Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan

Sagamihara, Japan, Sagamihara, General City Overview, Top 10 Must-See Attractions

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan

1. Sagamiko Autumn Leaf Festival

Experience the stunning beauty of over 5 million autumn leaves illuminated at night.
  • Natural Scenery: Immerse in a sea of vibrant colors and breathtaking views.
  • Illumination Event: A unique event only seen during the autumn season.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture the perfect autumn-inspired snapshot.

2. Sagamihara Safari Garden

Get up close and personal with over 900 animals from around the world.
  • Animal Interaction: Feed giraffes by hand or witness a majestic elephant parade.
  • Open-Air Vehicles: Ride through the safari in an open-air vehicle for a more immersive experience.
  • Educational Programs: Learn about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving wildlife.

3. Sagamiko Green Garden

Stroll through beautiful landscaped gardens filled with over 700 cherry blossom trees.
  • Cherry Blossoms: Experience the tranquility and beauty of these iconic flowers.
  • Seasonal Illumination: Marvel at the garden's illuminated beauty during the cherry blossom season.
  • Garden Festivals: Join in on various events and festivals held throughout the year.

4. Odawara Castle

Explore a beautifully preserved Edo-period castle with a rich history.
  • Historical Significance: Learn about the castle's role during the Sengoku period and Edo period.
  • Architectural Beauty: Admire the castle's elegant design and intricate details.
  • Surrounding Park: Relax in the adjacent park with beautiful views of the castle.

5. Sagamiko Art Museum

Discover contemporary artworks by Japanese and international artists.
  • Modern Art Exhibits: Explore various contemporary art movements.
  • Rotating Exhibitions: Experience new exhibits throughout the year.
  • Artist Talks and Workshops: Engage with artists during talks, workshops, and events.

6. Sagami River Boat Cruise

Relax on a scenic boat cruise along the picturesque Sagami River.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning views of mountains, forests, and quaint villages.
  • Historical Sites: Pass by historical sites along the river like ancient temples and shrines.
  • Seasonal Themes: Cruise during different seasons for unique experiences such as cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.

7. Hakone Open-Air Museum

Admire over 120 sculptures by renowned artists set amidst beautiful gardens.
  • Outdoor Sculpture Park: Experience contemporary and modern art outdoors.
  • Artist Workshops: Join workshops led by some of the world's top sculptors.
  • Natural Surroundings: Explore the museum's serene gardens and forest trails.

8. Sagamihara Botanical Garden

Walk through a lush botanical garden with over 5,000 species of plants.
  • Variety of Plants: Discover rare and exotic plants from around the world.
  • Seasonal Displays: Enjoy seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms, roses, or irises.
  • Conservation Efforts: Learn about the garden's conservation efforts and endangered species.

9. Sagami Olive Park

Explore Japan's largest olive grove and learn about the history of olive production.
  • Olive Grove Tour: Walk through the olive grove and learn about its history.
  • Olive Oil Tasting: Sample various olive oils produced on-site.
  • Souvenir Shop: Pick up some delicious olive oil or other olive products as souvenirs.

10. Lake Ashinoko and Hakone Ropeway

Experience stunning views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains on a cable car.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the lake and mountains.
  • Hakone Shrine: Visit the picturesque Hakone Shrine at the lake's edge.
  • Boat Cruise: Take a boat cruise to Owakudani for more stunning views and geothermal activity.