South Kanto Educational Travel Guidance > Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa Prefecture Tours List

History and Culture
1-1.	History, Cultural Tradition, Architecture and a Japanese Garden
1-2.	History, Cultural Tradition and Architecture of the Tokaido Highway and Hakone Road

Nature
2-1.	Natural Environment, Living Creatures and Food of the Miura Peninsula
2-2.	Living Creature Theme Parks

Technology and Cutting-edge Corporations; Environment and Energy; Disaster Preventation; Transportation
3-1.	Science and Technology Tours with Hands-on Experiences
3-2.	Environment and Energy
3-3.	Disaster Prevention and the Environment
3-4.	Transportation (The Port of Yokohama and Its Streetcars)

Local Industry
4-1.	Food Factory Tours
4-2.	Experiencing Local Food and Its Production

Arts and Crafts
5-1.	Art Gallery Tours in Hakone
5-2.	Hands-on Handicrafts[1]
5-3.	Hands-on Handicrafts[2]

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1) History and Culture

1. History, Cultural Tradition, Architecture and a Japanese Garden

As visitors make their way along through museums and a Japanese garden, they will be able to appreciate old buildings with historical value and works of art. They can also try their hand at making traditional craft products.

2. History, Cultural Tradition and Architecture of the Tokaido Highway and Hakone Road

The roadside area along the Tokaido Highway which once served as the great arterial road that supported the east-west distribution of goods throughout Japan, is a treasure trove of notable spots of historical interest. While making their way from Hakone to Odawara, visitors will come into frequent contact with the history and traditional culture of the area.

[Tour List]

2) Nature

1. Natural Environment, Living Creatures and Food of the Miura Peninsula

Since the Miura Peninsula is blessed with a beautiful natural environment and the bounty of the sea, visitors will get to learn about the ocean environment and the marine creatures that live there, as well as enjoy eating a seafood meal.

2. Living Creature Theme Parks

These two large leisure facilities, one which is land-based and the other sea-based, are located on the outskirts of Yokohama. Visitors can enjoy observing the many fauna which have been brought to these facilities from all over the world.

[Tour List]

3) Technology and Cutting-edge Corporations; Environment and Energy; Disaster Prevention; Transportation

1. Science and Technology Tours with Hands-on Experiences

Visitors can deepen their familiarity with science via observation and hands-on experience when they visit facilities that introduce the latest science and technology.

2. Environment and Energy

Visitors will tour energy corporation-operated facilities and learn how these companies are tackling energy-related technology issues and environmental problems.

3. Disaster Prevention and the Environment

Visitors will acquire comprehensive knowledge of disaster prevention and the environment by observing the approaches that local authorities and corporations take in regard to natural disasters and environmental problems that threaten to impact negatively on our daily lifestyles.

4. Transportation (The Port of Yokohama and Its Streetcars)

By touring museums that focus on both maritime and land-based transportation, visitors will learn about the history and culture of Yokohama which has continued to develop extensively as a port for international trade ever since opening up in the year 1859.

[Tour List]

4) Local Industry

1. Food Factory Tours

While touring the production plants of leading Japanese food manufacturers, visitors will get a taste of modern Japanese food culture.

2. Experiencing Local Food and Its Production

By experiencing firsthand the making of processed fish products which have been flourished in the Odawara region since ancient times, and the making of traditional Japanese sweets, visitors will learn about food traditions that have continued through to the present day.

[Tour List]

5) Arts and Crafts

1. Art Gallery Tours in Hakone

Hakone, which overflows with beautiful natural scenery, is also renowned for the high quality of the art galleries that are grouped there. Visitors can hone their artistic sense by appreciating the artworks that are on display and getting personally involved with handicraft-making.

2. Hands-on Handicrafts[1]

By getting directly involved with such handicrafts as making ceramics, woodworking, glasswork, textile-dyeing and Japanese paper (washi) making, visitors will get a taste of how much fun it is to produce something with their own hands.

3. Hands-on Handicrafts[2]

With specialists on hand to instruct them in easily understood terms, visitors can enjoy their hands-on encounter with handicrafts such as glasswork, ceramics and textile-dyeing.

[Tour List]

<Kanagawa Prefecture Tours>

1) History and Culture

1-1. History, Cultural Tradition, Architecture and a Japanese Garden

As visitors make their way along through museums and a Japanese garden, they will be able to appreciate old buildings with historical value and works of art. They can also try their hand at making traditional craft products.

