TOKYO×KANAGAWA Ariel & Roya

Nicknamed “Hamasta”, Yokohama Stadium sits inside Yokohama Park, where Japan’s first international baseball game was held in 1896. Since then, the stadium has transformed from Yokohama Park Baseball Stadium to Heiwa Stadium and into its current form. In the recent years between 2017 and 2020 another major renovation and expansion took place, increasing the stadium capacity to 34,000 and making it usable as a softball and baseball stadium during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Besides being used for ball games, the stadium can also be used for other sporting events such as American football, and concerts, where legendary artists have also performed. The Y-shaped lighting towers are considered a symbol of Yokohama Stadium.

There are several Chinatowns throughout Japan, however the Yokohama Chuka-gai is one of the largest-scale in the country. Formed after the opening of Yokohama Port in 1859 when Chinese merchants began trading, it has now become a popular tourist destination packed with over 600 restaurants and shops. The area is dotted with ornate “hairo (páilóu in Chinese)” Chinese ceremonial gates built according to feng shui principles, while the Kanteibyo (Guan Di Temple), dedicated to the god of commerce, and the Masobyo (Mazu Temple), honoring various deities, add to its exotic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the town while savoring the delights of dim sum such as shoronpo (xiǎolóngbāo) and steamed pork buns, making it a beloved tourist destination known for its charming neighborhood where Chinese culture and faith thrive.

The Sarushima “Exploration” Tour is an otherworldly experience led by expert guides who know every corner of this uninhabited island dotting Tokyo Bay. Choose from two courses: the 30-minute “Basic Course” for a quick tour of the highlights, or the 60-minute “Advanced Course” which includes exclusive access inside tour-only barracks and ammunition depots. As you walk along the stone-paved paths, historical sites full of photogenic spots suddenly appear in front of your eyes: brick structures found in only four locations in Japan, artillery emplacements from the Edo to Meiji periods, and a mysterious observation deck. Hospitality & guest service specialists, trained at a well-known theme park, provide clear explanations during the tour using earphone guides. Families, couples, and children can all participate with peace of mind, fully experiencing the charm of Sarushima shaped by its long history and natural beauty.

The Uraga Ferry Boat Atagomaru connects the east and west sides of Uraga Port in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Fondly known as the “Ponpon Boat” due to its engine sound, it is a symbol of Uraga. With a long history spanning approximately 300 years, it has operated since the Edo period as an indispensable means of transportation for the daily lives of local residents. The current Atagomaru, launched in 1998, is named after Mount Atago in Uraga. It features a beautiful Japanese-style design modeled after the ceremonial boats used in the festivals of Higashi Kano Shrine. There is no fixed schedule; simply press the call button and the boat will come to pick you up. Though the journey is only about 3 minutes, it offers a rare opportunity to view the cranes and docks of the former Uraga Shipyard site from the sea.

Nusuttogari is a scenic spot on the Miura Peninsula, renowned for its rocky reefs. Selected as one of Kanagawa’s 50 Scenic Spots, it represents Miura's most spectacular views. The name originates from an old tale: cornered bandits, seeing the terrifying 30-meter-high cliffs and the raging waves here, trembled with fear, froze in place, and were easily captured. Thus, the area was named “Nusuttogari” (Thief’s Fall). Visitors can enjoy the powerful sight of huge ocean waves crashing against the towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, sending up white splashes. Now developed as part of the Kanto Fureai Trail designated by Japan’s MOE, it features a hiking course with bridges connecting the reefs. On calm days, anglers can be seen here, making it a naturally rich scenic spot filled with the scent of the sea.

Originally established in 1833, this shop served as an official artisan to the shogunate during the Edo period, dyeing banners and hanten (traditional short coats). Today, they specialize in dyeing large fishermen’s flags to celebrate a bountiful catch, and their products are designated as one of 100 Kanagawa Specialties. They also accept orders for various celebratory decorative flags, all of which are hand dyed. The popular “Mini Tairyo-bata Dyeing Experience” program lets customers freely color their own flags. Experience traditional techniques dating back to the Edo period.

Joraku-ji Temple is a Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is considered one of the Seven Amida Halls established in 1189 by Wada Yoshimori, a warrior of the Miura clan. The temple’s main attraction is a group of five Buddhist statues created by the Kamakura-period sculptor Unkei and his apprentices. The Amida (the Buddha of Infinite Light) Trinity, the Standing Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King, guardian of Buddhism), and the Standing Bishamonten (protector of warriors and patron of wealth) are all designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are enshrined in the storage hall behind the main hall. This historic temple is also known for its hanging Buddhist plaque, traditionally dedicated by Hojo Masako, and for housing the grave of Maejima Mitsuru, the father of Japan’s postal system.

After being defeated in the Heiji Rebellion (circa 1160) and exiled to Izu, Lord Minamoto no Yoritomo deeply worshipped Mishima Taisha and prayed for the restoration of the Minamoto clan. Upon successfully raising his banner in 1180 and establishing his base in Kamakura, he immediately welcomed part of Mishima Taisha’s enshrined spirit to Hayama, to offer his sincere gratitude. According to the historical chronicle Azuma Kagami, successive shoguns visited the shrine where martial rites and prayers were performed, earning the deep devotion of the Minamoto clan and Kamakura dignitaries. Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu donated land sufficient to produce seven koku of rice to the shrine. Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni and Empress Dowager Eisho also paid their respects at the shrine. Today, it remains the chief guardian shrine of Hayama, attracting many worshippers.

