Surrounded by majestic mountains, the Ashigara area soothes the soul with its tranquil satoyama (rural countryside) scenery, where time flows at a gentle pace. Here we introduce the must-visit classic spots, recommended food, and souvenir information for your trip.

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[Municipalities in the Ashigara area] Minamiashigara City, Nakai Town, Oi Town, Matsuda Town, Yamakita Town, and Kaisei Town

What Is the Ashigara Area Like?

Located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, the Ashigara area is surrounded by grand mountains and offers a peaceful, relaxing satoyama landscape. Its rich soil and mineral-abundant Tanzawa water system nurture brand-name wagyu beef (Ashigara-gyu and Soshu-gyu) as well as local sake and Ashigara tea—all delightful local specialties.

The area is also home to the legends of tengu (long-nosed goblins) and Kintaro (the folk hero), evoking the nostalgic feel of "Japan's old hometown." Daisan Mountain Saijoji Temple, whose approach is lined with cedar trees over 500 years old, is a solemn power spot especially beautiful in autumn.

Classic Spots in Ashigara

Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple (Minamiashigara City)

With over 600 years of history, Daiyuzan Saijoji is associated with the "tengu legend," and its grounds are filled with various tengu statues and wooden clogs (geta) of all sizes. The approach is lined with cedar trees over 500 years old, and the autumn foliage is spectacular.

Matsudayama Herb Garden (Matsuda Town)

Spreading down the slopes of Mount Matsuda, the Matsudayama Herb Garden offers sweeping views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji, and the Hakone mountain range.

Ashigara Pass (Minamiashigara City)

Ashigara Pass sits on the border between Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures, and has flourished since ancient times as an important route connecting eastern and western Japan.

Lake Tanzawa (Yamakita Town)

Lake Tanzawa is a beautiful artificial lake selected for Japan's "Top 100 Dam Lakes," with stunning views of Mount Fuji across the water.

Ashigari-go Seto Yashiki (Kaisei Town)

This traditional house, over 300 years old, was built as the residence of the Seto family, who served as village headmen in the Edo period.

Nakai International Circuit (Nakai Town)

Experience the thrill of motorsports up close! From children to adults, enjoy racing karts, pocket bikes, and motorcycles on an exciting circuit.

Weekend Camping in Ashigara!

Just about 45 minutes by car from Tokyo, the Ashigara area is dotted with lush campsites centered around Lake Tanzawa. Besides game meat, Ashigara beef and Soshu beef are perfect for barbecue dinners!

BIOTOPIA (me-byo valley BIOTOPIA)

BIOTOPIA is a facility where people of all ages can enjoy "me-byo" (preventive wellness) experiences under the concept of food, exercise, and healing. Set on a vast site about 13 times the size of Tokyo Dome with views of Mount Fuji, it's home to many species of trees, flowers, and wild birds.

Experience Satoyama Nature and Culture

The Ashigara area retains abundant satoyama countryside with rich seasonal changes, from spring cherry blossoms to early-summer hydrangeas. At the rental farm "Satoyama Share," you can enjoy rice planting and vegetable harvesting without bringing any tools.

Visit the Land of the Kintaro Legend

The folk hero Kintaro, famous from the children's song, actually hails from Minamiashigara! Throughout the city, signs and welcome towers feature the local hero Kintaro. The Ashigara Kintaro Festival is held every summer, featuring mikoshi performances, bon dancing, and fireworks.

Roadside Station Ashigara: Kintaro's Hometown

A hub that showcases Ashigara's charms through fresh local produce and gourmet food, including specialty Ashigara beef and Soshu beef, plus Ashigara-tea desserts and Kintaro-themed souvenirs.

Must-Eat Food & Classic Souvenirs

Ashigara Tea & Tea Sweets

Ashigara tea is a traditional brand grown in the climate and soil of the Tanzawa and Hakone foothills. In recent years, soft-serve ice cream and cakes that maximize its aroma have appeared.

Ashigara Beef

Kanagawa's brand beef raised on Ashigara's rich nature and mineral-rich Tanzawa spring water, prized for its rich flavor and tender, moist texture.

Soshu Beef / Soshu Wagyu

Its moist, high-quality fat melts with a sweet flavor, and its fine-grained texture is a hallmark. With limited annual shipments, it's sometimes called the "phantom beef."

Kaisei Korikori Don

A rice bowl combining Ashigara beef tomobara (belly cut) with locally grown rice and vegetables, each restaurant putting its own spin on this local specialty.

Local Sake from the Sakawa River Basin

Five long-established breweries craft flavorful sake along the Sakawa River, using the famous spring water of the Tanzawa mountains—excellent souvenirs.