09:30 - 10:30	[1] Sankeien Garden
11:00 - 12:00	[2] Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History
12:15 - 13:00	Lunch
13:30 - 15:00	[3] Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum
15:30 - 16:30	[4] Kawasaki City Traditional Craft Center

[1] Sankeien Garden

This Japanese-style garden which was opened up to the public in the year 1906 contains historically valuable buildings that were reconstructed here after being relocated from all over Japan. The visual combination of these structures with the flowers that bloom in each season of the year is a magnificent sight to behold.
http://www.sankeien.or.jp/

[2] Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History

Here, visitors can view the historical and cultural transition of Kanagawa Prefecture from ancient times through to the present day. The museum building, which was completed in the year 1904, has been designated an important cultural property by the Japanese government.
http://ch.kanagawa-museum.jp/

[3] Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum

This open-air museum preserves and displays 25 private dwellings of different traditional designs that were reconstructed here after being relocated from all over Japan. In addition to watching traditional forms of entertainment, visitors can also try their hand at manually shaping implements which were formerly used in daily life.
http://www.city.kawasaki.jp/88/88minka/home/minka_e.htm

[4] Kawasaki City Traditional Craft Center

Works of art from the traditional craft of indigo-dyeing are displayed here, where visitors are also encouraged to try dyeing their own handkerchiefs and bags.
http://www.city.kawasaki.jp/88/88minka/home/activities_d.htm

[Tour List]

1-2. History, Cultural Tradition and Architecture of the Tokaido Highway and Hakone Road

The roadside area along the Tokaido Highway which once served as the great arterial road that supported the east-west distribution of goods throughout Japan, is a treasure trove of notable spots of historical interest. While making their way from Hakone to Odawara, visitors will come into frequent contact with the history and traditional culture of the area.

09:30 - 10:30	[1] Donjon of Odawara Castle
11:00 - 12:00	[2] Hatajuku Yosegi Kaikan (Mosaic Handicraft Center)
12:30 - 13:15	Lunch
13:45 - 14:45	[3] Hakone Checkpoint

[1] Donjon of Odawara Castle

A former stronghold of the Hojo clan which ruled over the Kanto region in the 16th century, this was once the largest castle fortress in Japan. Restored in 1960, the castle donjon now displays reference materials of an historical nature.
http://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/kanko_4/e_index.html

[2] Hatajuku Yosegi Kaikan (Mosaic Handicraft Center)

This center introduces "Hakone mosaic handicrafts" which are representative of traditional craftsmanship in Hakone. In addition to the exhibiting and selling of mosaic handicraft items, a craftsman also puts on live demonstrations of this skilled art. Visitors can enjoy a unique hands-on experience by making their own wooden mosaic coasters.
http://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/area/sangyo/83.html

[3] Hakone Checkpoint

A restored version of the checkpoint that was used to strictly monitor the flow of people and goods along the Tokaido Highway from the 17 to the 19th century, this facility also stores old documents and manuscripts of the time.
http://www.hakonesekisyo.jp/english/index.html

[Tour List]

1) Nature

2-1. Natural Environment, Living Creatures and Food of the Miura Peninsula

Since the Miura Peninsula is blessed with a beautiful natural environment and the bounty of the sea, visitors will get to learn about the ocean environment and the marine creatures that live there, as well as enjoy eating a seafood meal.

8:30 - 9:30	[1] Misaki Local Wholesale Market for Fishery Products
10:00 - 12:45	[2] Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park and barbeque lunch
13:30 - 15:00	[3] Kannonzaki Nature Museum

[1] Misaki Local Wholesale Market for Fishery Products

This fish market adjoins the Misaki Fishing Port which brings in one of the largest tuna catches in Japan. Visitors can observe the trading of tuna fish which are transported here from oceans all around the world.
http://www.city.miura.kanagawa.jp/ichiba/ichiba_index.html

[2] Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park

This marine park is equipped with an indoor theater for performing dolphin and sea lion shows. It also features a circular aquarium in which a total of 2,000 marine creatures comprising 50 species, including sharks and stingrays, swim about at their leisure.
http://www.aburatsubo.co.jp/

[3] Kannonzaki Nature Museum

Facing Tokyo Bay this museum exhibits the fauna and flora of Kannonzaki, which is heavily wooded with an evergreen broad-leaved forest, in what is close to their natural form. It also displays exhibits on biological evolution and the historical transition of the fishing industry.
http://kannonzaki-nature-museum.org/

[Tour List]

2-2. Living Creature Theme Parks

These two large leisure facilities, one which is land-based and the other sea-based, are located on the outskirts of Yokohama. Visitors can enjoy observing the many fauna which have been brought to these facilities from all over the world.

