountainous area around an elevation of 900 meters, there is a winding road with continuous curves.
Additionally, there are spots called "Melody Pave" where the road surface has been specially processed in two locations. Driving at 40 kilometers per hour will produce a beautiful melody inside the car. One song is "Fuji no Yama," and the other is said to be the theme song from a popular anime.
Near Mikuni Pass on the Ashinoko Skyline, you can get a panoramic view of Lake Ashi, and at the rest house, you can enjoy a meal while taking in the magnificent scenery. It also provides easy access to surrounding tourist attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy both sightseeing and driving.
Those who love driving, want to refresh themselves in nature, or wish to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji should definitely check it out.
Business Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Charge: ¥630 to ¥800 for standard vehicles
Access: Approximately 4 minutes by car from Hakone Pass Toll Booth.
A hidden gem where you can enjoy a superb view of the Bay Bridge: "Daikoku Pier"
Daikoku Pier is a maritime hub created as an artificial island responsible for cargo handling at the Port of Yokohama. It is a spot where even world-class cruise liners like the "Queen Elizabeth" dock, offering a place to experience the immense power of the port up close.
A must-see spot around Daikoku Pier is the Daikoku Pier West Greenery. The Daikoku Pier West Greenery is an excellent viewpoint from which you can get a direct, head-on view of the Yokohama Bay Bridge. It's popular with people fishing and couples strolling, and in the evening, you can see the beautiful sunset reflected on the sea. On clear days, you can even capture Minatomirai and Mt. Fuji in the same photo.
Cafes and restaurants are also dotted around the Daikoku Pier area, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food while taking in the scenery. This is a recommended spot for those who want to experience the unique atmosphere of a port, different from typical tourist destinations, or for those looking for a hidden gem known only to locals.
Opening hours: Varies by facility
Fee: Varies by facility
Access: Metropolitan Expressway Bayshore Route, Daikoku Pier Exit
"Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum," a Showa-era retro ramen theme park
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is the world's first food theme park dedicated to ramen. The museum faithfully recreates the cityscape of 1958, so you can feel like you've time-slipped into a retro world the moment you enter.
Inside the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, six famous ramen shops from across the country are open for business. Since half-sized portions are available at each shop, a delightful feature is being able to compare and taste various flavors. In addition to the ramen shops, there are also candy stores and cafes, where you can savor classic Showa-era desserts like cream soda.
There's also a "Ramen Making Experience" where you can try making authentic noodles from scratch and then eat your freshly made ramen. Additionally, the souvenir corner reportedly sells regional ramen from all over Japan and original products.
This is a recommended spot not only for ramen lovers but also for families and couples who want to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era.
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Weekends and Holidays 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Admission: Adults 450 yen, Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students 100 yen, Seniors (65 and over) 100 yen
Access: Immediately from Shin-Yokohama Station
Komayama Park: A Beautiful Panorama of Cherry Blossoms
Koryosan Park is located on a high ground about 180 meters above sea level. It has two large observation decks, both offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Fuji, Sagami Bay, and the surrounding mountains.
Komaryama Park is one of Kanagawa's premier cherry blossom viewing spots, where about 2,000 cherry trees burst into bloom all at once in the spring. The rows of cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and Oshima-zakura, that stretch from the foot of the mountain to the summit offer a breathtaking and moving spectacle.
Especially on a sunny day, the pale pink petals will stand out against the blue sky and fresh greenery, making for beautiful photos.
The light hiking course from the base to the summit takes about 25 minutes on foot, so it's also recommended to take a pleasant stroll while admiring Mount Fuji.
As the sun sets, it transforms into a spot where you can enjoy a beautiful night view selected as one of the "Top 100 Night Views." Komayama Park is also known as the birthplace of the "Love Padlocks" where couples pledge eternal love, and there's a monument where you can hang a commemorative padlock. If you're visiting for a date, be sure to check it out.
Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Rest Area, Observation Deck Area)
Fee: Free
Access: 20 minutes via National Route 1 from Shin-Shonan Bypass Chigasaki Nishi IC
"Sankeien": Experience the Four Seasons in an Authentic Japanese Garden
Sankeien Garden is an authentic Japanese garden created by a prominent businessman during the Meiji era. Seventeen buildings, relocated from various parts of Japan, are arranged throughout the grounds, allowing visitors to feel the charm and atmosphere simply by stepping inside.
Sankeien's oldest structure, the Former Tomyoji Three-Storied Pagoda, was built in the Muromachi period and is a highly valuable structure among existing three-storied pagodas. In addition, the garden is a highlight where you can see various architectural styles all at once, such as Rinshunkaku, which was used as a samurai residence, and gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Because the outside buildings are not easily visible from within the garden, you can also enjoy the charm of a mysterious feeling as if you have entered another world.
Sankeien Garden is beautiful throughout the seasons and is loved by many for its plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn foliage. During the cherry blossom season, in particular, the opening hours are extended, allowing you to enjoy the enchanting night view of cherry blossoms and the three-storied pagoda illuminated by lights. It is recommended for those who wish to experience traditional Japanese culture or relax in a tranquil Japanese atmosphere.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last Admission 4:30 PM)
Price: Adults (junior high school students and up) ¥500, Children ¥200
Access: Just a short drive from the "Sankeien" or "Honmoku Pier" exits on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Line.
"Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise," a marine theme park the whole family can enjoy.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a facility that brings together four aquariums with different themes and attractions. Centered around one of Japan's largest aquariums, it's a spot where families with children and couples on their first date can enjoy themselves all day long.
The aquarium is full of highlights, including a large tank where 50,000 sardines swim in a school, and "Dolphin Fantasy," where dolphins leisurely swim under natural light. In an area called "Fureai Lagoon," you can also have a precious experience of interacting directly with dolphins.
In the attraction area, you can enjoy a variety of rides, including a roller coaster that races across the sea and a merry-go-round illuminated with lights at night.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is fully equipped with restaurants, BBQ spots, and accommodation facilities, allowing you to choose how to enjoy your visit based on your plan. It's recommended for family trips and active dates.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price: Adults/High School Students ¥2,800, Seniors (65+) ¥2,400, Elementary/Middle School Students ¥1,700
Access: Immediately after the "Sachiura Exit" on the Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route
The beautiful man-made lake "Shiroyama Lake," enveloped in silence
Shiroyama Lake is an artificial lake created in Honzawa Valley for the construction of a power plant. Born as a reservoir for power generation, it is a spot rich in nature that has been selected as one of the "50 Birdwatching Spots in Kanagawa" and "50 Parks in Kanagawa." Because fishing and boating are prohibited, you can feel a quiet and calm atmosphere.
Around Shiroyama Lake, a walking course of approximately 5 kilometers is maintained, and you can complete a circuit in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Birdwatching can also be enjoyed along the walking path, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its appeal lies in the fact that you can spend peaceful time in rich nature, despite being easily accessible from urban areas.
If you're looking to refresh yourself in a quiet environment, enjoy a light hike, or are interested in birdwatching, give it a try.
Business Hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
Access: 15 minutes via Prefectural Roads 48 and 508 from the Sagamihara-IC on the Ken-O Expressway.
Kanagawa's largest and most powerful waterfall, "Hiryū Falls"
The Hiryu Falls is a two-tiered waterfall, with the upper tier dropping 15 meters and the lower tier 25 meters. It is said that ascetic monks purified themselves here during the Kamakura period, and it continues to be cherished as a spiritual power spot with a sacred atmosphere.
Hiryu Falls is located along the "Hiryu Falls Nature Trail" and can be accessed by a walk of about 40 to 60 minutes. It's not a steep path, so even beginner hikers can feel at ease on this course. At the base of the falls, you can experience crossing the river using the provided ropes, and feel the waterfall's spray up close.
