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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Atsugi sharing quite a few of those!
Atsugi, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kanagawa, Japan, is a city full of surprises.
From breathtaking nature trails to exquisite cultural experiences, there are countless things to explore and discover in Atsugi.
Get ready to be swept away by the city’s charm, and immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Atsugi:
1. Kenritsu Sagamisansen Park
A picturesque park in the city of Atsugi, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy strolling through the park’s lush gardens and taking in views of Mt. Fuji.
The park also has a playground for children, a pond, and hiking trails for those who want to explore more.
Don’t miss: The park’s famous cherry blossom trees, which bloom in the springtime and create a stunning vista of pink and white flowers.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the week to avoid crowds on weekends. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal in one of the many designated areas throughout the park.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike the trails.
2. Ebina Seibuen Amusement Park
A family-friendly amusement park in Atsugi city, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Ebina Seibuen Amusement Park offers a range of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Some of the popular rides include roller coasters, water slides, a Ferris wheel, and a haunted house.
There are also carousels, bumper boats, and other classic amusement park attractions.
Don’t miss: The park’s famous wooden roller coaster, called Dragon Coaster, which will give you a thrilling ride through the park. The park is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom garden, which is a must-see during the spring season.
Insider travel tips: To avoid long lines, it’s best to arrive at the park early in the day. The park offers discounts for group bookings and online ticket purchases, so be sure to check their website before visiting.
Additionally, bring your own snacks and drinks to save money on food inside the park.
3. Atsugi Central Park
Atsugi Central Park is a well-maintained public park in Atsugi, Japan.
What to see or do: The park offers a range of fun activities including a playground, tennis courts, a baseball field, and a fitness center. Visitors can also rent bicycles and cruise around the park’s beautiful nature trails.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and traditional tea house. The park is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season, when thousands of cherry trees are in full bloom.
Insider travel tips: -Bring a picnic and enjoy a sunny day in the park.
4. Atsugi Shrine
Atsugi Shrine, also known as Atsugi Hachiman-gu, is a Shinto shrine located in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds filled with cedar trees and colorful flowers. The shrine’s architecture is worth admiring, and tourists can also watch traditional Japanese rituals and ceremonies.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the Yabusame festival, a traditional equestrian archery event held annually at the shrine in May.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit the shrine during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds. Bringing a picnic lunch is also recommended as it is a beautiful spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Additionally, visitors should be mindful of proper shrine etiquette such as bowing before entering and leaving the shrine, and not taking photos of any sacred artifacts without permission.
5. Atsugi City Museum
Atsugi City Museum is a local history museum located in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the history and culture of Atsugi through a wide variety of exhibitions. The exhibits feature artifacts from ancient times to the modern era, including clothing, tools, pottery, and more.
There are also exhibits dedicated to the natural history of the region, including fossils and preserved specimens of local flora and fauna.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the “Atsugi City Historical Materials Room,” which contains a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and other materials related to the city’s past.
Visitors can also take part in workshops and other special events throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located within walking distance of both Hon-Atsugi and Ebina stations, making it easily accessible by train.
6. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located in the heart of Atsugi city in Japan. It is dedicated to the god of samurai, Hachiman.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness the stunning architecture and design of the shrine, which features beautiful wooden carvings, lanterns, and statues of mythical creatures.
They can also take part in traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies such as praying, offering sake, and omikuji (fortune-telling).
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful cherry blossom season in early spring where the shrine gardens are transformed into a pink wonderland.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or during weekdays. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing as the shrine grounds are vast and hilly.
Finally, make sure to try the local specialties sold by vendors around the shrine, like warabi mochi and matcha green tea.
7. Kamakura City Beach
Kamakura City Beach is a stunning beach located in Atsugi, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The beach is perfect for surfing, swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. The golden sand and crystal clear water make it a great place to spend a day with friends or family.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss watching the sunset over the horizon, which is a breathtaking experience. Plus, the beach is located near many restaurants that offer fresh seafood straight from the ocean.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the beach is during summer between July and September when the weather is warm and sunny.
8. Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History
The Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of Kanagawa Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including displays of traditional crafts, archaeological finds, and historic artifacts from the region.
Don’t miss: One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of Kabuki costumes and props, which provides a fascinating look into the world of traditional Japanese theater.