09:30 - 11:30	[1] Yokohama Zoological Gardens "Zoorasia"
12:00 - 12:45	Lunch
13:30 - 16:30	[2] Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

[1] Yokohama Zoological Gardens "Zoorasia"

This zoo breeds and exhibits a total of about 400 animals, comprising 70 species, in separate habitat zones that are divided according to world climatic zones such as the jungles of the Amazon and the grassy plains of Oceania, etc.
http://www.zoorasia.org/

[2] Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

This gigantic leisure land, built on an artificial island, consists of an aquarium, an amusement park and a hotel, among other facilities. Housing as many as 100,000 fish, the aquarium is one of the largest in Japan.
http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/english/

[Tour List]

3) Technology and Cutting-edge Corporations; Environment and Energy; Disaster Prevention; Transportation

3-1. Science and Technology Tours with Hands-on Experiences

Visitors can deepen their familiarity with science via observation and hands-on experience when they visit facilities that introduce the latest science and technology.

09:30 - 11:30	[1] Kawasaki Municipal Science Museum for Youth
12:00 - 12:45	Lunch
13:00 - 15:00	[2] Toshiba Science Museum
15:30 - 16:30	[3] Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum

[1] Kawasaki Municipal Science Museum for Youth

In addition to displays that pertain to astronomy, nature and science, visitors can enjoy a planetarium which delivers the highest performance in the world, being able to depict some 4,100,000 stars.
http://www.nature-kawasaki.jp/index.htm

[2] Toshiba Science Museum

Cutting-edge technologies and products are exhibited here, in accordance with eight key words that include the terms "Ubiquitous," "Ecology" and "Space." The museum is also equipped with a laboratory for holding scientific experiments.
http://museum.toshiba.co.jp/index_3.html

[3] Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum

This museum showcases the latest science and technology in six different zones which include "Environment," "Ocean" and "Energy." It also has a well equipped section where visitors can enjoy their hands-on science and technology experience.
http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/museum/index.html

[Tour List]

3-2. Environment and Energy

Visitors will tour energy corporation-operated facilities and learn how these companies are tackling energy-related technology issues and environmental problems.

09:30 - 11:30	[1] Tokyo Gas Energy and Earth Exploratorium "Wonder Ship"
11:45 - 12:30	Lunch
13:00 - 15:00	[2] TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) Yokohama Thermal Power Station "Twiny Yokohama"
15:30 - 17:00	[3] JHFC Park (Fuel Cell Vehicle Resource Center)

[1] Tokyo Gas Energy and Earth Exploratorium "Wonder Ship"

A variety of displays and originally designed programs that are based on the concepts of the "environment" and "energy" will stimulate the curiosity of children and heighten their awareness of the need for environmental protection.
http://www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/index_e.html

[2] TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) Yokohama Thermal Power Station "Twiny Yokohama"

Visitors can have fun learning about how electricity works and the types of future energy sources in the showroom of this urban-style power station which aims to create harmony between people and the environment.
http://www.tepco.co.jp/yokohama-tp/twiny-yokohama/index-j.html

[3] JHFC Park (Fuel Cell Vehicle Resource Center)

Visitors to this park will learn by observation and hands-on experience about environmentally friendly next-generation fuel cell automobiles and hydrogen energy.
http://www.jhfc.jp/e/park/index.html

[Tour List]

3-3. Disaster Prevention and the Environment

Visitors will acquire comprehensive knowledge of disaster prevention and the environment by observing the approaches that local authorities and corporations take in regard to natural disasters and environmental problems that threaten to impact negatively on our daily lifestyles.