The Huryu Falls are particularly beautiful in early summer, when hydrangeas and fresh greenery are in full bloom, and during the autumn foliage season, when the surroundings are painted in vibrant colors. They are also very photogenic and offer a sense of coolness, so if you want to feel the power of nature or enjoy a light mountain hike, be sure to visit.
Business hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: 3km, 5 minutes via Prefectural Road 732 from Hakone Shindo Suikogawa IC
"Soleil Hill" at Nagai Seaside Park Offers Rich Agricultural Experiences and Attractions
Nagai Umi no Te Park Soleil Hill is a park spread across a cape overlooking the nature of the Miura Peninsula and Sagami Bay. It was renovated in April 2023 and reborn as an entertainment park where you can play to your heart's content 365 days a year.
It features a wide range of activities, from outdoor to indoor pursuits. Attractions include a large 15-meter-high athletic course, a 300-meter-long zip line, and Miura Peninsula's only Ferris wheel, as well as experiences like vegetable harvesting and interacting with animals that families can enjoy. Additionally, there are workshops for bread and craft making, and BBQ and camping facilities are fully equipped, allowing for completely flexible ways to spend your time.
Nagai Kaihin Park Soleil no Oka also has a restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, so you can have fun all day long. It's a perfect facility for families with children who want to play from morning to evening, and for those who want to spend their time actively in nature.
Business Hours: (March-November) 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, (December-February) 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Access: Turn left at the "Hayashi" exit of the Miura Vertical Expressway, and proceed approximately 3km on National Route 134. Turn right at the "Soleil no Oka Entrance" and proceed approximately 2km.
"Zushi Beach," a beautiful beach with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Enoshima.
Zushi Beach is a sandy beach facing Sagami Bay, a short walk from JR Zushi Station. It's a small bay characterized by its shallow, calm waves, and its gentle breeze makes it a popular beach where families can relax with peace of mind.
In the summer, the beaches open, and stylish beach houses line the coast. Marine sports like windsurfing and SUP are popular year-round, with plenty of shops and schools available.
Zushi Beach is also famous for its stunning views. Among these, a particularly popular spot is where you can capture both Mt. Fuji and Enoshima in the same frame, and it has been selected as one of the "One Hundred Famous Views of Fuji in the Kanto Region." In the evening, you can witness a breathtaking scene as the beautiful sunset gradually transforms the color of the sea.
Recommended for sea lovers, those who want to enjoy marine sports, and couples who want to see a beautiful sunset.
Business hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: Approximately 3km from the Zushi IC exit on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road.
Arai-hama Coast: A Hidden Gem Beach with Outstanding Water Quality
Source:Kanagawa Prefecture Official Tourism Website
Arai Hama Beach is a coastal area located in the Aburatsubo district of Miura City. It is a beach proud of its excellent water quality, having even been selected as one of the "88 Best Bathing Spots in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment. On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen, and it is also known as a famous spot for its beautiful sunsets over Sagami Bay.
Arai Beach is shaped like a cove, making its waves calm, so you can enjoy snorkeling and observing marine life along the shore. In the shallow waters, you can encounter sea creatures like small fish and hermit crabs, making it a particularly popular spot for families with children who love animals.
During the summer, beach houses are open, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the area, such as seafood grilling, hassle-free BBQs, and SUP. This is a hidden gem spot recommended for those who want to relax on a quiet and beautiful beach or swim in the clear sea.
Business Hours: 24 Hours
Fee: Free
Access: 15 km, 30 minutes via the Miura Traverse Road and National Route 134 from the Kinugasa IC of the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road.
"Jogashima Lighthouse," where you can feel the history and atmosphere of the Miura Peninsula
Jogashima Lighthouse is a white lighthouse standing on the western tip of Jogashima Island, at the end of the Miura Peninsula. It has a long history, having begun its service as a Western-style lighthouse in the third year of the Meiji era. The current lighthouse is the second one, rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
The area around the lighthouse is a park with a European atmosphere, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, it's even possible to see Izu Oshima Island and Mount Fuji.
