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Explore Sagami in Japan for Kamakura temples, Shonan beaches, Miura seafood, Odawara heritage and Hakone hot springs near Tokyo.

Sagami is a historic region of eastern Japan occupying much of present-day Kanagawa Prefecture south and west of the Tama River. Its landscapes run from the temple-lined streets and broad beaches of Kamakura and the coastal resort towns of Shonan to the rugged Miura Peninsula, the castle town of Odawara and the volcanic mountains, forests and hot-spring valleys of Hakone. Although Sagami is no longer a modern administrative unit, its name remains useful for understanding the cultural and geographical relationship between these places around Sagami Bay.
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Kamakura is the region's most important historic centre. Once the seat of Japan's first warrior government, it combines Zen temples, wooded hills, shrine avenues and surviving medieval associations with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Nearby Enoshima, joined to Fujisawa by a causeway, adds sea views, caves, shrines and a long tradition of pilgrimage. Along the Shonan coast, beach towns and seaside promenades present a more contemporary side of Sagami, with surfing, cycling and views towards Mount Fuji on clear days.
Westwards, Odawara preserves the strategic importance of the route between the Kantō plain and the Hakone mountain pass. Its castle grounds and historic associations provide a contrast to Hakone, where steep terrain, sulphurous volcanic landscapes, Lake Ashi and hot-spring resorts create one of Japan's best-known mountain escapes. The Hakone Open-Air Museum and other cultural institutions make the area as significant for art as for bathing and scenery. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, even when the coast is warm and bright.
The Miura Peninsula gives Sagami a different character, with fishing ports, agricultural valleys, sea cliffs and quieter coves. Yokosuka, on the peninsula's eastern side, reflects a distinctive maritime and international history, while western settlements such as Hayama and Misakiguchi are associated with beaches, seafood and access to the coast. Inland, small shrines, rice fields and wooded hills offer a slower rhythm than the densely urbanised areas near Tokyo.
Food is closely tied to the sea and fertile coastal hinterland: shirasu, or young sardines, is widely associated with the Shonan coast; Miura is known for vegetables, while Odawara has long-standing fish-processing traditions and Hakone has its own hot-spring resort cuisine. Sagami works best as a collection of linked journeys rather than a single city break, with railways serving the coast and major towns while a car or careful planning is useful for mountain valleys and rural peninsula routes.

When is the best time to visit Sagami?

Best: April–May, October · 20–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January950
February1055
March1485
April (best)20110
May (best)24120
June28170
July32220
August32210
September28200
October (best)23150
November1795
December1265

Getting to and around Sagami

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Sagami through the Tokyo area. Haneda Airport, outside Sagami in Tokyo, is the more convenient major airport for many coastal destinations, while Narita Airport, also outside the region, offers a wider range of international flights but a longer onward journey. Kamakura and Fujisawa are reached by rail from Tokyo and Yokohama, and Odawara is a major gateway for western Sagami and Hakone, with Shinkansen services from Tokyo and points west. Yokosuka and the Miura Peninsula are served from the Yokohama area. Check the final destination carefully, as Hakone and the coast require different onward connections.

Transportation

Rail is the most practical choice between Tokyo, Yokohama, Fujisawa, Kamakura, Odawara and Yokosuka, with local trains reaching many coastal towns. Bus networks are important in Hakone and on the Miura Peninsula, but services can be less frequent away from the main corridors. Hakone's railways, cable cars, ropeway and boats are useful for sightseeing, although weather may affect mountain transport. Walking is often the best way to connect Kamakura's central temples, but its wooded trails can be steep. A car is helpful for dispersed peninsula villages and rural areas, yet congestion and limited parking make it less convenient in Kamakura and central Hakone.

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Best attractions in Sagami

Sagami's attractions range from medieval religious monuments to volcanic mountain scenery and working coastal communities. Kamakura is the principal heritage centre, with major Zen temples, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, wooded walking routes and the celebrated Great Buddha. Fujisawa's Enoshima offers shrines, sea caves, gardens and elevated views across Sagami Bay, while the Shonan coast is suited to beach walks, surfing and cycling. Odawara combines castle grounds, museums and a historic gateway atmosphere. In Hakone, visitors can move between hot-spring settlements, Lake Ashi, volcanic landscapes and internationally recognised art museums, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The Miura Peninsula provides a less monumental but equally distinctive mix of fishing ports, farms, sea cliffs, coves and maritime history around Yokosuka. Outdoor pursuits vary from temple-and-hill walks to lakeside excursions and coastal cycling, while seasonal flowers, autumn colours and clear mountain views add a changing natural dimension. Because distances and terrain differ considerably, the region is better explored through focused day trips than through a single, hurried circuit.