10:00 - 12:00	[1] Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Management Center
12:30 - 13:15	Lunch
13:30 - 14:30	[2] Kirin Beverage Shonan Plant
15:30 - 17:00	[3] Tokyo Gas Negishi LNG Terminal CR Center

[1] Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Management Center

In addition to exhibits on natural disasters, this center has sections which enable visitors to directly experience a simulated earthquake, escaping from smoke, wind and flood damage, and extinguishing a fire. The knowledge acquired here should prove useful in the event that a real disaster strikes.
http://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/osirase/03/0340/index.html

[2] Kirin Beverage Shonan Plant

Having successfully achieved "zero waste" while producing the largest volume of beverages in Japan, this factory is also attempting to slash its CO2 emissions by introducing solar power generation.
http://www.beverage.co.jp/

[3] Tokyo Gas Negishi LNG Terminal CR Center

Visitors can observe the manufacturing process for natural gas which is an environmentally-friendly energy source, and learn about the characteristics of natural gas by watching related experiments
http://www.tokyo-cci.or.jp/sangyokanko/japan/014.html

[Tour List]

3-4. Transportation (The Port of Yokohama and Its Streetcars)

By touring museums that focus on both maritime and land-based transportation, visitors will learn about the history and culture of Yokohama which has continued to develop extensively as a port for international trade ever since opening up in the year 1859.

09:30 - 10:30	[1] Sail Training Ship NIPPON MARU and Yokohama Port Museum
11:00 - 12:00	[2] Yokohama Archives of History
12:15 - 13:00	Lunch
13:15 - 14:15	[3] NYK Maritime Museum
14:45 - 15:45	[4] Yokohama Streetcar Museum

[1] Sail Training Ship NIPPON MARU and Yokohama Port Museum

Based on a ship-and-harbor theme, this museum features easy-to-understand exhibits that use models and video footage. The preserved sail training ship Nippon Maru sits in front of your very eyes.
http://www.nippon-maru.or.jp

[2] Yokohama Archives of History

These history archives are a storehouse for written and pictorial records of the cityscape and port of Yokohama which transformed from a small fishing village, opened up to the outside world in 1859, into a world center for international trade.
http://www.kaikou.city.yokohama.jp/en/index.html

[3] NYK Maritime Museum

By tracing the historical development of NYK Line, one of the world' s leading maritime transportation companies, this museum enables visitors to learn about Japanese ocean transport from the time of its dawning through to the present day. Special ocean- and shipthemed exhibitions are also held on occasion as the need arises.
http://www.nyk.com/rekishi/e/index.htm

[4] Yokohama Streetcar Museum

This museum allows the public a nostalgic view of the streetcars that were popular with the people of Yokohama for approximately 70 years up until 1972, when the streetcar services were discontinued. The era in which trams played an active part has been recreated with visual footage and sound.
http://www.kyouryokukai.or.jp/ciden/

[Tour List]

4) Local Industry

4-1. Food Factory Tours

While touring the production plants of leading Japanese food manufacturers, visitors will get a taste of modern Japanese food culture.

9:30 - 11:00	[1] Ajinomoto Kawasaki Factory
11:30 - 12:30	[2] Kiyoken Yokohama Factory
12:45 - 13:30	Lunch
14:30 - 15:30	[3] Kirin Beverage Shonan Plant

[1] Ajinomoto Kawasaki Factory

During this factory tour, visitors will observe the production processes for various seasonings and amino acids, and watch a movie that explains the products of this global food giant.
http://www.ajinomoto.co.jp/kawasaki/

[2] Kiyoken Yokohama Factory

This is the newest factory of a time-honored company which started manufacturing and selling steamed shao-mai dumplings (a kind of dim sum in Chinese food) before World War II. In addition to viewing the production process, visitors may also look at displays on the history of packaging.
http://www.kiyoken.com/factory/index.html

[3] Kirin Beverage Shonan Plant

Having successfully achieved "zero waste" while producing the largest volume of beverages in Japan, this factory is also attempting to slash its CO2 emissions by introducing solar power generation.
http://www.beverage.co.jp/

[Tour List]

4-2. Experiencing Local Food and Its Production

By experiencing firsthand the making of processed fish products which have been flourished in the Odawara region since ancient times, and the making of traditional Japanese sweets, visitors will learn about food traditions that have continued through to the present day.

