Shake hands with otters, interact with penguins — Top 5 family-friendly attractions in Kanagawa, Japan

▲The Forest of Netted Sculptures inside the Hakone Open-Air Museum. (Photo / Provided by the Kanagawa Tourism Promotion Office Taiwan)

Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

Located right next to Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture is home to popular destinations well known among Taiwanese travelers such as Hakone, Yokohama, and Kamakura. With summer vacation just around the corner, many Taiwanese families are planning overseas trips. This article introduces the “Top 5 Family-Friendly Attractions in Kanagawa,” and if you’ve already explored Tokyo, why not expand your route to include Kanagawa to discover a fresh side of the capital region?

▲At %both? The aquarium allows close encounters with penguins and marine life. (Photo / Provided by the Kanagawa Tourism Promotion Office Taiwan)

1. Miura City – Keikyu Umikatsu Marine Park
One of the few aquariums in Japan where you can get up close to penguins, and a highly recommended experience is hand-feeding the super cute otters (contact and feeding experiences are by reservation and require payment). It offers both sightseeing fun and educational value, making it perfect for parents who want more than just typical shopping and sightseeing for their kids. The parenting facilities here are also excellent, ensuring both parents and children can have a fun and worry-free time.

Address: 1082 Oganesaki, Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take the bus bound for “Keikyu Umikatsu Marine Park” from Bus Stop 1 at Keikyu “Miurakaigan Station,” and get off at the final stop “Keikyu Umikatsu Marine Park.”

▲At %yourself, you can see the African savanna landscape at Joypolis. (Photo / Provided by the Kanagawa Tourism Promotion Office Taiwan)

2. Yokohama City – Zoorasia Yokohama Zoo
Designed with the concept of “Welcome to a Round-the-World Animal Journey,” this is Japan’s largest urban zoo. It features rare animal species and a diverse range of biodiversity. The “African Savanna” exhibit, opened in 2015, recreates the scenery of the African plains, where herbivores and carnivores coexist in the same space — a uniquely designed exhibit that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Address: 1175-1 Kamishirasato, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take the “Zoorasia-bound bus” from “Tsurunomori Station” or “Mikawashima Station” on the Sotetsu Line, or from “Nakayama Station” on the JR Yokohama Line or Yokohama Municipal Subway, and arrive in about 15 minutes.

▲If you want to shop or play, check out LaLaport KAWASAKI Plaza. (Photo / Provided by the Kanagawa Tourism Promotion Office Taiwan)

3. Kawasaki City – LAZONA Kawasaki Plaza
Kanagawa Prefecture is well-known in Japan for its family-friendly environment, attracting many families who prioritize their children’s growth to relocate here. As a result, there are plenty of shopping malls where both adults and children can have fun together. The shopping mall connected to JR Kawasaki Station, “LAZONA Kawasaki Plaza,” is one of them. It offers comprehensive facilities such as nursing rooms and stroller rentals, and nearby entertainment options like “ASOBI Park Plus” and the Toshiba Science Museum ensure the whole family can enjoy a fulfilling and fun day out.

Address: 72-1 Horikawa-cho, Sakae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation: Exit from the west entrance of JR Kawasaki Station and you’ll find it right there.

▲The Bubble Castle at the Hakone Open-Air Museum is fun for kids. (Photo / Provided by the Kanagawa Tourism Promotion Office Taiwan)

4. Hakone Town – Hakone Open-Air Museum
Enjoy the world of sculpture amidst lush green nature — this is Japan’s first “OPEN-AIR MUSEUM.” Many artworks can be touched by children, allowing them to fully experience the art even without understanding Japanese. The museum has two restaurants, including an all-you-can-eat buffet, where you can enjoy both Western and Japanese cuisine. Weekly perks such as free admission for elementary and junior high school students accompanied by parents every Saturday are sure to appeal to many Taiwanese visitors.

Address: 1121 Ninochō, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation: Get off at “Hakone Open-Air Museum Station” on the Hakone Tozan Railway. It’s a 2-minute walk from the station.

▲%In the area, it's a popular spot for family leisure. (Photo / Provided by the Kanagawa Tourism Promotion Office Taiwan)

5. Odawara City – Odawara Children’s Forest Park
A top-ranked family-friendly attraction in Kanagawa Prefecture, Odawara Children’s Forest Park Wanpakurando boasts a vast site and rich natural surroundings, allowing kids to play freely. Best of all, entry is free. There are also experience facilities such as mini horses, mini SL trains, and extra-long slides (some activities require a fee). Plus, its proximity to the beloved Hakone makes it a great recommendation for families planning a trip to Hakone.

Address: 4377-1 Kunou, Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation: From JR Odawara Station West Exit, take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for “Recreation Park” and get off at the final stop.