Insider travel tips: Visitors may want to check the museum’s schedule of special events and temporary exhibits, as these often offer unique opportunities to learn more about Kanagawa’s cultural heritage.
Also, be sure to take advantage of the museum’s audio guides, which provide informative commentary on many of the exhibits.
9. Enoshima Aquarium
Enoshima Aquarium is a popular aquarium located in Atsugi, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of sea creatures, from penguins and otters to jellyfish and sharks. The aquarium also has a dolphin and sea lion show and a jellyfish exhibit that lights up at night.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the aquarium is the “Sea of Jellyfish” exhibit, which features a mesmerizing display of colorful jellyfish floating in a dark room.
Visitors can also watch the dolphins and sea lions perform tricks at scheduled times.
Insider travel tips: For a unique experience, visitors can book a behind-the-scenes tour that takes them to areas not open to the general public.
It’s also recommended to visit during the week to avoid the crowds that gather on weekends.
10. Hakone Open Air Museum
Museum with vast outdoor exhibition space dedicated to modern art.
What to see or do: View unique sculptures, installations, and artwork from various renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Henry Moore. Take a dip in the hot spring foot bath or enjoy the playground with the kids.
Don’t miss: The Symphonic Sculpture, a large tower structure with stained glass walls and musical bells that chime regularly throughout the day.
Insider travel tips: Pack a towel and bathing suit to enjoy the hot springs. Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass for discounted transportation to the museum and other local attractions.
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
11. Odawara Castle
A historical castle located in Odawara city, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning views of the castle and its surroundings from the top floor of the main keep. Explore the castle grounds and learn about its rich history by visiting the museum and exhibits.
Don’t miss: The traditional Japanese garden and teahouse located within the castle grounds. Also, don’t forget to try the local specialty, “Odawara fish cakes” (kamaboko), available in many shops around the castle.
Insider travel tips: Visit the castle during the cherry blossom season in spring to see the beautiful cherry trees in bloom. Also, consider taking the “Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus” from Odawara station for a scenic ride through the mountains to Atsugi.
12. Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha located in the city of Kamakura, Japan. The statue is a representation of Japan’s rich culture and history.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the stunning bronze statue that measures over 40 feet in height and weighs over 100 tons. You can also step inside the statue and view the intricate details up close.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a stroll around the temples and shrines located nearby. The Hase-dera Temple and Kencho-ji Temple offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura early in the day to avoid crowds. Bring sturdy walking shoes as the area consists of hilly terrain.
Additionally, be sure to bring cash, as many of the shops and eateries in the area do not accept credit cards.
13. Kōtoku-in
Kōtoku-in is a Buddhist temple located in Kamakura, Japan.
It is famous for the Great Buddha, a towering bronze statue of Buddha Amida that dates back to the 13th century.
What to see or do: Visitors to Kōtoku-in can marvel at the impressive 44-foot Great Buddha statue, which is open to enter and explore. The temple grounds also feature several smaller Buddhist statues and peaceful gardens to explore.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the inside of the Great Buddha statue, which features a small altar and several small statues. Also, take some time to explore the temple’s serene gardens and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit Kōtoku-in early in the day to avoid the crowds. Additionally, be sure to dress conservatively in order to show respect for the temple’s religious significance.
Finally, consider pairing your visit to Kōtoku-in with other nearby attractions in Kamakura, such as the Hasedera temple or the Hachimangu shrine.
14. Kamakura-gū
Kamakura-gū is a Shinto shrine located in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds and admire the beautiful architecture, including the main hall, worship hall, and torii gate. The shrine also has a peaceful forested area with walking paths.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the sacred spring on the grounds and make an offering at one of the many altars.
Also, the shrine hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai in September.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, check the shrine’s calendar for upcoming festivals and events.
15. Engaku-ji Temple
Engaku-ji temple is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Atsugi, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. The temple was established in 1282 and is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan.
What to see or do: The temple complex is spread over a large area and has many buildings, gardens, and sculptures. Some of the main attractions include the Sanmon Gate, the Butsunichi-no-chi monument, and the Shariden Hall.
Visitors can explore the scenic garden areas and admire the architecture of the main buildings.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive aspects of Engaku-ji temple is the view of Mt. Fuji from the temple grounds.
On a clear day, the mountain can be seen in the distance and is a stunning sight to behold.
Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to visit the temple early in the morning to avoid crowds.