8:30 - 9:30	[1] Odawara Machikado (Street Corner) Museum
10:00 - 12:00	[2] Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum
12:15 - 13:00	Lunch
14:00 - 15:00	[3] Japanese-style confectioner Mirakuan

[1] Odawara Machikado (Street Corner) Museum

This facility has been opened up to the public in the form of a mini museum which consists of traditional stores and craftsmen's workshops from the Odawara and Hakone areas. Visitors to some workshops can observe the process of dried fish making, or even try their hand at paper lantern making, among other traditional arts and crafts.
http://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/field/industry/commerce/machihaku-t.html

[2] Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum

This museum has various displays on the traditional food product kamaboko (steamed fish paste), which is made by piling ground fish meat on a wooden board and steaming it. Visitors are encouraged to try making their own kamaboko if they wish.
http://www.kamaboko.com/odawarakanko/sato/museum/

[3] Japanese-style confectioner Mirakuan

In addition to selling Japanese-style sweets, this confectioner also offers tours of its factory and hands-on production under the supervision of a Japanese style confectionery craftsman.
http://www.mirakuan.com/

[Tour List]

5) Arts and Crafts

5-1. Art Gallery Tours in Hakone

Hakone, which overflows with beautiful natural scenery, is also renowned for the high quality of the art galleries that are grouped there. Visitors can hone their artistic sense by appreciating the artworks that are on display and getting personally involved with handicraft-making.

9:30 - 10:30	[1] Hakone Gora Park/Crafthouse
10:45 - 11:45	[2] Hakone Open-Air Museum
12:00 - 12:45	Lunch
13:15 - 14:15	[3] Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
14:30 - 16:00	[4] POLA Museum of Art

[1] Hakone Gora Park/Crafthouse

The craft house is located within a western-style garden which has over 90 years of history. Visitors can take part in glassblowing, shaping ceramics and making dried flowers.
http://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/

[2] Hakone Open-Air Museum

Built in a beautiful natural setting, this open-air museum has on display about 100 famous outdoor sculptures which were created by artists from around the world. It also has wonderful indoor exhibits such as a Picasso collection.
http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/english/index.html

[3] Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Set in a vast garden, this museum houses about 100 Venetian glass artworks, together with a shop and a cafe. Visitors can also try creating their own accessories.
http://www.ciao3.com/top.htm

[4] POLA Museum of Art

This art museum has an excellent collection of some 9,500 works of art, including mainly Western Impressionist paintings, Japanese paintings and oriental ceramics. The museum's architectural style, which blends in well with the forests of Hakone, is also worthy of attention.
http://www.polamuseum.or.jp/english/index.php

[Tour List]

5-2. Hands-on Handicrafts [1]

By getting directly involved with such handicrafts as making ceramics, woodworking, glasswork, textile-dyeing and Japanese paper (washi) making, visitors will get a taste of how much fun it is to produce something with their own hands.

9:30 - 11:00	[1] Fujino Workshop for Art
11:30 - 12:15	Lunch
13:00 - 14:30	[2] Aikawa Textile Hall (Rainbow Plaza)
15:00 - 16:30	[3] Atsugi Glass Studio

[1] Fujino Workshop for Art

This facility is an activity center for artists which has overnight accommodation for those who wish to stay over. Visitors can engage in creating their own ceramics, woodwork and glasswork.
http://www.fujino-art.jp/

[2] Aikawa Textile Hall (Rainbow Plaza)

Located in the town of Aikawa, a center of textile production with a proud tradition of two centuries, this workshop provides a wide variety of hands-on handicraft experiences such as indigo-dyeing and handloom weaving, and Japanese paper (washi) making, in addition to its displays of looms and textile products.
http://www.hanbara.or.jp/

[3] Atsugi Glass Studio

Experienced staff members will gently and safely instruct first-timers on how to use an air burner to do glass beadwork and a diamond point to do glasritzen (glass pattern engraving).
http://www.atsugi-glass.com/

[Tour List]

5-3. Hands-on Handicrafts [2]

With specialists on hand to instruct them in easily understood terms, visitors can enjoy their hands-on encounter with handicrafts such as glasswork, ceramics and textile-dyeing.

10:00 - 11:30	[1] Hakone Gora Park/Crafthouse
12:00 - 12:45	Lunch
13:00 - 14:00	[2] Hatajuku Yosegi Kaikan (Mosaic Handicraft Center)
14:30 - 16:30	[3] Stencil Dyeing Studio Takada

[3] Stencil Dyeing Studio Takada

Visitors will initially observe the process that the traditional art of katazome (stencil dyeing) involves, which is using stencils with the designs cut out of them to dye cloth and washi, before attempting to create their own work of art.
http://www.town.yugawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/leisure/leisure13.html

[Tour List]