Aihara Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide
Explore Sagamihara Green space, visit the Sagamihara The Local history museum, and enjoy various shopping and places to eat in Sagamihara City Center (Chuo Ward). It offers a more urban feel than Aihara. Reach it directly via the JR Yokohama Line from Aihara.
Machida (Tokyo) offers extensive shopping, diverse dining, and entertainment. It is a bustling city with youthful energy. Reach it directly via the JR Yokohama Line from Aihara.
Aihara's location makes it a great starting point for exploring the natural beauty of Kanagawa.
Aihara sits at the edge of the Tanzawa-Ōyama Quasi-National Park, a vast area for hiking, nature observation, and mountainous landscapes. It has a considerable natural escape.
On clear days, distant views of Fuji-san are visible from certain vantage points in the larger Sagamihara area, presenting breathtaking photo opportunities.
Expand your cultural understanding with day trips to historical and spiritual sites outside Aihara.
A historic city with numerous temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha. It offers a deep dive into Japan's samurai history. Reachable in approximately 1.5 hours by train via Yokohama.
A beautifully reconstructed samurai castle near the coast. It has a glimpse into feudal Japan. Reachable in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by train.
A historic mountain shrine in the Tanzawa foothills, accessible by cable car. A traditional pilgrimage destination with spiritual significance and panoramic views. Reachable in approximately 1.5-2 hours by train and bus.
Excellent train connections serve these destinations. Use JR lines and the Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama or Tokyo for longer travels.
Consider extending your trip to explore more of Japan's diverse regions.
Beyond day trips, several distinguished destinations are ideal for adding a few extra days to your Japan itinerary.
Excellent train connections serve all these destinations from Aihara and wider Kanagawa. Japan's rail network is highly efficient.
From Kanagawa, easy access to other parts of the Kanto region or westward to the Chubu or Kansai regions opens up further exploration.
A route beginning in Tokyo and moving through Kanagawa into the Mount Fuji area provides a diverse experience.
For a full regional experience, combining urban, historical, and natural landscapes in one trip is highly recommended. Each destination has distinctive sights.
Center on the bustling city life, diverse dining, and iconic landmarks of Japan's major metropolitan areas.
Explore ancient history, serene temples, and relaxing hot spring resorts with stunning natural backdrops.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Japan'the most famous alpine and the extensive opportunities for hiking in the Tanzawa range.
Aihara serves as a local residential base or a brief stop rather than a standalone multi-day tourist destination. Itineraries below assume Aihara as a starting point or part of a larger Sagamihara/Kanagawa exploration.
Arrive at Aihara Station. Take a short walk to explore the immediate residential area, observing local life. Have breakfast at a local cafe or convenience store.
Take the JR Yokohama Line one stop north to Hashimoto Station. From Hashimoto, take a local bus to Lake Tsukui. Enjoy the lake scenery, a walk in Tsukui-ko Shiroyama Park, and view the remnants of a castle. Have lunch at a local restaurant near the lake.
Return to the Hashimoto or Sagamihara Station area for some light shopping or a visit to Sagamihara Park. Enjoy dinner at an izakaya or local restaurant in Sagamihara City center. Experience a quiet local evening, then return to Aihara or proceed to the airport for your departure.
Combine the above Kanagawa week with another week exploring other regions of Japan like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.
Alternatively, concentrate more deeply on specific Kanagawa sub-regions like the Tanzawa Mountains, allowing for a rich and varied experience.
This extended period allows for a comprehensive look at urban centers, historical sites, and natural landscapes across Japan.
