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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Sagamihara.
Discover the hidden gems, soak in the tranquility, and relish the adventure of the vibrant city of Sagamihara.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Sagamihara:
1. Sagami Lake
A picturesque man-made lake located in Sagamihara, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy a scenic drive around the lake, go fishing or boating, visit the Sagami Lake Resort Pleasure Forest amusement park, or hike in the surrounding hills.
Don’t miss: The Sagami Lake Illumillion, an impressive light display held during the winter months that transforms the park into a magical winter wonderland.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the autumn months for stunning views of the changing leaves, and consider staying overnight at one of the many hotels or camping facilities around the lake for a unique experience.
Be sure to try some of the local freshwater fish, such as smelt and trout, which are known for their delicious flavor.
2. Kanagawa Prefectural Sagamiko Exchange Center
Kanagawa Prefectural Sagamiko Exchange Center is a modern cultural center located in the serene town of Sagamihara.
What to see or do: The center has a beautiful concert hall that hosts various performances and events. It also houses an art gallery with rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of workshops, classes, and events related to Japanese culture, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and traditional music.
Don’t miss: The picturesque Sagami Lake, just a short walk away from the center. It’s a great spot for a picnic, fishing, and boating.
Insider travel tips: – Check the center’s schedule in advance to catch a performance or exhibition that interests you.
3. Sagamihara City Museum
A museum in Sagamihara City, Japan that showcases the history and culture of the city and its surrounding areas.
What to see or do: – Explore the permanent exhibits on the history and culture of Sagamihara City and its neighboring regions.
Don’t miss: – The replica of a cave from the prehistoric Jomon Period, which features intricate examples of ancient pottery and other artifacts.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups.
4. Kanagawa Prefectural Sagamiko Forest Park
Kanagawa Prefectural Sagamiko Forest Park is a spacious park located in Sagamihara, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a peaceful walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the park, which includes a lake, cherry blossom trees, and various hiking trails.
The park also features various recreational activities like camping, barbecuing, and fishing.
Don’t miss: Check out the panoramic view of Mount Fuji from the observation deck, especially during sunset.
Insider travel tips: Visit during off-peak hours and weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring insect repellent during summer and a warm coat during the winter months.
5. Kanagawa Prefectural Lake Tsukui Shiroyama Park
A sprawling park covering 42 hectares, with a serene lake and plenty of outdoor activities.
What to see or do: Take a walk around the man-made lake, rent a boat or try fishing. The park also has hiking trails, a playground, and picnic areas perfect for a day out with family or friends.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay from the top of the Shiroyama hill is a must-see.
The park also hosts a variety of seasonal events such as cherry blossom viewing in the spring and a cosmos flower festival in the fall.
Insider travel tips: Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic by the lake. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the park is quite large and requires some walking.
The park can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so try visiting on a weekday if possible.
6. Shonan Fujisawa Trump Golf Course
Shonan Fujisawa Trump Golf Course is a premier golfing destination located in Sagamihara, Japan. It is named after its owner, US President Donald Trump.
What to see or do: The golf course boasts of 18 challenging holes spread over a scenic landscape of rolling hills and picturesque ponds. Visitors can enjoy a game of golf while taking in the stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Don’t miss: After a game of golf, head to the luxurious clubhouse for a fine dining experience at the Trump Room. The restaurant serves delectable Japanese and Western cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the golf course is during the autumn season when the foliage changes colors and provides a picturesque view of the course.
7. Sagamihara City JAXA Sagamihara Campus
The Sagamihara City JAXA Sagamihara Campus is one of the facilities of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the facility to learn about Japan’s space exploration efforts.
The tour includes a visit to the space science exhibition hall and a viewing of the test facilities for the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the tour is the Zero-G plane simulator, which gives visitors a taste of what it’s like to experience weightlessness.
Insider travel tips: – The tours are only offered in Japanese, so non-Japanese speakers may want to bring a translator.
8. Sagamihara City Rachioji Castle Ruins
Sagamihara City Rachioji Castle Ruins is a historical site located in Sagamihara, Japan.
The castle was built during the Muromachi period in the 14th century and was destroyed during the battles of the Sengoku period in the 16th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, including the moats and stone walls that once protected it. The castle was built on a hill that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valley.
Don’t miss: The reconstructed main gate of the castle is a must-see. The gate was rebuilt in 1994 and is now a designated cultural property of Sagamihara City.
Insider travel tips: – Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the castle ruins are located on a hill and require some walking.
9. Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens
Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens is a beautiful and well-maintained zoo located in Sagamihara, Japan.
Spread over a vast area, this zoo is home to over 400 species of animals and birds from different parts of the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk in the zoo while observing the animals in their natural habitat. Some of the highlights of the zoo include the African savannah, Australian outback, and the Bengal tiger enclosure.
The zoo also has a botanical garden, where visitors can see a variety of flora and fauna.
Don’t miss: The “African Savanna” exhibit is one of the most popular attractions of Zoorasia. Here, visitors can see giraffes, zebras, and other herbivores from Africa grazing and roaming around freely.
Another must-see is the “Tropical Rainforest” exhibit, which houses various species of monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
Insider travel tips: Zoorasia can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, so it’s best to visit on a weekday.
10. Gunma Safari Park
Gunma Safari Park is a wildlife park located in the city of Sagamihara in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can drive through the safari and view a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, zebras, and more.
There are also sections where visitors can walk around and see various animals up close, such as primates and birds.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to feed the park’s elephants and giraffes, which is a popular activity among visitors.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to avoid crowds and increase your chances of having a closer encounter with the animals.
11. Tama Zoo
A large zoo located in the Tama Hills of Sagamihara, Japan.
What to see or do: Visit over 300 different animal species from around the world in their natural habitats. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and see the rare Japanese flowers.
Explore the aquarium, insectarium, and bird sanctuary.
There are a variety of fun activities for children and adults alike, including pony rides, paddle boats, and a sky safari.
Don’t miss: The chance to see the iconic Giant Pandas, Xiang Xiang, and Lili.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as it can be chilly in the early morning and evening.
Check the feeding times for the animals you most want to see and plan your visit accordingly.
12. Bonsai Village Omiya
Bonsai Village Omiya is a famous bonsai garden located in Sagamihara city, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the serene garden and admire the stunning bonsai trees that range from 100 to 500 years old.
The garden boasts over 1,000 bonsai trees, including some of the oldest in the world.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, located within the garden. The museum features an extensive collection of bonsai trees and bonsai-related artwork.
Insider travel tips: To get the most out of your visit, consider hiring a local guide who can provide insight into the art and history of bonsai.
Also, visit during the autumn months when the trees are at their most vibrant and colorful.
13. Kanagawa Prefectural Ofuna Kannon-ji Temple
Kanagawa Prefectural Ofuna Kannon-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the impressive Guan Yin sculpture which stands at 25 meters tall, this landmark is visible from afar.
You can also explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the temple or participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Don’t miss: Visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take a closer look at the sculptures surrounding the temple. The temple is also said to be a place of good fortune, so don’t forget to make a wish.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning on visiting, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the temple is located on a hill and there is quite a bit of walking involved.
Make sure to bring a camera as the views from the temple are breathtaking.
14. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: Located in Yokohama, Japan, this historic site was originally built as a customs warehouse in the late 1800s. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll along the waterfront and take in the beautiful views of Yokohama Bay. The warehouse also houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
There are several event spaces that hold concerts, art exhibitions, and other cultural events.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the Nissin Cup Noodle Museum, where you can learn about the history of instant ramen and even create your own custom cup noodle!
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the evening hours for a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.