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Best landmarks in Sagami

Kamakura's Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in is Sagami's most recognisable religious landmark, a monumental bronze image that has stood outdoors since the medieval period. The approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, with its axis through the centre of Kamakura, expresses the city's close connection with warrior government and Shinto tradition. Enoshima's elevated shrine precincts and lighthouse area form a distinctive island landmark above the Shonan coast, while the island's caves and cliffs reveal its relationship with the sea. Odawara Castle, though rebuilt, remains a powerful symbol of the castle town and the campaigns that ended Later Hōjō rule. In Hakone, Lake Ashi and the wooded slopes of Mount Hakone provide the region's most recognisable natural setting; the red torii associated with Hakone Shrine is especially prominent beside the lake. On the Miura Peninsula, the coastal cliffs and port landscapes around Misaki and Yokosuka convey a more maritime identity, shaped by fishing, shipping and naval history rather than courtly or castle architecture.

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Best restaurants in Sagami

Sagami's food reflects the meeting of Pacific fisheries, fertile coastal farmland and long-established post-town commerce. Along the Shonan coast, shirasu is a familiar local speciality, served in rice bowls or other preparations when seasonal supply permits. Miura is known for vegetables as well as seafood, and port towns offer fish that may vary with the day's landings. Odawara has a long association with processed seafood and traditional food shops, while Hakone's inns and restaurants serve regional Japanese cuisine shaped by hot-spring hospitality and mountain produce. Kamakura combines established Japanese restaurants, temple-area cafés, seaside dining and contemporary kitchens, though the busiest lanes can become crowded at meal times. Look for set meals, soba, tofu dishes, grilled fish, wagashi sweets and local pickles rather than assuming every menu is regionally specific. Markets and station food halls are useful for sampling produce, while quieter neighbourhoods often provide a more relaxed dining setting than the most photographed streets.

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Best bars in Sagami

Evening life in Sagami is generally more intimate than that of central Tokyo or Yokohama. Kamakura and Fujisawa have the broadest selection of small izakaya, wine bars, cafés and restaurants, with Fujisawa tending to offer a later and more urban atmosphere. Enoshima and the Shonan coast can have a seasonal seaside rhythm, but many businesses close earlier outside the busiest periods. Yokosuka has a distinctive port-city evening scene, including bars and restaurants influenced by its long maritime and international connections. In Odawara, nightlife centres on compact streets near the station and traditional drinking establishments. Hakone is primarily an evening destination for ryokan dining, hotel bars and quiet drinks after bathing rather than clubbing. Rural Miura is best suited to a meal, a local pub or an early night, and visitors should not assume that late transport will be available after leaving the main towns.

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Best nightclubs in Sagami

Evening life in Sagami is generally more intimate than that of central Tokyo or Yokohama. Kamakura and Fujisawa have the broadest selection of small izakaya, wine bars, cafés and restaurants, with Fujisawa tending to offer a later and more urban atmosphere. Enoshima and the Shonan coast can have a seasonal seaside rhythm, but many businesses close earlier outside the busiest periods. Yokosuka has a distinctive port-city evening scene, including bars and restaurants influenced by its long maritime and international connections. In Odawara, nightlife centres on compact streets near the station and traditional drinking establishments. Hakone is primarily an evening destination for ryokan dining, hotel bars and quiet drinks after bathing rather than clubbing. Rural Miura is best suited to a meal, a local pub or an early night, and visitors should not assume that late transport will be available after leaving the main towns.

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Best shops in Sagami

Shopping in Sagami is strongest in its historic and transport centres rather than in a single regional retail district. Kamakura's streets around the station and Komachi-dori offer sweets, Buddhist and Shinto goods, craft products, clothing, ceramics and souvenirs, alongside a substantial contemporary retail scene. Enoshima is known for small food shops and seaside gifts, while Fujisawa provides broader everyday shopping and department-store facilities. Odawara is a useful place to look for traditional food products, fish-related specialities, confectionery and crafts associated with the castle town. Hakone has galleries and studios selling woodwork, yosegi marquetry, ceramics, glass and other works, although quality and provenance vary between shops. Miura's markets and port areas are better for local produce, vegetables and seafood-related purchases than for formal souvenirs. Buy packaged food for travel where possible, respect rules at market stalls and remember that some small independent shops accept cash more readily than cards.

