5 Photogenic Buildings and Streetscapes in Kanagawa

Kanagawa has many picturesque buildings and streetscapes that make you want to grab your camera! From historic Western-style mansions to streetscapes brimming with exotic atmosphere, we have carefully selected spots that are guaranteed to be Instagram-worthy.

1. Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building (Yokohama City)

A famous building from the early Showa era, affectionately known as the "King's Tower." Its classical facade fusing East and West makes you feel as if you were in an exotic palace just by looking at it.

Why is it photogenic? The pale beige exterior walls and the massive tower create a contrast with the blue sky and the sunset glow. Even on cloudy days when the light wraps softly, you can get a dramatic shot.

Best Time and Season The time in the morning when the light hits the front is recommended. In spring, aim for photos combined with the surrounding cherry blossoms.

Shooting Angle Looking up from a low angle straight on makes the tower's power stand out. The trick is to capture the whole thing in a vertical composition.

Access About a 3-minute walk from "Bashamichi Station" on the Minatomirai Line

2. The Former Iwasaki Residence to the Yamate Western-Style Houses Area (Yamate, Yokohama City)

The Yamate Western-style houses scattered around Yamate in Yokohama have the charm of a worldview as if a corner of Europe had been cut out. Distinctive Western mansions such as the British House and Berrick Hall stand side by side.

Why is it photogenic? White walls, green lawns, and gardens colored with flowers create scenery that is a textbook example of a photogenic shot.

Best Time and Season The time of day when the soft western sun of the afternoon streams in is ideal. The rose season in spring (May) is especially beautiful!

Shooting Angle A photo with a person against the building looks like a scene from an overseas drama. Capturing the whole garden with a wide-angle lens is also recommended.

Access About a 10-minute walk from JR "Ishikawacho Station"

3. Odawara Castle (Odawara City)

Odawara Castle, symbolized by its pure-white keep, is one of the most photogenic spots among Japanese castles. Its imposing figure changes expression depending on the angle from which you view it.

Why is it photogenic? The white-plaster exterior walls stand out against the blue sky, beautiful as a postcard. The inverted reflection of the castle on the surface of the moat is also fantastical.

Best Time and Season The east face bathed in light during the morning golden hour is beautiful. In spring, the collaboration of cherry blossoms and the keep is spectacular!

Shooting Angle Definitely aim for the reflection shot across the moat. Using the compression effect with a telephoto lens adds to the impact.

Access About a 10-minute walk from "Odawara Station" (JR / Odakyu)

4. Enoshima (Fujisawa City)

Enoshima, where the sea, the island, and historic buildings fuse together, lets you encounter new photogenic scenes no matter how many times you visit. The stone-paved approach and the Benten Bridge are also picturesque.

Why is it photogenic? Against the blue sea and sky, the orange torii gate and the white lighthouse stage a colorful contrast. The colors of the sky and sea at dusk are especially fantastical.

Best Time and Season Sunset time is a treasure trove of spectacular views! On days with clear winter air, you can also aim for a collaboration with Mt. Fuji.

Shooting Angle A photo capturing the whole island in vertical composition from the Benten Bridge is a classic beauty. Enjoy the lighthouse from a low angle looking up, contrasting it with the sky.

Access About a 5-minute walk from "Katase-Enoshima Station" (Odakyu)

5. Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama City)

Yokohama Chinatown, where colorful pailou (gates) welcome you, has the charm of an extraordinary feeling as if you had tripped to a foreign country.

Why is it photogenic? The vivid colors of red, gold, and green make a big visual impact. At night, the neon and illumination create an even more photogenic atmosphere.

Best Time and Season The blue hour (the dim light just after sunset) is the best! During the Chinese New Year season, the lantern decorations double the extraordinary feeling.

Shooting Angle Shooting vertically from the front of the Zenrinmon Gate beautifully expresses the depth of the streetscape continuing beyond the gate.

Access Right by "Motomachi-Chukagai Station" on the Minatomirai Line

Kanagawa is packed with spots where a single photo can tell the story of your journey. Be sure to visit with your favorite camera in hand!

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season and time of day: The cherry blossoms of spring, the roses of May and the autumn months are the easiest seasons for photography. The rooftop observation deck of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building is open on weekdays only, so if you want to combine it with a tour of the Western-style houses, a weekday morning is recommended.
• Opening hours / periods: The 6th-floor history exhibition room and rooftop observation deck of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:15. The Yamate Western-style Houses of Yokohama (the 7 buildings owned by the City of Yokohama) are open from 9:30 to 17:00 and closed over the New Year period (December 29 to January 3) and on one Wednesday a month. The keep of Odawara Castle is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30) and closed on the second Wednesday of December and on December 31.
• Admission: The history exhibition room and rooftop observation deck of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building and all 7 of the Yamate Western-style Houses are free of charge. The keep of Odawara Castle costs 1,000 yen for adults (high school students and older) and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. The observation lighthouse and gardens on Enoshima charge admission.
• Access: Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building: right by the Prefectural Government exit of "Nihon-odori Station" on the Minatomirai Line, or about 10 minutes on foot from "Kannai Station" on the JR and Yokohama Municipal Subway lines. Yokohama Chinatown: right by "Motomachi-Chukagai Station" on the Minatomirai Line. Odawara Castle: about 10 minutes on foot from "Odawara Station" on the JR and Odakyu lines. Enoshima: from "Katase-Enoshima Station" on the Odakyu Line, head towards Benten Bridge.
• Parking: Public transport is convenient for all of these areas. Please use the paid car parks nearby (there is no free car park for visitors at the Yamate Western-style Houses or the Prefectural Government Main Building).
• Photography rules: Follow the notices posted inside each building for its photography rules. Using a tripod and photography for commercial purposes may require an application and permission in advance. The working areas of the Prefectural Government Main Building cannot be photographed. In Chinatown, do not photograph shop interiors or goods without the shop's permission, and in the residential streets of Yamate, be considerate of residents' privacy. Flying drones is prohibited at all of these places.
• Safety notes: Enoshima is a succession of slopes and stone steps, and the rocky areas are slippery when wet. Do not go near the sea side when there are high waves or strong winds. Chinatown and Motomachi are busy with pedestrians, and setting up a tripod on the street obstructs the way. Taking photographs on the roadway of Nihon-odori or around Odawara Castle is dangerous.

* Admission fees, opening days and whether the observation deck is open are subject to change. Please check the official website of each facility for the latest information before visiting.

(Sources: Kanagawa Prefecture, "Welcome to the King's Tower (Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building)!"; City of Yokohama, "Please tell me the opening hours of the Yamate Western-style Houses"; Odawara Castle official website, "Tickets")