In 2016, it was also certified as a "Loving Lighthouse." Jogashima has two lighthouses called "Pair Lighthouses," and with photo-worthy spots nearby, many people visit for dates.
At the foot of the lighthouse, there is a retro shopping street that retains the charm of the Showa era, where you can purchase fresh seafood and souvenirs. We recommend a visit for those who want to enjoy the retro atmosphere, couples looking for a seaside drive date, and foodies who want to savor fresh seafood.
Business Hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free
Access: Approximately 3-7 minutes on foot from "Jogashima Parking Lots 1-4."
Enoshima, a famous spot accessible in about 1.5 hours from Tokyo
Enoshima is a representative tourist spot of Shonan, accessible in about 1.5 hours from Tokyo. It's an island with a circumference of about 4 kilometers and a maximum elevation of 60.4 meters, and it's a very popular spot for drives.
There are plenty of sights to see, including caves for exploration and coastal walking paths, as well as observation decks offering spectacular views of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji. You can also enjoy a variety of local delicacies, such as the famous raw whitebait, Enoshima Donburi, and octopus crackers.
Enoshima's charm also lies in the various events held throughout the year. In summer, there are shrine festivals and fireworks displays, while in winter, large-scale illuminations take place, and it's said that many tourists visit specifically for these events.
Enjoy it for a full day to fully experience Enoshima, or combine it with a visit to Kamakura, and enjoy it according to your preferences. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy spectacular ocean views or indulge in gourmet food.
Business hours: Varies by spot
Price: Varies by spot
Access: From the Tokyo direction, take the Chigasaki Coast Interchange, then proceed on Route 134 towards Enoshima.
Hakone, the premier resort in the Kanto region, where you can enjoy hot springs and breathtaking scenery.
Hakone is Kanto's premier hot spring resort town, accessible in about an hour and a half from the city center. Located in the heart of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it's an area where you can enjoy beautiful nature that changes with the seasons, hot springs, and leisure facilities year-round.
At Owakudani and Lake Ashi, you can experience the majestic nature firsthand, and the ropeway offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake. There are also famous shrines known as power spots and museums with different concepts, so you can enjoy sightseeing across all genres.
Hakone Yumoto, located at the entrance of Hakone's hot spring town, offers a wealth of street food delicacies. It's also recommended to take your chosen treats and leisurely stroll through the hot spring town. The shopping street is lined with a variety of shops, from long-established Japanese confectionery stores to cafes where you can enjoy photogenic gourmet food. This area is perfect for those who want to experience a getaway near the city center or relax in a hot spring.
Business hours: Varies by spot.
Fee: Varies by spot
Access: Approximately 1.5 hours from central Tokyo
"Manyo Park," where you can enjoy nature along a mountain stream and driving.
Manyo Park, located in the Yugawara Onsen town, has been selected as one of the "100 Best Historical Parks in Japan." It is Yugawara's premier natural spot, spreading along the torrents of the Chitose River, and has been reborn into a stylish resort space with a renewal in 2021.
The park features two waterfalls, offering a powerful spectacle of water cascading down with great force. The autumn foliage season, especially from late November to early December, blankets the park in vibrant colors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
At the entrance to Manyo Park, there is a free footbath where you can relax while listening to the sounds of waterfalls and birds. The park also has a cafe, making it a recommended spot for when you want to take a break.
For those who want to relax their mind and body in nature, or are looking for driving spots in the Yugawara area, please stop by.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
Access: 18km, 29 minutes via Manazuru Road from Seisho Bypass Ishibashi IC
Conclusion
This article introduces 17 day trip drive spots in Kanagawa.
From Yokohama's beautiful night views to Hakone's healing hot springs and the Shonan coastline, Kanagawa is dotted with a balanced variety of unique driving spots.
It's also attractive that there are plenty of courses for everyone from beginners to advanced players, with good access from the Kanto region. Please find your favorite spot and plan your drive trip.