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Sagami essentials

Currency and Payment
Sagami uses Japan's national currency, the Japanese yen (JPY). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, chain businesses and many larger museums, though smaller restaurants, temple facilities, local shops and rural services may still prefer cash. Suica, PASMO and other compatible transport IC cards are useful for many trains, buses and everyday purchases, but they are not accepted everywhere and may require topping up. Carry some yen, particularly when visiting temples, market stalls, fishing ports or less urban parts of the Miura Peninsula.
Safety
Sagami is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in crowded stations, shopping streets and busy temple areas. Coastal visitors should observe swimming flags, tide warnings and local instructions, especially around rocks, breakwaters and changing surf. Hakone's volcanic terrain can involve steep paths, slippery surfaces, sulphurous gases and sudden weather changes; follow closures and official notices. Cyclists and drivers should expect narrow roads, hills and heavy weekend traffic. Japan is earthquake-prone, so note hotel evacuation information and follow public announcements if an earthquake, tsunami warning or volcanic advisory occurs.
Emergency Situations
The national Japanese emergency numbers apply throughout Sagami: call 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Japan's 119 service can handle fire and medical emergencies, although language support may vary by location; hotel staff, station staff or a local police box can often assist with communication. On the coast, follow official tsunami and severe-weather instructions rather than approaching the shoreline to watch conditions. In Hakone, obey volcanic-area closures and transport warnings. Keep your accommodation address written in Japanese, as this can help when requesting assistance.
Do's and Don'ts
Remove shoes where signs or hosts require it, keep voices low in temples and shrines, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or interiors. Do not climb on religious monuments or treat temple and shrine grounds as ordinary photo sets. On trains, queue at marked positions, allow passengers to leave before boarding and keep phone conversations quiet. In hot-spring baths, wash before entering the communal water and follow tattoo policies or use approved private facilities when required. On beaches and in rural districts, take rubbish with you when bins are unavailable and respect signs protecting private, agricultural or environmentally sensitive areas.
Local Tips
Kamakura's temple districts are calmer at opening time, while the coast and Enoshima are particularly busy on fine weekends. Clear winter days often provide the best distant views towards Mount Fuji, though visibility is never guaranteed. In Hakone, build flexibility into the itinerary because cloud, wind or volcanic precautions can interrupt mountain transport. The Miura Peninsula rewards travellers who combine a port, a coastal walk and a local seafood meal rather than trying to cover every sight in one day. Seasonal shirasu availability and fishing-port menus vary, so follow current local offerings instead of expecting every dish year-round.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloこんにちは[Konnichiwa]
Goodbyeさようなら[Sayōnara]
Yesはい[Hai]
Noいいえ[Iie]
Please/You're welcomeどうぞ[Dōzo]
Thank youありがとうございます[Arigatou gozaimasu]
Excuse me/Sorryすみません[Sumimasen]
How are you?お元気ですか？[Ogenki desu ka?]
Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？[Genki desu. Anata wa?]
Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？[Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
I don't understandわかりません[Wakarimasen]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください[Menyū o misete kudasai]
I don't eat meat肉は食べません[Niku wa tabemasen]
Cheers!乾杯！[Kanpai!]
I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします[Okaikei o onegaishimasu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!助けて！[Tasukete!]
Go away!離れて！[Hanarete!]
Call the Police!警察を呼んで！[Keisatsu o yonde!]
Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！[Isha o yonde!]
I'm lost道に迷いました[Michi ni mayoimashita]
I'm ill具合が悪いです[Guai ga warui desu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...…を買いたいです[… o kaitai desu]
I'm just looking見ているだけです[Mite iru dake desu]
How much is it?これはいくらですか？[Kore wa ikura desu ka?]
That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます[Sore wa takasugimasu]
Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？[Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?今何時ですか？[Ima nanji desu ka?]
It's one o'clock1時です[Ichi-ji desu]
Half past (10)10時半です[Juu-ji han desu]
Morning朝[Asa]
Afternoon午後[Gogo]
Evening夕方[Yūgata]
Yesterday昨日[Kinō]
Today今日[Kyō]
Tomorrow明日[Ashita]
11[Ichi]
22[Ni]
33[San]
44[Shi]
55[Go]
66[Roku]
77[Nana]
88[Hachi]
99[Kyū]
1010[Jū]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?…はどこですか？[… wa doko desu ka?]
What's the address?住所は何ですか？[Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？[Chizu de misete moraemasu ka?]
When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？[Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
A ticket (to ....)…までの切符[… made no kippu]

History of Sagami

Early Settlements and the Nara–Heian Provinces

The area later known as Sagami developed from prehistoric settled communities, farming landscapes and maritime networks. Under Japan's ancient provincial system, Sagami became a recognised province, with administrative and religious centres that connected the coast and interior valleys. Archaeological remains, early shrines and historic route patterns reflect long interaction between the Pacific shore, the Kantō plain and the mountain passes leading towards central Japan. The region's position beside Sagami Bay also encouraged fishing, coastal transport and communication well before the rise of the samurai governments.

