Kanagawa is approximately an hour’s drive south of Tokyo, making it a convenient day getaway from the flashy metropolis. The prefecture’s main attractions include the Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and the hot spring resort of Hakone. You’ve got yourself a program if you add a little local touch.
1. Iekei ramen from Yokohama
If you’re looking for a laid-back feel, Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is the place to go. After seeing the Cup Noodle Museum and the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, round out your journey with iekei ramen, the city’s regional bowl.
The creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and soy sauce soup in Iekei ramen is a wonderful hangover cure. Feel free to pile on as many toppings as you want, such as spinach, ground chicken balls, and thick slices of pork belly.
2. Kuro tamago (black egg)
Hakone is a great weekend getaway from Tokyo because of its abundance of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and Instagram-worthy monuments like Hakone Shrine. Owakudani, a sulphurous valley produced by volcanic explosions a thousand years ago, is one of Hakone’s highlights. Kuro tamago, black eggs that have been boiled in hot spring water, is the most famous dish here.
Eating one of these eggs is said to increase your lifespan by seven years. Whether you believe it or not, we have to admit that they taste just like regular eggs.
Riding the ropeway up the billowing gorge in search of one of the fabled eggs is a fascinating expedition that will undoubtedly result in a cool photo! The eggs are sold in five-packs at the tourist information center near the Owakudani Ropeway station.
3. Yokosuka naval curry
Yokosuka City, Kanagawa, is most known as an American naval base, but it also has a reputation as a “curry town.” You should have kaigun curry in Yokosuka, which is cooked with a rich, substantial sauce. Potatoes, carrots, onions, meat, and a sprinkle of flour are used in this hearty comfort dish. With a side salad and a glass of milk, this dish is perfect.
Go old school and visit Wood Island Curry, a neighborhood institution that’s been operating since the 1980s. From Yokosuka Chuo Station, it takes only nine minutes to walk there.
4. Nikuman (pork bun)
Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, and the major reason to visit is for the food, particularly nikuman (pork buns).
Nikuman have a smooth, fluffy texture and a taste blast that is particularly gratifying on the first mouthful. Pork buns in Chinatown take things to the next level, with some featuring a panda face and others loaded with anko (red bean paste), prawns, and more!
The sukiyaki man, which resembles the iconic Japanese dish with simmering beef and a gooey egg within, is our personal favorite. This bad boy of a bun can be found at Edosei (江戸清), which has a few locations across Chinatown. Most buns are around 500 yen each and are quite enormous, so you’ll be full after only one or two. However, don’t let us stop you from (over)indulging.
5. Shirasu (whitebait)
On the island of Enoshima, Shirasu donburi (whitebait rice bowl) is a delicacy. On the beautiful sea-facing Enoden train line, the island is only a few stations away from Kamakura. The shirasu bowl, whether boiled and lightly salted or served raw on a bed of rice, draws visitors from all over the world.
Don’t worry if you run out of time and can’t make it to Enoshima. Vendors in the Kamakura district (home to the great Buddha) use the little white fish into practically everything. Consider shirasu ice cream and jakkoyaki, a type of takoyaki packed with shirasu rather than octopus. You can now claim to have tried everything.