Takara Clay Studio is a pottery experience workshop found deep within the approach to the ancient temple Jōchi-ji in Kitakamakura, housed in a small, historic traditional Japanese home. Built in the early Showa period, this historic kiln, which gathered many cultural figures including painter Tsuguharu Fujita from before the war through the postwar era, was revived in 2010 by ceramist Naosuke Danjo. Nestled in a lush valley landscape just an hour and a half from central Tokyo, it offers a half-day pottery-making experience enjoyable for beginners and full-scale ceramic workshops. In the hand-formed matcha bowl workshop, participants can choose from four glaze types and experience working with clay under the guidance of a master potter. Several times a year, visitors can also participate in wood-fired kiln firings, making this a special place to create truly one-of-a-kind vessels.

Founded in 1253, Kencho-ji Temple is Japan’s first Zen-only monastery. Modeled after China’s Jingshan Wanshou Temple, it features a Chinese-style temple layout where the main buildings such as the Sanmon (main temple gate), Buddha Hall, and Dharma Hall are aligned in a straight line, which is a characteristic of the Zen style. While the temple grounds are designated as a national historic site, the existing temple buildings are mostly reconstructions or relocated structures from the modern era having endured repeated damage from major earthquakes and fires. The temple houses many cultural assets including a national treasure, the Statue of Rankei Doryu also known as Daikaku Zenji, and its temple bell is particularly renowned as “the most beautiful in the Kanto region.” Also known as the birthplace of Kenchin-jiru, a nourishing, meat-free vegetable soup, the temple grounds surrounded by trees offer pleasant strolls throughout the seasons.

Operated by the City of Hadano, the Hadano Tanzawa Climbing Park is a bouldering facility located within Kanagawa Prefectural Hadano Tokawa Park, the gateway to the Omote Tanzawa, the front range of the Tanzawa Mountains. The park features two 20 meters (65.6 ft) wide bouldering walls, both of which were relocated from past events; the front wall is from the 2019 IFSC Climbing World Championships in Hachioji (Tokyo) and the back wall from the 2016 Iwate National Sports Festival – Land of Hope: Mountaineering Competition. The park’s biggest attraction is the opportunity to enjoy bouldering on authentic walls that top athletes from Japan and around the world have challenged. There are plenty of routes to suit a wide range of climbers, from small children to experienced climbers. What’s more, the adjacent Prefectural Mountain Sports Center offers outdoor climbing walls including experiences in lead and speed climbing. This is a rare facility within the prefectural park where all three disciplines of sport climbing can be enjoyed.

Miyagase Dam, located in areas including Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of the largest dams in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Completed in 1999, it is a gravity concrete dam standing 156 meters tall and approximately 400 meters long (using the largest amount of concrete in Japan). Functioning as a multipurpose dam for flood control, water supply, river environment maintenance, and hydroelectric power generation, it forms the vast reservoir known as Miyagase Lake. The surrounding area is a popular tourist spot rich in nature, featuring facilities like the Miyagase Dam Water Museum and the Prefectural Aikawa Park, along with the “road train Ai-chan” that operates there. Visitors can enjoy colorful azaleas in spring and vivid autumn foliage, making it an attractive area to fully appreciate the dam’s imposing scenery and the natural beauty of the changing seasons.

Constructed as a venue for swimming, diving, and artistic swimming competitions for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Tokyo Aquatics Centre is one of the world’s top swimming arenas. After undergoing renovations in March 2023, the arena is now open to the public and available at affordable rates. The facility consists of main arena with main pool and diving pool, a sub pool, training room and studio. The main pool boasts the latest equipment such as the 50-meter (164 ft) pool that can be divided into two 25-meter (82 ft) pools by a movable wall, and movable floor capable of changing the water depth from 0 to 3 meters (0 to 9.8 ft). As the center of swimming in Japan, the venue not only hosts international and national competitions and athlete training, but also is a popular swimming venue for local residents and visitors, where everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy swimming.

livedoor Ariake Urban Sports Park is a sports & leisure complex that opened in October 2024 on the former site of the Tokyo 2020 Games skateboarding and urban sports competition venues. Inspired by the idea of “turning former sites into wonderful places where everyone can play together”, urban sports facilities such as a skateboard park, a bouldering building, and a 3 x 3 basketball court are located on this 3.1-hectare (7.66 acre) site. There is also a mammoth athletic area, running stadium, café, food court, and dog salon, where both children and adults can enjoy themselves. Under the vision of “Creating a community where everyone can shine, stay healthy, and feel happy through sports,” this venue is an open and sustainable community base that contributes to the creation of a lively local community while utilizing the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Located in the Ginza Corridor, in the center of 7-chome is Ginza Granbell Square, a commercial complex with 3 floors below ground and 10 floors above ground. The complex was created in 2023 as a center for creating stay-and-go excitement. It is based on the concept of “the square that sparkles” that sublimates the “sensitivity” of the famed Corridor Street, which radiates the uniqueness of Ginza to a higher level and serves as a nexus for various activities. Inside, the facility houses the popular Spa & Sauna Corridor no Yu, a hotel, rooftop restaurant, nightclub and other facilities. It is a high-quality, sophisticated space that combines classical design with an edginess that is ahead of its time, providing a new attraction to Ginza, which continues to be a special district providing a quality experience for adults.