Kamakura and the First Warrior Government, 1185–1333

Kamakura became the headquarters of the Minamoto leader Minamoto no Yoritomo after his victory over rival military forces, and it developed into the centre of the Kamakura shogunate. This was a decisive change in Japanese political history: warrior administration operated alongside the imperial court in Kyoto, while the town grew around temples, shrines, roads and defensive hills. The Hōjō regents later dominated the shogunate. The period's legacy survives in Kamakura's major Buddhist temples, shrine traditions and the Great Buddha, although many medieval buildings were subsequently lost or rebuilt.

Mongol Invasions and Medieval Religious Culture

The Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 profoundly affected Kamakura's government and religious life. Mobilisation placed financial pressure on the warrior administration, while prayers and rituals for national protection became especially prominent. The upheavals also formed the background for influential Buddhist movements associated with the Kamakura period, including Zen traditions supported by warrior elites and the teachings of Nichiren. Several temples in and around Kamakura preserve architectural, artistic and doctrinal links to this period, making the region an important place for understanding medieval Japanese Buddhism.

The Sengoku Age and Odawara Castle

After the Kamakura shogunate fell, Sagami became contested territory during the long civil conflicts of the Sengoku period. Odawara Castle was the principal stronghold of the Later Hōjō clan, whose power extended across much of the Kantō region. The castle town controlled routes approaching the Hakone pass and the eastern approaches to the capital. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaign against Odawara in 1590 ended Hōjō rule and helped bring the country under unified control. Present-day Odawara Castle is a reconstruction, but the surrounding topography and town history remain closely connected to this turning point.

Edo Roads, Coastal Trade and Hakone's Checkpoint

During the Edo period, Sagami occupied an important position on the Tōkaidō, the major road linking Edo with Kyoto. Odawara was a significant post town, while Hakone's checkpoint controlled movement through the mountain pass and became one of the route's most demanding stages. Travellers, merchants and officials passed through settlements around the bay and along the peninsula, supporting inns, ferry crossings, food production and craft activity. Although the checkpoint no longer functions as an original border control, reconstructed facilities and surviving route landscapes help explain Sagami's role in Tokugawa communications.

Meiji Modernisation and the Rise of Seaside Resorts

Railways, ports and modern roads transformed Sagami from a region of post towns, villages and pilgrimage routes into a more accessible leisure and industrial landscape. Kamakura and the Shonan coast attracted writers, artists and affluent visitors, while Yokosuka developed as a major naval and maritime centre. Hakone became increasingly accessible as a hot-spring resort, and Odawara retained commercial importance through transport and food processing. These changes established the combination of heritage, seaside recreation, mountain tourism and urban connections that still defines travel across Sagami.

Modern Conservation, Tourism and Regional Identity

After the Second World War, rapid urban growth linked much of Sagami more closely with Tokyo and Yokohama, while the coast became a major commuter and recreational zone. Kamakura's historic temples and natural setting prompted continuing conservation efforts, and Hakone developed a substantial network of museums, hotels and transport services around its volcanic environment. The Miura Peninsula retained fishing and farming communities beside naval and port facilities. Today, Sagami is best understood as a cultural-geographical region rather than a single administrative unit, united by the bay, historic routes and overlapping coastal and mountain identities.

Sagami in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sagami, Japan

Discover Sagami like a local with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Sagami, Japan with Evendo. This app-based travel guide offers detailed insights into attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all at your fingertips.

  • History of Sagami and travel essentials.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city.
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and activities.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Sagami, a city rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. With Evendo, your journey through Sagami will be nothing short of extraordinary. This app-based travel guide provides you with detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences the city has to offer.

Explore famous landmarks like the Sagami Castle, a historical fortress that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Stroll through the lush Sagami Botanical Garden, a haven for nature lovers. Don't miss the vibrant Sagami Market, where you can shop for local crafts and taste authentic Japanese street food.

When it comes to dining, Evendo has got you covered. Indulge in exquisite sushi at Sushi Saito, or savor traditional ramen at Ramen Ichiraku. The app also features top-rated hotels like Sagami Grand Hotel, ensuring you have a comfortable stay. Plus, you can easily book tours and tickets to various attractions directly through the app, making your trip hassle-free.

Evendo also offers curated local tips, detailed maps, and contact information, making it easier for you to navigate and discover amazing new things in Sagami. With features like the 'Near Me' function, you can effortlessly find attractions and activities around you, no matter where you are in the city.

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